#jørn lande

[ay-miphae]

ay-miphae overanalyzes Ayreon - 01011001 - part 2

Age of Shadows/We Are Forever

Okay, let’s begin!

“Age of Shadows” introduces the alien race Forever and the tipping point that caused their loss of humanity - and dang is it a track, at 10:48 long. The parallels are wild in this one, and imo it’s a masterpiece in of itself and aughhh

Okay we start with some bubbling water sound effects (Y is an ocean planet) and machine sound effects (Y is also heavily mechanized,,, as we’ll see) that turn into the song’s beat. Heavy instrumental riffs (that are motifed elsewhere!) that gives an energy of conflict. Vibing. I am vibing.

Back to parallels - let’s think of this as part 1. Here we meet Forever ⚡︎ -

Wait, there’s characters?

Yeah there’s characters! (I love this visual by the way - most are Forevers but there’s a few humans as well, with Mr. L/Arjen Anthony Lucassen as the link between them. More on Mr. L later.)

The Forever don’t have names - they’re identified by symbols (𓅛 ♡ 🕈 Ω ✵ ☯ ⛧ ⚡︎ ® ☾). The idea is that they’ve lost their individuality and no longer have names...

Okay, part 1!

Forever ⚡︎ (played by Tom Englund) gives some background to the Forever’s situation - “We never saw this coming / Pride comes before a fall / We never heeded the warnings / Buried deep within us all” Okay already there’s some evidence of hubris or the Forever being some kind of tragic heroes here! Interesting... Forever ⚡︎ goes on to say explain “Our quenchless thirst for knowledge / Our urge to change and grow” caused their downfall - innovation and knowledge are good things! -but to an extent...

Part 2 gets into the chorus, with Forever ☯ (Steve Lee) and Forever ® (Daniel Gildenlöw) lamenting the beginning of the “Age of Shadows” - while it’s not totally clear what this is, it involves “giant machines” casting shadows all over their planet and also the Forever beginning to lose all their emotion. 

Part 3 is kind of a bridge section, very operatic and very dramatic! The two characters here, Forever 🕈 (Hansi Kürsch) and Forever Ω (Floor Jansen) kind of express the dichotomy, the tension that exists throughout the first half of the album. Forever 🕈 is like “no this could be a good thing! We’ll be rid of all negative emotions” with lines such as “No more aggression / No more suppression / No more depression” but Forever Ω seemingly wins out with “but there’s no more emotions, sensation, passions that shaped our hearts and made us who we are”. It’s like the difference between logic and emotion, right? Thinking and feeling? Remember that for later. (A lot later.)

Alright, we’ve made it to the central section! The midpoint of the symmetry, basically what everything in the chiasm points to. This part is more soft, subdued, and I love how melodic and melancholic Jonas Renske’s voice is here. Forever ⛧ (Jonas Renske) muses on the Forever’s infinite fate like the others, although his feel more... profound? “Time ... but a curve in space ... we are Forever ... caught in our cold inertia ... eternal prisoners of time” And the imagery here! Merely a curve in space, just another axis in in hyperspace, and yet they’re destined to exist trapped inside it. Arbitrarily. Forever, with no escape from the inevitable, “longing, hoping, waiting for no one.” It’s like the literary archetype of the character who’s granted eternal life but not eternal youth and is destined for existence but in infinite oblivion! It touches on the fear that life without purpose, without meaning, is a fate much worse than death...

Forever ♡ (Anneke Van Giersbergen) includes some sentiments that don’t make much sense to me (“Forever is but a scream” etc?), but coming to terms with eternity? Yeah that really does one on the mind.

Okay now for the binary bit!

Like the album’s title, these are encoded messages in ASCII, repeating “help”, “forever”, and “SOS” (“save our ship”... or possibly “save our souls?” yeah I like that interpretation). Musically, this part is super mesmerizing and layered with more Forever ♡ lines. Thematically, it’s powerful because it’s the center of the song, the crux, and all there is is a mechanized cry for help...

Now basically the whole song is paralleled in reverse - another Forever ⛧ line (“longing, hoping, waiting for no one”), then Part 3 again (“no more aggression”), then Part 2 again (“the Age of Shadows has begun”) (featuring Forever 𓅛 (Jørn Lande) this time around), and then, finally, Part 1 (“we never heeded the warnings / buried deep within us all”).

So wow, what a ride huh? The premise has been set up, we've met several of the characters, who have differing opinions, but otherwise not very distinct because they all have the same dilemma in common. And that's kind of what the song is - a cry for help, nested in dread and conflict and despair and guilt.

The age of shadows has begun - let's see what it brings!

Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 (final)

[dire-straits-fn8ic]

When in Lightbringer he says "Those cravens backstabbed me. Deceived me." I really like how he says it. Makes me want to be backstabbed and deceived so I can say it like that.

[bravenew-what]

Not Amanda dropping it like it’s hot in front of Jørn in the middle of The Wicked Symphony 🥴

[amadeusrockradio]

Ayreon - 01011001 - Live Beneath The Waves - Out now.....

An Ayreon live event is not just any concert. It’s a monumental occasion where the highest-calibre musicians and an enormous production come together to forge a bombastic spectacle. The rarity of these shows only adds to their uniqueness. In September 2023, Arjen Lucassen’s 01011001 – Live Beneath the Waves sold out five performances at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. This live…

[synonymouswithanonymous]

Wicked movie Danish Dub!

Translation via google! Very exciting news!

"I have been crazy - completely exaggerated - lucky to be allowed to voice the Danish Glinda in the new mammoth film 'Wicked' 😭💘🎉🪄🪩💗🎀 It has been a wild and hard few months with rehearsals during the day in Fredericia, then commuting back to Copenhagen and dubbing in the evenings and on my days off. @vdueholm, Jørn and I have often looked at each other out of breath when the evenings got long and my brain was completely burnt out at the end 😂 but stop now, how fun it was, and worth all the many hours in the studio. Thank you, dear Vibeke, firstly for believing in a small, rather inexperienced dubber like me for this huge project and for whipping me when it wasn't good enough, but also for giving me faith that I was on the right track all along. It's a huge dream come true and I love how my life is enveloped in Glinda magic during this period 💗 everyone needs a little Glinda naivety and goodness once in a while and I hope we can pass that on to you when the movie comes out at the end of November (and otherwise Ariana is FABULOUS, so no matter what, you won't leave empty-handed). And then I'm just looking forward to a new week here in Wicked-land. We have our last day in Tivoli on Saturday, so come and say hello to us before we go back to Fredericia 💗✨"

Danish Glinda dubs for Ariana Grande's Glinda!! 💚😊💚😊💚😊

So in love with that pink gown!!

[metalsongoftheday]

Wednesday, March 27: Beyond Twilight, "Godless and Wicked"

For a good long while, Jørn Lande seemed to take whatever gig came his way, but his one record with Beyond Twilight was arguably a bit more notable because it ultimately played like a dress rehearsal for the slightly prog-inflected power metal of Masterplan.  “Godless and Wicked” was a bit more progressive and dramatic than what Lande cooked up with Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch, and the vocals had much more bite to them- this was actually one of Lande’s more aggressive performances.  The song packed a lot into its short runtime, and for 2001 was a fairly adventurous balance of prog, symphonic and crunchy power metal, weaving elements of the former into what was a rather heavy foundation.  And while the ad hoc nature of their lineups kept Beyond Twilight from coming into its own as a functioning band, “Godless and Wicked” was a sterling example of what they could do when the pieces fell into place.

[anotherghoul666]

Oh boy, an ask game? Here I am. Lets go 23 and 24.

Hello Traayaa! Thanks for the questions ❤️

23:A song that you think everybody should listen to Oooff, that's another one of those questions I have such a difficult time choosing only one song for!! I should make a playlist of mandatory listens one day XD For this round, let's go with a perfect melodic power metal / metal opera piece:

Avantasia - The Scarecrow Avantasia's a power metal supergroup/ super project created by Tobias Sammet, frontman of Edguy and some other bands. Avantasia is a metal opera, there are different singers for different characters and each album's a story. When they tour, it's not uncommon to see 10 different singers step on stage along with the main band, singers from a ton of other huge metal, power metal, symphonic metal and hard rock. The list of features on this project over the decades is INSANE and a power metaller's wet dream. This particular track features Jørn Lande of Masterplan fame as the 2nd character and on dear GODS does his voice fuck me up in the best way. One of the most distinctive, magnetic, old rocker smooth charisma voice in metal in my opinion. He's addictive, the second he jumps in I'm done, I'm just a puddle of goosebumps. And then we also get Michael Kiske of Helloween in the mix. Insanity. And then there's the entire orchestration of this song, the violins and extra strings, how it swells and builds towards the triumphant ending. The lyrics are stellar, there are some choice gut punching lines in there that I relate to very very much and that make this song feel personal. The Scarecrow is a masterful blend of symphonic and metal elements, of different voices, different influences, powerful chorus that soar above head superimposed with soft lonesome and mournful bridges, it's such a perfect ride for me.

