#southwest Western Australia

[whats-in-a-sentence]

In the most inclement parts of the continent, characterised by lengthy periods of rain (often cold rain, and sometimes snow), more permanent forms of shelters were employed in semi-sedentary camps (see Figure 8) and were likely to have been personalised and decorated.

"Design: Building on Country" - Alison Page and Paul Memmott

[ruthbancroftgarden]

Banksia media

Banksia is a large Australian genus in the Protea Family, and many of the species are found in the winter-rainfall region in the country's southwest. This is the case with Banksia media, which is found along the southern coast of Western Australia. It varies from a ground cover to a small tree, depending on the area where it grows, but mostly it is a rounded bush, putting out its cylindrical clusters of flowers during the winter months. The middle photo shows a young flower head, while the lower photo shows one at maturity. The saw-tooth edges of the leaves are a feature seen in many banksias.

-Brian

[myrtaceaae]

Ancalagon the Black Purple

(based on the Leafy Sea Dragon, found in southwest western australia)

[syn4k]

this entire thing started because @ravenlikesbooks pointed out that one part of florida is in central time and the rest is in eastern btw. things spiraled from there. Anyways things ive learned from looking at different timezone maps of the continents:

asia has the most half-hour timezones and one 3/4 hour timezone (nepal). also asias timezones in general are just like. A mess. It gives me a headache to look at. I love it SO FUCKING MUCH

oceania has several half hour timezones and two 3/4 hour timezones, the most per continent, one in Eucla, Australia SPECIFICALLY for some reason and the other being the Chatham Islands in NZ

there are a total of two half hour timezones in north america, one in canada and the other being greenland! also a lot of full hour timezones in the usa go across state borders. most of indiana is in eastern time but there are two portions in the northwest and southwest corners of the state that are in central. theres a few cases of this. its so strange. i love it.

venezuela is the only country in south america to have a half hour timezone. the rest are in full hour increments. like ok girl go off (?)

the european union obviously has its shit together, because europe is the only continent that has both no half hour timezones and no timezones that cross country borders. i have some questions about why portugal is considered to be in the western european timezone when spain isn't and is grouped in with central european countries such as france and germany, but its not really too big a deal so im willing to let it slide

africa comes in second place for most neatly organized continent in terms of time zones. it would have a perfect timezone score tied with Europe if it werent for the fact that the DRC is split between two, but its whatever.

antartica is also a mess but its antartica so thats to be expected

in summary, here are the seven world continents ranked by order of least to most complicated timezones

Europe

Africa

South America

North America

Oceania

Antartica

Asia

[workersolidarity]

[ 📹 Scenes of massive destruction after Israeli Occupation Forces bombed a civilian home belonging to the Abu Awaili family in the al-Habda neighborhood of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday night.]

🇮🇱⚔️🇵🇸 🚨

💥OCCUPATION BOMBING RAIDS IN CENTRAL GAZA AND INTENSE SHELLING OF KHAN YUNIS ON DAY 116 OF ISRAELI GENOCIDE💥

Bombing and shelling continued for another day and into the night in the Gaza Strip, while at the same time, Palestinian Minister of Health, Mai Alkaila warned of catastrophic healthcare conditions in the outdoor prison that Gaza is.

Speaking in interview with Palestine TV, Minister Alkaila spoke about severe shortages of health personnel, equipment, medicines and open clinics for Palestinians in Gaza, even as the shells continue to rain down on central and southern Gaza, where Israeli forces penetrated deep into the Khan Yunis governate.

“There are 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, 14 of which are partially operating, 9 in the south and 5 in the north," Minister Alkaila told Palestine TV.

She warned that a large outbreak has become probable and emphasized the need for vaccines for children, telling Palestine TV that over 1'100 medical personnel were dead or wounded.

Minister Alkaila also warned that the thousands of dead still trapped under the rubble are an environmental disaster waiting to unfold as it can contribute to the spread of disease.