24:A song by a band you wish were still together Yo, this was so difficult to answer wtf XD I had multiple bands in mind, bands we haven't heard any new material from that haven't toured in over a decade in some cases, but every single one I checked were still in active status. None of the bands I thought had broken up are actually broken up xD There were some I was so sure they were done, and like, they reformed last year and are active again for example XD It was so difficult to find one band I love currently disbanded or inactive. So this feels like a bit of a cop-out but: I wish I got to see Soundgarden when I was little, before Chris Cornell passed dude. One of the few bands from my childhood I didn't get to see.

Soundgarden - Burden in my Hand

[songofdeath]

👊 & 📢

𝐎𝐂 𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐒!

👊 PUNCH - are they quick to violence?

No, but predominantly in his own mind.

Karthus is indeed terrifying not just because he is a wraith from the Shadow Isles, but he does in fact kill without warning or much hesitation. He typically is very fast and clean about it, like in the short story, Burial at Sea, he tends to tell his victim what he's doing -- killing them so to release them from mortality -- and if they don't approve, he shrugs and says 'it has been done'.

Karthus doesn't consider that a violent act, or violence. He expressly is against enslaving the dead, or torturing or hurting the dead. The people of his 'choir' are predominantly just there because Karthus brought them into the fold. Some leave, some stay. He thinks he is fair, although largely he avoids the thought of denying them their choice in becoming dead.

Now, Karthus is a bit more willing to admit he didn't give some the choice of being able to survive, and he does sometimes let people flee if they want to live so badly. Yet for the most part, the Shadow Isles is flooded with hostility, and he has many people trying to harm the spirits around him, and when it comes to those visitors, he's happy to get rid of them. Karthus tries not to hit unless getting hit first.

📣 MEGAPHONE - how loud are they? what do they speak like? got a voice claim?

He is a metalhead, and "The Deathsinger" so he definitely has the pipes to be very loud. Typically however, he's actually pretty quiet, and speaks softly and calmly, despite his hobby. I think his personal hobby is just an outlet for him, he likes to sing, and sang his own dirge at the moment of his death.

Karthus is very direct and calm, not really attempting to talk in circles and prefers to just get to the point, sometimes being a bit rude at not reading the room or recognizing how people feel about him. There is nothing Karthus could get very enraged over, so he keeps his calm very often.

I like Karthus's current voice actor, although I don't know their name and it seems nobody can really figure out who it is. Aside from that, I do of course love how he sounds in Pentakill, when voiced by Jørn Lande. Most of the songs I enjoy, but if one of them sounds like Karthus, I think its the calmness of Lightbringer (Acoustic) version that fits him.

[metalcultbrigade]

Jørn Lande - Dukebox. 28/08/2009

[ay-miphae]

ay-miphae overanalyzes Ayreon - 01011001 - Part 3

Comatose

Comatose is Ayreon’s most popular song, and for good reason! It may not be as long and musically diverse as most other tracks (which probably makes it more accessible for people new to Ayreon), but it’s so full of emotion and meaning.

It’s a dialogue between the two characters Forever 𓅛 and Forever ♡, which expands on the conflict (the thinking/feeling dichotomy) from Age of Shadows - Forever ♡ believes that their loss of emotions could be a good thing (“No need to feel the pain”), whereas Forever 𓅛 is losing his will to live...

“No need to feel desire” “But I need you with me” “No need to feel so small” “But I need to feel secure” “No need to feel the fires” “But I need to feel free” “No need to feel at all” “But I need to know for sure”

The parallel structure! It’s so well written - showing how one negative feeling can create something greater. Like in order to feel secure, to belong, there’s an implication that you’re one piece of the whole.

And also interesting how Forever 𓅛 associates feeling with knowing! And perhaps this is true - how do we know something is right or wrong if it doesn’t elicit anything from our heart or gut?

(Random thought - it makes me happy to see a feminine character not being stereotyped as the emotional one and instead being the one taking the cold logical view. The duet is beautiful - their voices work so well together! - but in this twist it’s the masculine character relying on the feminine one for support! It goes to show the universality of feeling and thinking (I know I keep mentioning it,, wait for it); we use both but typically rely on one process more than the other, and that happens independently of gender stereotypes. aahh)

Also I wanted to share my friend @astraeaiscreative's thoughts on the chorus! I love how her insight is uniquely human and empathetic (feel free to brainrot with me anytime 💙)

augck comatose is so good,,,, the duet, the harmonies/music,, the yummy musical sounds (scratch brain itch),, the (ironic lmao) emotion in his voice,, the lyrics,, it's so tragic but also,, they don't fully feel sad because they're emotionless (almost),, but wake me up before we die such a sad line??? comatose is the perfect word for this song,, they're like potatos but that's not even funny its just straight up tragic and devastating because they were once full of emotion and life they don't even want to die almost? they just don't care?? almost sadder than wanting to die

Definitely a song that carried me through Sadge times, especially the whole premise being "I don't want to die, but I'd rather not be conscious for the rest of my life"

So yeah! A song that's not even about humans, and yet it shows us so much about what it's like to be human.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 (final)

[satish12taken]

Iconic Australian Landmarks: The Ultimate Bucket List

Australia, a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife, offers an array of landmarks that should be on every traveler's bucket list. From the sun-soaked beaches to the rugged outback, the continent is dotted with natural wonders and architectural marvels that capture the essence of this diverse nation. For those planning an unforgettable adventure, a "15 days Australia package" provides an excellent opportunity to explore the country's most iconic sites. Here’s a guide to the must-see landmarks that should be included in your ultimate Australian bucket list.

1. Sydney Opera House

No visit to Australia is complete without seeing the Sydney Opera House. An architectural masterpiece designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this iconic building is a symbol of Australia’s artistic spirit. Located on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, the Opera House’s sail-like design is an impressive sight against the backdrop of the city’s skyline. Whether you're attending a world-class performance or simply taking a guided tour, the Sydney Opera House is a must-visit landmark that epitomizes the cultural richness of Australia.

2. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a must-see for nature lovers. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest coral reef system in the world. Diving or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef offers a chance to witness vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and majestic manta rays. A "15 days Australia package" often includes a visit to this natural wonder, providing ample time to explore its underwater beauty.

3. Uluru

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith located in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. This sacred site for the Indigenous Anangu people is renowned for its striking red color, which changes hues throughout the day. The best way to experience Uluru is to take a sunrise or sunset tour, when the rock’s colors are at their most vivid. Visitors can also learn about the cultural significance of the site and explore nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), another remarkable geological formation.

4. The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks situated off the coast of Victoria, along the Great Ocean Road. These natural formations rise majestically from the Southern Ocean, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Although the number of stacks has decreased over the years due to erosion, the remaining Apostles still offer breathtaking views and are a highlight of any trip to Australia. A scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road is a perfect way to experience this iconic landmark.

5. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, located just a short drive from Sydney’s city center, is one of Australia’s most famous beaches. Known for its golden sands and consistent surf, Bondi Beach is a hotspot for beachgoers and surfers alike. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and passes several other beautiful beaches. The vibrant atmosphere, trendy cafes, and lively beach culture make Bondi Beach a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sydney.

6. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park, located in the Northern Territory, is a vast wilderness area that offers a glimpse into Australia’s rich biodiversity and Indigenous culture. The park is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, savannahs, and escarpments. Visitors can explore ancient rock art, take boat cruises on the Yellow Water Billabong to see wildlife, or hike to Jim Jim Falls. A "15 days Australia package" might include a visit to Kakadu, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of its natural and cultural treasures.

7. Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways are a unique feature of the city’s urban landscape. These narrow streets are filled with vibrant street art, boutique shops, and eclectic cafes. Hosier Lane, in particular, is famous for its ever-changing graffiti and street art. Wandering through these laneways provides a glimpse into Melbourne’s creative spirit and vibrant cultural scene. This urban exploration is a must for anyone wanting to experience the city’s artistic flair.

8. Brisbane’s South Bank

Brisbane’s South Bank is a lively precinct known for its cultural attractions and recreational areas. The South Bank Parklands feature a man-made beach, picnic spots, and walking paths along the Brisbane River. The area is also home to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Brisbane Wheel. South Bank offers a blend of relaxation and culture, making it a great place to unwind and explore Brisbane’s vibrant atmosphere.

9. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another iconic Sydney landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offers stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline. Visitors can climb to the top of the bridge for a panoramic view of Sydney, or take a leisurely walk across the bridge to experience its grandeur. The bridge, affectionately known as the “Coathanger” due to its shape, is an engineering marvel and a symbol of Sydney’s ingenuity.

10. Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain, located in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, is a dramatic peak that offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. The area is known for its rugged beauty, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Overland Track, which offers stunning views and a chance to experience the pristine wilderness of Tasmania. Cradle Mountain is a must-visit for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

11. Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands, situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, are a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its white silica sand and turquoise waters, is a highlight of the Whitsundays. The islands offer opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing in a breathtaking setting. Including the Whitsundays in your "15 days Australia package" ensures you experience some of the country’s most beautiful coastal scenery.

12. Adelaide’s Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley, located near Adelaide, is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Known for its Shiraz wines and charming cellar doors, the valley offers wine tastings, gourmet dining, and picturesque vineyard views. A visit to the Barossa Valley provides a taste of Australia’s wine culture and the opportunity to explore charming towns like Tanunda and Nuriootpa.

13. Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo, situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, is home to a wide range of animals from Australia and around the world. The zoo offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great place for families and animal enthusiasts. The stunning views of the harbor from the zoo add to the experience, making it a must-see attraction in Sydney.