Lastly, Alkaila slammed the various Western countries, including the United States, the UK, Germany and Australia, among others, that have suspended funding to UNRWA over accusations by the Israeli occupation authorities that less than 0.04% of UNRWA's staff might have participated either directly or indirectly in the events of October 7th.

Israel has previously made repeated made false accusations against international agencies and organizations, including the United Nations, as well as having a history of false flags, set-ups, and false confessions extracted through torture.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported Tuesday that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed the local headquarters of the humanitarian organization, while also raiding the al-Amal Hospital building's front courtyard area in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.

Reports tell of Occupation tanks and soldiers demanding the evacuation of both locations under threat of weapons, while the IOF use VHF wave suppression to block communications with the outside world.

Israeli tanks in the courtyard of Al-Amal fired live ammunition and lobbed smoke grenades at the displaced Palestinians outside the hospital, while occupation munitions caused several fires to break out within the confines of PRCS HQ.

Red Crescent crews also transported 16 dead, including women and children, as a result of Israeli airstrikes which targeted another civilian home in the city of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip.

Medical sources with PRCS also said they'd transported one dead individual and three wounded civilians after occupation warplanes bombed a residential home west of the Nuseirat Camp, in central Gaza. PRCS published video of the scene after its ambulance and civil defense crews arrived at the site of the occupation's bombing raid, with widespread destruction evident in the footage.

Occupation aircraft also targeted the al-Bureij Camp, in the central Gaza Strip, resulting in several casualties, with another airstrike targeting a group of civilians in al-Bureij, wounding several people.

IOF jets also bombed the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in addition to the heavy shelling of the northern sections of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, as well as the eastern sections of Khan Yunis to the south.

The Israeli occupation army also launched several missiles randomly towards civilian homes, especially in the al-Sina'a neighborhood west of Gaza City.

Gaza City's horrors continued with reports of dozens of bodies littering the streets in the west and southwest of the city after occupation air raids, tanks and drone fire concentrated on the area.

Israeli soldiers also opened gunfire in the vicinity of al-Shifa Medical Complex west of Gaza City, resulting in the death of a Palestinian child.

As a result of Israel's war of genocide in the Gaza Strip, the occupation army committed 13 massacres of Palestinian families, killing 114 people, mostly women and children, with an additional 65'636 Palestinians wounded according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.

#source1

#source2

#source3

#source4

#source5

#videosource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[mybeingthere]

Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (c 1932 - 2002) was born in Tjuirri, an area north west of Alice Springs also known as Napperby Station. His father was born at Ngarlu, a location west of Mt. Allan, and his mother from Warlugulong, an area southwest of Yuendumu. This broad stretch of territory defined the diversity of subject matter in Clifford's paintings. Clifford enjoyed a traditional bush upbringing and was given the name Possum by his paternal grandfather. In the 1940's, Clifford and his family re-located to Jay Creek, where he became a stockman, working at several stations throughout the area.

Clifford Possum was said to be a true master artist, his character, charisma, and total dedication to his art and dreamings, as well as his tireless promotion of his and his family's work has set a high standard in establishing this movement from its inception to the present day. Art lovers and collectors, both here and around the world, have held the Desert Masters in high regard, because of the efforts by individuals such as Clifford.

Clifford passed away in Alice Springs on the 21st June 2002, after recently being recognised for his contribution to Australian Art and culture, by being made an "Officer of the Order of Australia". His final days were spent at the Hetty Perkins Nursing Home in Alice Springs, where he passed away surrounded by close family and friends. He will be sadly missed by those who worked with and knew him well, as well as art collectors and dealers around the world.

He worked extensively as a stockman on the cattle stations in and around his traditional country. During this time he developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Dreaming Trails that criss-cross the area to the north of the western McDonnell Ranges, which he depicts in painting his Dreamings.

His career as an artist began in the 1950's when he carved snakes and goannas. By the 1970's he was one of the most accomplished carvers in Central Australia. His first opportunity to paint came when one of Albert Namatjira's sons gave him acrylic paints and the master began his work. Clifford, living at the Papunya Community, was one of the first artists to be involved with the Aboriginal Art Movement.