14. Blue Mountains National Park

Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park offers a stunning natural escape with its rugged cliffs, lush forests, and waterfalls. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including the Three Sisters rock formation and the famous Scenic World, which features a scenic railway and skyway. Hiking trails and lookout points provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the park’s natural splendor.

15. Canberra’s Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a significant site dedicated to honoring Australia’s military history. The memorial features exhibits, galleries, and a shrine that commemorates the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women. A visit to the War Memorial provides insight into the country’s history and offers a moment of reflection and remembrance.

Australia’s iconic landmarks offer a diverse range of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural gems. Whether you’re exploring the Great Barrier Reef, admiring the Sydney Opera House, or venturing into the outback, these landmarks are essential components of an unforgettable Australian adventure. A "15 days Australia package" provides the perfect opportunity to explore these must-see sites, ensuring that your trip is both comprehensive and memorable.

[travelupdatesbyflamingotravels]

Symphony of Sails: Unveiling the Sydney Opera House with Australia Tour Packages

Standing as an architectural marvel and an iconic symbol of Australia, the Sydney Opera House is a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Nestled on the shores of Sydney Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural scene of the country. For travelers eager to experience the grandeur of this landmark, Australia Tourism presents an array of captivating experiences with Australia Tour Packages by Flamingo Travels.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House's distinctive sail-like shells rise gracefully from the waterfront, creating a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the harbor. A guided tour of this architectural masterpiece unveils its fascinating history and design, from its inception in the 1950s to its completion in 1973.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Sydney Opera House serves as a cultural hub, hosting a diverse array of performances ranging from opera and ballet to theater and contemporary music. Attend a world-class opera or symphony concert in the majestic Concert Hall, or experience cutting-edge theater in the intimate Drama Theatre.

For a truly unforgettable experience, catch a performance at the outdoor venue of the Forecourt, where the Sydney Opera House becomes a stage beneath the stars, overlooking the glittering harbor. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a first-time visitor, the Sydney Opera House promises an enchanting journey into the heart of Australia's artistic soul.

Complement your visit to the Sydney Opera House with a stroll along the picturesque Circular Quay, where bustling cafes and lively street performers create a vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely ferry ride across the harbor for panoramic views of the Sydney skyline, or explore the nearby attractions of the Royal Botanic Garden and the historic Rocks district.

With Australia Tour Packages by Flamingo Travels, travelers can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Sydney Opera House while enjoying seamless travel arrangements and expert guidance. Whether it's a day tour of this architectural icon or a comprehensive exploration of Sydney's highlights, Flamingo Travels ensures an unforgettable experience in the land Down Under. Book your Australia adventure today and discover the magic of the Sydney Opera House with Flamingo Travels.

[aryan-skytrust]

Top 10 Places to Explore in Australia

Top 10 Places to Explore in Australia

Australia boasts a multitude of attractions that have earned it widespread renown. All these spots are spread across the beautiful topography of this country, so without any delay, browse through this list of the Top 10 places to explore in Australia.

Australia offers a breathtaking array of experiences that leave an indelible mark on every visitor. It has become a popular tourist destination among the masses with its unique and diverse ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland’s ancient rainforests, and the Outback’s vast deserts.

Thrill-seekers can indulge in exhilarating activities like surfing the world-class waves at Bondi Beach or trekking through the rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains. You can also immerse yourself in Australia’s rich Indigenous culture and history. Check out this list and explore the land with Book My Bharat.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see when in Australia. This World Heritage marvel, visible even from space, is a colossal living structure. Divers, snorkelers, island enthusiasts, and nature lovers all dream of experiencing its wonders. 

With an astonishing variety of marine life, such as corals, tropical fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams, it offers a memorable experience. Visitors can also observe the reef through underwater stations and glass-bottom boats. Whether you cruise around the islands, embark on sightseeing flights, enjoy day trips, or explore the reefs while snorkeling or diving.

Sydney Opera House, New South Wales

The Sydney Opera House, an architectural gem of the 20th century, stands as a testament to Jørn Utzon’s brilliance. Designed to resemble a magnificent sailing ship, this iconic structure has become synonymous with Sydney’s skyline. Within its walls lay myriad venues that come alive, offering over 1,500 vibrant performances annually. 

Nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This renowned masterpiece remains a cherished Australian symbol, captivating the hearts of visitors from around the globe.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island stands out as an incredible destination with its magnificent 75-mile beach, ranking among the world’s longest. You must embark on an extraordinary escapade by renting a four-wheel drive truck from Noosa town, traversing through an untamed journey. This island boasts dunes, dingos, tidal pools, and intriguing shipwrecks. 

Surprisingly, the beach is also frequented by airplanes, courtesy of an airport nestled along the sandy shores. To fully immerse in the exploration, several hotels and resorts await your reservation on the island, providing ample time to indulge in its wonders.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, alongside the Opera House, is one of Australia’s most renowned architectural landmarks. Fondly known as “the Coathanger,” this remarkable engineering marvel claims the world’s largest steel arch bridge title. Its construction concluded in 1932, preceding the Sydney Opera House by four decades.

A must-do activity in Sydney involves embarking on a guided ascent to the bridge’s summit, granting breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and cityscape. Towering 134 meters above the water, the bridge stretches across 500 meters, linking Sydney’s North Shore to the central business district.

Bondi Beach, New South Wales

Bondi Beach, renowned for its bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf, stands as one of the world’s most iconic coastlines. A mere 15-minute car ride from Sydney’s city center, this beach offers an authentic taste of Sydney’s beach culture. Revel in the warm sun on golden sands, ride the exhilarating waves, or refresh with a cool dip in the ocean (while staying within the designated flags, of course).

Rare are the cities that boast such a captivating beach so close to the urban hub. It’s no wonder this spot ranks among Sydney’s finest. This destination draws crowds of tourists and locals alike, gathering to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year.

Purnululu National Park

Nestled in Western Australia, Purnululu National Park boasts an extraordinary gem: the Bungle Bungle Range. These magnificent sandstone domes are reminiscent of colossal beehives, rendering them an unparalleled tourist attraction. This hidden treasure remained known solely to local Aboriginal Australians and farmers until its discovery through a documentary in 1983.

Additionally, the awe-inspiring Cathedral Gorge is a natural amphitheater of grandeur within the park. Situated in a remote region, this place necessitates visitors to meticulously pack and transport all essential supplies to its two campsites. This sanctuary stands as a testament to Australia’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park, situated in Far North Queensland, is a remarkable Wet Tropics World Heritage Area renowned for its ancient ecosystems. Belonging to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, this land holds immense spiritual significance, with its natural wonders captivating the senses.

Comprising two main sections, Mossman Gorge reveals the splendor of crystal-clear waters cascading over granite boulders. Here, the meeting point of rainforest and reef creates a mesmerizing landscape along the pristine beaches of the Coral Sea. This rare coastal stretch showcases the convergence of two incredibly diverse ecosystems found in only a handful of locations worldwide.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island, a pristine oasis off South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, celebrates the beauty of nature. Here, untouched by human hands, kangaroos gracefully traverse the powdery shores while sea lions and penguins dance in the crystal-clear waters. Fragrant eucalyptus trees provide sanctuary for adorable koalas, completing the harmonious scene. 

Diving enthusiasts are enchanted by the temperate waters, where sea dragons enchantingly reveal themselves and sunken shipwrecks beckon exploration. Nature’s grandeur dominates Kangaroo Island, showcased by Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. Embark on awe-inspiring hikes through pristine forests, along towering sea cliffs, and across vast cave systems, unveiling wildlife wonders at every turn.

Blue Mountains National Park

Located 80 km west of Sydney, New South Wales, the Blue Mountains National Park captivates visitors as a favored day trip from Australia’s largest city. Its main highlight, the Three Sisters, rises 900 meters above the Jamison Valley, showcasing nature’s grandeur. This picturesque park entices adventurers with extensive hiking trails and mountain biking routes while thrill-seekers enjoy rock climbing and abseiling.

For a more tranquil experience, visitors can board the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway, and enjoy the park’s beauty through glass-roofed carriages. This Park embodies natural splendor and exciting opportunities for all exploring it.    

Uluru/Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock, a colossal monolith, is among the planet’s largest and draws countless visitors to Australia. This mammoth sandstone formation reaches a towering height of over 340 meters (1,100 feet). At sunset, Ayers Rock mesmerizes with its remarkable ability to transform hues, shifting from terra cotta to vibrant shades of blue, violet, and red.

Revered by the local Anangu Aboriginal tribe, the rock is lovingly known as Uluru, holding deep spiritual significance as a sacred site. This captivating wonder remains a top attraction for explorers from around the world.