The art of Clifford Possum is notable for its brilliant manipulation of three-dimensional space. Many of his canvasses have strong figurative elements which stand out from the highly descriptive background dotting. In the late 1970's he expanded the scope of Papunya Tula painting by placing the trails of several ancestors on the same canvas in the fashion of a road map. Within this framework, he depicted the land geographically. This laid the foundation for traditional Aboriginal Iconography to be placed on canvas. The other artists working with him took his lead and removed any elements of European Art from their work. In doing so Clifford, as well as the other artists involved with the Papunya Tula Movement, helped to develop the true definition of Aboriginal Art, an art revolving around a culture, The Jukurrpa.

In some of his stories Clifford attempts to give a visual impression of sunlight, cloud, shadow and earth to denote specific times of the day. His paintings show superlative skill, incredible inventiveness of form and are visually spectacular.

Clifford's work is contemporary but essentially Aboriginal in inspiration. To appreciate its full richness it is imperative that it is seen not only by its colour, composition and balance, but by its mythological detail. One of the extraordinary qualities of Clifford's work and other Western Desert artists is that they are a visual writing and speak to the Aboriginal as books do to Europeans.

When asked why he became an Artist, he answered,

"That Dreaming been all the time. From our early days, before European people came up. That Dreaming carry on. Old people carry on this law, business, schooling for the young people. Grandfather and grandmother, uncle and aunty, mummy and father, all that, they been carry on this, teach 'em all the young boys and girls. They been using the dancing boards, spear, boomerang all painted. And they been using them on body different times.

Kids, I see them all the time, painted. All the young fellas they go hunting and the old people there, they do sand painting. They put down all the story, same like I do on canvas. All the young fella they bring 'em back kangaroo. Same all the ladies, they been get all the bush fruit, might be bush onion, plum, might be honey ants, might be yala, all the kungkas (women) bring them back. Because everybody there all ready waiting. Everybody painted. They been using ochres all the colours from the rock. People use them to paint up. I use paint and canvas that's not from us, from European people. Business time we don't use paints the way I use them, no we use them from rock, teach 'em all the young fellas."

Clifford is one of the most renown Aboriginal Artists of his time. He was the chairman of the Papunya Tula Artists from the 1970's to the 1980's. His work is featured in many of the main galleries and collections around Australia and internationally. Collections include the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney. His work has travelled extensively around the world, including 'Dreamings - The Art of Aboriginal Australia' in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and St Louis. He has had a book published dedicated to him and his paintings, 'The Art of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri', by Vivien Johnson. He is and has always been regarded as the leading figure in Australian Aboriginal Art.

Copyright Kate Owen Gallery May 2022

[botanyone]