[biglisbonnews]

This Arctic Ichthyosaur Should Not Exist Australian-born Benjamin Kear is a hunter of the High Arctic. With colleague and friend Jørn Hurum, he chose a quarry, and set off across the treeless expanse of Norway’s Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard archipelago, where wind and snow roar across the landscape, even at the height of summer. There, the steep sides of barren mountains crumble and slump from erosion, exacerbated by the freeze-thaw cycles of melting permafrost. Soft, almost mud-like pieces of shale slide down their flanks, revealing hints of the creature they pursued. “It’s the hardest field work I’ve ever done,” Kear says, safely back in his Uppsala University office. “You’ve got your rifle on your shoulder and there’s polar bears running around. On our last trip we were stuck in the tents for 36 hours in a blizzard.” Team members carried the rifles because the archipelago’s polar bears outnumber humans—but they relied on other tools for their hunt. “This is what we’re using,” Kear says, holding up a worn, faded green notebook about the size of a smartphone. “It’s actually the 1929 diary, and I’m hunting through the field notes. The idea is to go back and trace what they were doing when they were finding bits.” The bits in question are fossils and, for more than a century, other hunters have come to what’s known as the Vikinghøgda Formation in search of bones. The earlier expeditions had mapped their discoveries, and the kinds of rock they were found in, creating a record that Kear and his fellow paleontologists have relied on in their search for the first member of one of Earth’s most successful animal groups. And they found it. Sort of. In a recent letter published in Current Biology, the team detailed fossil vertebrae from Spitsbergen that belong to the earliest known ichthyosaur, a kind of marine reptile found the world over during the Mesozoic (sometimes called the Age of Dinosaurs). But there was a problem. The 250-million-year-old fossil vertebrae, collected from Spitsbergen in 2014 but studied only recently, don’t fit Earth’s timeline as we know it—or, at least, as we thought we knew it. Kear recalls examining the fossils for the first time. “It’s an ichthyosaur, pretty obviously, but the rock is wrong,” he remembers thinking. “This is older than it should be. The first step is, of course, you doubt yourself. You go, ‘No no, this can’t be right.’” The team conducted an array of tests, including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy—“basically firing radioactivity at the rock,” says Kear—which provides the material’s unique geochemical signature. The tests confirmed the fossils’ age, putting the Arctic ichthyosaur at the very dawn of the Mesozoic—a place it should not be. The Mesozoic Era began 251.9 million years ago in the wake of the greatest mass extinction the world has ever experienced: the end-Permian, which wiped out between 90 and 96 percent of all species known from the fossil record. While the cause of such destruction remains uncertain, most scientists believe it was connected to massive volcanic activity in what’s now Siberia, which released an enormous amount of gas into the atmosphere that, says Kear, “drives a mega-greenhouse effect. The world gets really, really warm. “Yes, this drives extinctions,” he adds, “but it also drives evolution.” In fact, while dinosaurs arose during, and eventually came to dominate, the Mesozoic, this time is perhaps more accurately known as the Age of Reptiles. After the end-Permian mass extinction wiped out entire ecosystems, it was reptiles that quickly diversified and dispersed to fill the voids. That included land-dwelling reptiles that moved into the water, eventually adapting to life in the open ocean: the ichthyosaurs. “One of these little creatures trotting around on land made the transition to living in the sea. And it’s the first time that it ever happened,” says Kear. While many terrestrial animal lineages eventually evolved to be aquatic, from whales and seals to turtles and penguins, the ichthyosaurs were pioneers in what he calls an “epic transition.” “It’s one of the biggest landmarks in vertebrate evolution.” “You’re modifying your body from laying eggs, walking on limbs, breathing air, everything you need to do on land, to living in water… It’s one of the biggest landmarks in vertebrate evolution and this is why we’re looking for it,” Kear says of his multiyear collaboration with University of Oslo paleontologist Hurum to find the transitional ichthyosaur: the first land reptile to dip its toe, figuratively and literally, into an aquatic lifestyle. Before the Spitsbergen discovery, the oldest ichthyosaurs in the fossil record were from China, dated to about 248 million years ago. “The problem is, [they] already look like fish: long bodies, flippers, modified tail [with] a fin,” says Kear. “They’re living in water and they don’t come out of it.” That meant the transitional ichthyosaur, at least by conventional timelines, had to have lived between the end-Permian and the time of the fully aquatic animals found in China—and that’s what sent Kear and colleagues north. “The Scandinavian Arctic preserves rocks of exactly the right age,” Kear says. “You have hundreds and hundreds of meters of continuous sedimentation of ancient seafloor just piled up.” After fieldwork in Greenland, Kear joined Hurum in Spitsbergen in 2019, turning up several promising finds that season. The pandemic put the team’s expeditions on hold, so the paleontologists ventured into the archives of their institutions to examine material collected from the Vikinghøgda Formation in years past. It was there that they found multiple vertebrae and some fragmentary bones from an ichthyosaur that would have been about 10 feet long, larger than most other animals at the time. When it