Giant Marri Trees Are Secret Saviours of Western Australias Native Bees

Giant Marri Trees Are Secret Saviours of Western Australia’s Native Bees https://ift.tt/hgiXN1M Are certain species ‘keystones’ for an environment, without which the populations of many other species would collapse? Pendergast & Willers examined the Marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) in western Australia. They examined 16 locales, to see how bees use them. They found that Marri trees bloom when most other plants have finished flowering, making them essential for bee survival. This is a pretty clear indication that any conservation of the bee species has to include a plan for conserving the trees. It’s hard to overstate how important the trees are to the bees. Pendergast & Willers found 81 different species of native bees visiting Marri flowers. In most places studied, about 90% of all bees observed were feeding on Marri trees. In a press release Dr Kit Prendergast added: “Furthermore, this tree not only provides food sources for native bees, but also nesting resources, with species observed nesting in small holes and among the roots, and its copious iconic red sap is used by Megachilidae bees to seal off their nests.” Pendergast & Willers first studied 16 different sites including nature reserves, urban bushland, and forest areas. They then included data from 8 more urban sites studied during earlier research. At each location, they spent 2-3 hours catching bees visiting the trees, using special nets, and identified them under microscopes. Australia has over 1,600 known species of native bees, with at least 500 more yet to be discovered. Most bee conservation work in the Northern Hemisphere focuses on planting flower strips, but in Australia, flowering trees are more important. Native bees and their plant relationships in Australia have evolved over thousands of years in isolation. The study also revealed Marri trees are often the main, or only, plant species visited by these bees year-round, making them indispensable in the local ecosystem, which underlines the importance of conserving this species, not just for bees, but for the health of the broader landscape. “The findings point to an urgent need to protect Marri trees from threats such as logging, mining, fire events, disease, agriculture and urban and industrial development, because without this tree, many native bee species would struggle to survive,” Dr Prendergast said. Prendergast, K.S. & Willers, N. 2024. Corymbia calophylla (Marri) (K. D. Hill & L. A. S. Johnson) (Myrtaceae) is a major resource for native bees in the southwest western Australian biodiversity hotspot. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC24054 (OA) Cross-posted to Bluesky, Mastodon & Threads. The post Giant Marri Trees Are Secret Saviours of Western Australia’s Native Bees appeared first on Botany One. via Botany One https://botany.one/ October 29, 2024 at 08:30PM

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Curious Red Wattlebird by Graeme O'Rourke Via Flickr: This photo was captured in my backyard as this red wattlebird was perched in my Japanese Maple tree. Over the past 12 months it has learnt to trust me and this display I can only put down to this bird trying to ascertain if it was really me behind the camera as the very next capture shows it in a similar low-down pose, but this time looking from its left side. . .or maybe it was checking the brand and model of my camera. It is one of the largest nectar-feeding birds in the world and is the second largest species of honeyeater native to Australia, eclipsed by the yellow wattlebird which is found only in Tasmania. The red wattlebird has a long, specialized tongue to extract nectar from flowers. Its tongue can extend well beyond the tip of its bill, and it is divided at the end to form a brush-like structure with over a hundred bristles that soak up nectar by capillary action. The red wattlebird has mainly grey-brown plumage, red eyes, distinctive pinkish-red wattles** either side of its neck, white streaks on the chest and a large bright yellow patch on the lower belly. The male and female have similar plumage. (**A wattle is a fleshy caruncle from various parts of the head or neck in several groups of birds and mammals and those on the red wattlebird dangle from the lower rear corner of the ear coverts on either side of the neck.) The species is found in southeast Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and in the southwest of Western Australia, in open forest and woodlands, and is a common visitor to urban gardens and parks. Loud and conspicuous, the red wattlebird is generally found in trees, where it gets most of its food; occasionally it forages on the ground, feeding from a wide variety of flowering plants. Insects also comprise part of its diet. It is territorial and at times aggressive towards birds of other species, often defending rich sources of nectar. Breeding throughout its range, the red wattlebird builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree and raises one or two broods a year.

[outofangband]

Reptiles and Amphibians of Brethil and Greater Doriath

I love doing general flora and fauna posts but I can’t fit everything in them so I’m trying to make more specific ones as well! please please feel free to send categories to work on with locations! Or any environmental world building asks!

Note that while I have many specific headcanons about the environment of Brethil, I’m always happy to take suggestions or write environment posts based on specific places (like I did with the Havens based on Southwest Australia)

It’s climate was similar I believe to the deciduous and semi deciduous forests of Central Europe as well as those of non coastal New Zealand and parts of East Asia.

Flora, fauna, geography and environment of Arda masterlist 

Brethil is a forested region west of Doriath and the river Sirion. Though it was not within Melian’s Girdle, it was considered part of Doriath until it was inhabited by people of the Haladin as well as so called woodsmen and wild men. Brethil was a deciduous forest of mainly birch trees, bordered on the south and west by the river Teglin which broke off into several tributaries.

The common pond turtle is found throughout Brethil and surrounding regions in wooded ponds.

Common green lizards and common wall lizards are found in more open areas closer to the region of Nargothrond. Jeweled geckos are another species found closer to the region of Nargothrond but which will occasionally be found within the borders of Brethil in beech trees especially. Brown skinks are found sometimes in Northern Brethil. 

Vernal pools form throughout the woods, sometimes the result of spring rains or groundwater. These provide important habitats for amphibians to lay eggs as there are no fish and thus no significant predators for eggs and tadpoles. Vernal pools can be found throughout Brethil forest.

Fire salamanders live on the south western side of Brethil towards the region of Nargothrond, as they prefer hilly terrain. Crested newts are found throughout the woods but tend to congregate in similar locations during spring before returning to their forest homes.

Smooth newts are a highly adaptable species and can be found throughout western Beleriand outside of extremely mountainous regions. They are some of the least disturbed by human habitation.

Black salamanders are found nearer to the river Sirion and around the river Teglin. 

Common tree frogs are also found in the southwest areas of Brethil in more open areas.

Marsh frogs and pool frogs are found closer to Nivrim and in slower moving areas of the two northern tributaries to the river Teglin. 

Agile frogs can be occasionally found in Brethil though they tend to prefer warmer and drier climates.

In the north west parts of Brethil in the northern reaches of the river Teglin species similar to the genus Amolops in East Asia live in fast moving streams. These are called torrent frogs though that name actually refers to species in several different genuses. 

Geographic and environment notes

-Throughout Sindar culture, amphibians are associated with spring, vibrancy, and metamorphosis. Northern Sindar cultures (as well as some Silvan ones) often have words for the first sounds of frogs in the spring.

[melangle]

Quillworts in a gnamma hole in Western Australia

A gnamma hole is a depression formed in granite or other very hard and inert rock that is formed from chemical weathering over millions of years, the name comes from noongar languages of the indigenous peoples of the southwest of Western Australia. Whilst restricted to tiny areas very distantly spaced, Quillworts are relatively easy to find in Western Australia, if you visit the right outcrops at the right time of year you will see them reliably every time.

It is not easy to identify a quillwort to a species in Western Australia without destructively collecting and dissecting a specimen as all the currently described species overlap significanty in morphology depending on growing conditions.

If you want to see a quillwort IRL and are willing to travel to Western Australia let me know because I can provide directions and coordinates or meet IRL because the extreme biodiversity in flowering plants here in SouthWest WA means the little quillworts get overlooked even by the most passionate of botanists.

This gnamma hole was in a ~1.5 billion year old granite bedrock outcropping in Cape Le Grande near Esperance https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/171702188

[ruthbancroftgarden]

Hakea cucullata

Hakea is a large genus in the Protea Family native to Australia. Though different species are found in various part of the country, the greatest concentration occurs in the southwest, in the winter-rainfall region. This is true for Hakea cucullata, which comes from the south coast of Western Australia, to the southeast of Perth. It is a large shrub, eventually attaining a height of up to 13 feet, or 4 m. The clusters of pink flowers, with extended stigmas, are not large, but they are quite attractive - and all the more appealing for they way they are cupped by the rounded wavy-edged leaves.

-Brian

[myrtaceaae]

elrond and elros on a trip to a beach in sirion

Based on The Other Side of the Moon, in southwest western australia, which I would highly recommend visiting if you're able to.

[life-around-me-yura15cbx]

Agonis flexuosa, Агонис изогнутый commonly known as agonis, Australian willow myrtle, peppermint myrtle, peppermint tree, peppermint willow myrtle, peppermint willow, river myrtle, Swan River peppermint, Western Australian myrtle, Western Australian peppermint, willow myrtle is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. The Noongar peoples know the tree as wanil, wonnow, wonong or wannang in macro

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Lake Mungo’s Geological and Archaeological Treasures

The southwest corner of New South Wales, Australia, is a remote, semi-arid desert dotted with sheep pastures, dryland farms, and ample space for kangaroos to graze. But starting around 2 million years ago and through most of the Pleistocene, it hosted a system of large lakes, around which Australia’s First Peoples lived for millennia.