lived, what’s now Svalbard would have been open ocean, far from land, and it was fully adapted to that environment, with vertebrae very similar to those of modern whales, which likely took about 10 million years to transition from land to sea. “Ichthyosaurs, like whales today, reduced the amount of bone in their skeleton for buoyancy,” says Kear. “When you look at whale bone, it’s like sponge, because they [also] deposit oil in their bones. Their skeletons float. Ichthyosaurs did the same thing.” Later ichthyosaurs, such as a 180-million-year-old Jurassic specimen described in Nature in 2018, even had blubber, another adaptation they share with whales and other modern marine mammals that are pelagic, or oceanic. While it’s not possible to say whether the Spitsbergen animal had blubber, Kear says, “You can look at bone microstructure to get an idea of just how pelagic the animal was. [The Spitsbergen ichthyosaur] is not an early transitional form. It’s identical to an advanced ichthyosaur from the Jurassic.” Kear and colleagues had found the oldest known ichthyosaur—but it was not a land animal, or in the process of transitioning to the sea. It was already highly adapted to life in open water, which presented a new problem. Paleontologists have long believed that ichthyosaurs evolved after the end-Permian. How could a terrestrial animal transition from land, to a coastal area, to the deep ocean in the eye-blink, geologically speaking, between a mass extinction and the Spitsbergen find? “To squeeze evolution that dramatic into that amount of time, it’s unprecedented,” says Kear. “Take our own evolution. To create the hominin, the walking, big-brained thing building space shuttles and gin and tonics, it took over four or five million years, and that’s already from an upright ape, for want of a better word. You’re talking about something scuttling around on legs transforming into something that looks like a fish in under two million years.” There is only one logical explanation, as the team sees it: The ichthyosaur lineage did not evolve in the wake of the end-Permian cataclysm—the animals survived it. “Whichever way you cook it, they were there,” Kear says. “They were there before the extinction.” And if ichthyosaurs predated the end-Permian and hung on to thrive in the Mesozoic, what other animals might also have endured, challenging our ideas of the biggest extinction event in the history of life on Earth? Vanderbilt University paleontologist Neil Kelley, who studies ichthyosaurs and the evolution of marine ecosystems and was not involved in the research, calls the findings “welcome and intriguing” but also “inconclusive”—the fossils are, after all, only partial remains. He thinks the find could be “a spark to continue pursuing the evolutionary history deeper into the rock record.” Other paleontologists share Kelley’s enthusiastic but measured reaction to the Spitsbergen fossil: “The vertebrae are absolute giveaways, and this is a proper ichthyosaur vertebra!” says University of Bristol paleontologist Michael Benton, who was not involved in the research. But Benton also remains unconvinced that it’s time to overhaul our understanding of the end-Permian, including which animals may have unexpectedly survived into the Triassic, the first period of the Mesozoic. “Don’t rewrite the textbooks, but change ‘Ichthyosaurs evolved fast after the mass extinction’ to ‘Ichthyosaurs evolved very fast,’” says Benton, who coauthored a 2022 Frontiers in Earth Science paper about the massive and rapid diversification of marine life during a “Triassic Revolution.” And whether ichthyosaurs evolved before or after the end-Permian, their ability to hang on during this period is itself notable, Benton adds. “The post-extinction world of the Early Triassic was not benign; things had not simply returned to normal. The Early Triassic was punctuated by global warming crises and further extinctions, at least three times. In these challenging conditions, it was difficult for anything to make a reasonable recovery, and especially a top predator, such as an ichthyosaur.” “To squeeze evolution that dramatic into that amount of time, it’s unprecedented.” Hefei University of Technology paleontologist Jun Liu, who has also studied the rapid evolution of marine ecosystems during this period, is confident—and excited—that the Spitsbergen fossil material belongs to a fully oceanic ichthyosaur. But he’d like to see additional fossils found from new excavations at the site to confirm its age. “The authors did excellent geochemical analysis,” says Liu, but, due to the eroding, shifting landscape of slumping shale, the material was not found in its original location. Vanderbilt’s Kelley, while agreeing that the Spitsbergen fossil seems to be from an ichthyosaur or close relative, also believes finding more bones from this earliest slice of the Triassic is important: “There's a chance it could be something else, particularly because we don't have other fossils of this age to compare with.” Liu and Kelley may get their wish: Kear and Hurum plan to return to the site this July. “The most exciting part is that the walking ichthyosaur is still out there, waiting to be found,” Kear says. “I fully expect it to pop up. We’re going back to Svalbard and we’re going to hunt like hell to find it.” https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/earliest-ichthyosaur-fossil-arctic

[issela-santina]

minor peeve: hearing Jørn Lande's beautiful baritone sing “generic” instead of “genetic” in „The Sixth Extinction“ by Ayreon

it's so familiar to me because my university (University of the Philippines Diliman) is notoriously close to Ateneo de Manila University and I hear jokes about the latter one mispronounced as ar-ne-yo in an Americanised accent like bruh this is a dishonour to the goddess your uni got its name from