Archaeological evidence indicates that humans arrived in what is now known as the Willandra Lakes Region approximately 50,000 years ago. They would have had access to freshwater mussels, crustaceans, and fish, as well as emus and marsupials. As the climate changed and the ice age drew to a close, the lakes shriveled, became more saline, and ultimately dried up around 18,500 years ago.

This image, acquired on October 21, 2024, by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9, shows the remnant of one of these Pleistocene waterbodies, Lake Mungo. The dry lakebed is distinct for the large lunette dune fringing its eastern shoreline. These types of crescent-shaped mounds form on the downwind side of enclosed desert depressions. The Lake Mungo lunette, built up by the wind over the past 50,000 years, measures approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) long—large enough to be easily visible from space.

The dune has preserved an array of archaeological and geological treasures. Researchers have noted that all layers of the dune contain archaeological remains, indicating that humans occupied the area through various environmental conditions. In addition, a menagerie of megafaunal remains includes those of the giant marsupial and wombat-relative Zygomaturus trilobus, the large flightless bird Genyornis newtoni, the Tasmanian tiger, and giant kangaroos.

Famously, the remains of “Mungo Lady,” uncovered in the lunette dune in 1968, have been dated at 40,000–42,000 years old. They represent the oldest human remains found in Australia and are among the earliest anatomically modern human remains discovered anywhere in the world. The similarly aged bones of “Mungo Man” were found a few years later. The two skeletons provide some of the earliest evidence of cremation and ritual burial.

Scientists have also turned up clues about our planet’s past at the site. In the 1970s, researchers found evidence for a “geomagnetic excursion” baked into 30,000-year-old hearths preserved there. Excursions are significant changes to the intensity of Earth’s magnetic field and the orientation of its magnetic poles. Whereas complete magnetic pole reversals occur about every 300,000 years on average, excursions may happen 10 times as often and on a regional scale.

Today, the effects of various land management practices are visible as sharp contrasts in color on the semi-arid landscape. “The lines you can see in the images are fence-line boundaries between Mungo National Park and neighboring pastoral properties that mostly graze sheep,” said Mike Letnic, an applied ecologist and conservation biologist at the University of New South Wales.

Wild herbivores such as kangaroos and rabbits, along with domestic animals, graze in the brighter area containing the western portion of Lake Mungo’s lakebed, which is outside of the national park. Within park boundaries, grazing is limited to wild animals. But according to Letnic, grazing pressure on the land is still high because these herbivores have no predators regulating their populations.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

[donnybrookmotel]

The Timeless Appeal of Donnybrook Motel

Nestled in the heart of Donnybrook, a charming town renowned for its apple orchards and vibrant local culture, the Donnybrook Motel offers visitors an inviting blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you're a traveler exploring the stunning Southwest region of Western Australia or a local seeking a weekend retreat, this motel stands out as an ideal destination that caters to both leisure and business travelers alike.

From the moment you arrive at Donnybrook Motel, its welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a memorable stay. The motel is conveniently located close to the town center, allowing guests easy access to local shops, cafés, and attractions while still providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Its proximity to Donnybrook's famous Apple Fun Park, a haven for families with children, adds to its appeal as a family-friendly accommodation choice.

The rooms at the Donnybrook Motel are thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and practicality. They come equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cozy bedding that guarantees a restful night. For those who prefer self-catering, some rooms also include a kitchenette, making it a perfect option for extended stays. The motel’s clean, well-maintained facilities reflect its commitment to providing high-quality accommodations at an affordable price.

One of the standout features of the Donnybrook Motel is its exceptional service. The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to make every guest feel at home, offering personalized recommendations for activities and dining in the area. Their local knowledge ensures visitors can make the most of their time exploring Donnybrook’s many treasures, from the scenic trails of Golden Valley Tree Park to the picturesque vineyards of the Ferguson Valley.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the motel’s strategic location as a gateway to outdoor adventures. The surrounding countryside is dotted with orchards, forests, and hiking trails, providing endless opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy apple-picking during the harvest season, savor locally produced cider, or simply take in the breathtaking beauty of the region’s rolling hills and lush landscapes.

The motel also caters to business travelers, offering convenient amenities such as ample parking, a peaceful environment conducive to productivity, and easy access to the region’s commercial hubs. Whether hosting a meeting in the nearby town or attending an event, Donnybrook Motel serves as a reliable base for professional engagements.

Dining options are another highlight of the Donnybrook Motel experience. While the motel itself does not have an in-house restaurant, its location ensures guests are just a short walk or drive from some of the town's best eateries. From hearty country-style meals to gourmet delights, Donnybrook's culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 11.19 (before 1970)

461 – Libius Severus is declared emperor of the Western Roman Empire. The real power is in the hands of the magister militum Ricimer. 636 – The Rashidun Caliphate defeats the Sasanian Empire at the Battle of al-Qādisiyyah in Iraq. 1493 – Christopher Columbus goes ashore on an island called Borinquen he first saw the day before. He names it San Juan Bautista (later renamed again Puerto Rico). 1794 – The United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain sign Jay's Treaty, which attempts to resolve some of the lingering problems left over from the American Revolutionary War. 1802 – The Garinagu arrive at British Honduras (present-day Belize). 1808 – Finnish War: The Convention of Olkijoki in Raahe ends hostilities in Finland. 1816 – Warsaw University is established. 1847 – The second Canadian railway line, the Montreal and Lachine Railroad, is opened. 1863 – American Civil War: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony for the military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 1881 – A meteorite lands near the village of Grossliebenthal, southwest of Odesa, Ukraine. 1885 – Serbo-Bulgarian War: Bulgarian victory in the Battle of Slivnitsa solidifies the unification between the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. 1911 – The Doom Bar in Cornwall claims two ships, Island Maid and Angele, the latter killing the entire crew except the captain. 1912 – First Balkan War: The Serbian Army captures Bitola, ending the five-century-long Ottoman rule of Macedonia. 1916 – Samuel Goldwyn and Edgar Selwyn establish Goldwyn Pictures. 1941 – World War II: Battle between HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran. The two ships sink each other off the coast of Western Australia, with the loss of 645 Australians and about 77 German seamen. 1942 – World War II: Battle of Stalingrad: Soviet Union forces under General Georgy Zhukov launch the Operation Uranus counterattacks at Stalingrad, turning the tide of the battle in the USSR's favor. 1942 – Mutesa II is crowned the 35th and last Kabaka (king) of Buganda, prior to the restoration of the kingdom in 1993. 1943 – Holocaust: Nazis liquidate Janowska concentration camp in Lemberg (Lviv), western Ukraine, murdering at least 6,000 Jews after a failed uprising and mass escape attempt. 1944 – World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announces the sixth War Loan Drive, aimed at selling US$14 billion in war bonds to help pay for the war effort. 1944 – World War II: Thirty members of the Luxembourgish resistance defend the town of Vianden against a larger Waffen-SS attack in the Battle of Vianden. 1946 – Afghanistan, Iceland and Sweden join the United Nations. 1950 – US General Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes Supreme Commander of NATO-Europe. 1952 – Greek Field Marshal Alexander Papagos becomes the 152nd Prime Minister of Greece. 1954 – Télé Monte Carlo, Europe's oldest private television channel, is launched by Prince Rainier III. 1955 – National Review publishes its first issue. 1967 – The establishment of TVB, the first wireless commercial television station in Hong Kong. 1969 – Apollo program: Apollo 12 astronauts Pete Conrad and Alan Bean land at Oceanus Procellarum (the "Ocean of Storms") and become the third and fourth humans to walk on the Moon. 1969 – Association football player Pelé scores his 1,000th goal.