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February 27, 2016

An avalanche (also called a snowslide or snowslip) is a rapid flow of snow down a sloping surface. Avalanches are typically triggered in a starting zone from a mechanical failure in the snowpack (slab avalanche) when the forces on the snow exceed its strength but sometimes only with gradually widening (loose snow avalanche). After initiation, avalanches usually accelerate rapidly and grow in mass and volume as they entrain more snow. If the avalanche moves fast enough some of the snow may mix with the air forming a powder snow avalanche, which is a type of gravity current.

Slides of rocks or debris, behaving in a similar way to snow, are also referred to as avalanches. The remainder of this article refers to snow avalanches.

The load on the snowpack may be only due to gravity, in which case failure may result either from weakening in the snowpack or increased load due to precipitation. Avalanches that occur in this way are known as spontaneous avalanches. Avalanches can also be triggered by other loads such as skiers, snowmobilers, animals or explosives. Seismic activity may also trigger the failure in the snowpack and avalanches. A popular myth is that avalanches can be triggered by loud noise or shouting, but the pressure from sound is orders of magnitude too small to trigger an avalanche.

Although primarily composed of flowing snow and air, large avalanches have the capability to entrain ice, rocks, trees, and other material on the slope, and are distinct from mudslides, rock slides, and serac collapses on an icefall. Avalanches are not rare or random events and are endemic to any mountain range that accumulates a standing snowpack. Avalanches are most common during winter or spring but glacier movements may cause ice and snow avalanches at any time of year. In mountainous terrain, avalanches are among the most serious objective natural hazards to life and property, with their destructive capability resulting from their potential to carry enormous masses of snow at high speeds.

There is no universally accepted classification of avalanches—different classifications are useful for different purposes. Avalanches can be described by their size, their destructive potential, their initiation mechanism, their composition and their dynamics.

Explanation from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalanche

Hummingbird hawk-moth

Hummingbird hawk-moth

The hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a species of Sphingidae. Its long proboscis and its hovering behaviour, accompanied by an audible humming noise, make it look remarkably like a hummingbird while feeding on flowers. It should not be confused with the moths called hummingbird moths in North America, genus Hemaris, members of the same family and with similar appearance and behavior. The resemblance to hummingbirds is an example of convergent evolution. It flies during the day, especially in bright sunshine, but also at dusk, dawn, and even in the rain, which is unusual for even diurnal hawkmoths. Its visual abilities have been much studied, and it has been shown to have a relatively good ability to learn colours.

The hummingbird hawk-moth is distributed throughout the northern Old World from Portugal to Japan, but is resident only in warmer climates (southern Europe, North Africa, and points east). It is a strong flier, dispersing widely and can be found virtually anywhere in the hemisphere in the summer. However it rarely survives the winter in northern latitudes (e.g. north of the Alps in Europe, north of the Caucasus in Russia). They have been spotted in Newfoundland, Canada and Malaysia as well.

Moths in the Hemaris genus of the family Sphingidae are known as "hummingbird moths" in the US, and "bee moths" in Europe, which sometimes causes confusion between this species and the North American genus.

Image Credit & Copyright: Malcolm Randle
Explanation from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird_hawk-moth

Interacting Galaxies Arp 87

Interacting Galaxies Arp 87

Arp 87 is a stunning pair of interacting galaxies. Stars, gas, and dust flow from the large spiral galaxy, NGC 3808, forming an enveloping arm around its companion. The shapes of both galaxies have been distorted by their gravitational interaction. Arp 87 is located in the constellation of Leo, the Lion, approximately 300 million light-years away from Earth. Arp 87 appears in Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. As also seen in similar interacting galaxies, the corkscrew shape of the tidal material suggests that some stars and gas drawn from the larger galaxy have been caught in the gravitational pull of the smaller one. This image was taken in February 2007 with Hubble's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 detector.

Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Explanation from: https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic0717a/

February 26, 2016

Pillars of Creation in the Infrared

Pillars of Creation in the Infrared

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has revisited one of its most iconic and popular images: the Eagle Nebula’s Pillars of Creation.

This image shows the pillars as seen in infrared light, allowing it to pierce through obscuring dust and gas and unveil a more unfamiliar — but just as amazing — view of the pillars.

In this ethereal view the entire frame is peppered with bright stars and baby stars are revealed being formed within the pillars themselves. The ghostly outlines of the pillars seem much more delicate, and are silhouetted against an eerie blue haze.

Image Credit: NASA, ESA/Hubble and the Hubble Heritage Team
Explanation from: https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic1501b/

NASA’s IBEX Observations Pin Down Interstellar Magnetic Field

Interstellar Magnetic Field
Far beyond the orbit of Neptune, the solar wind and the interstellar medium interact to create a region known as the inner heliosheath, bounded on the inside by the termination shock, and on the outside by the heliopause.

Immediately after its 2008 launch, NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spotted a curiosity in a thin slice of space: More particles streamed in through a long, skinny swath in the sky than anywhere else. The origin of the so-called IBEX ribbon was unknown – but its very existence opened doors to observing what lies outside our solar system, the way drops of rain on a window tell you more about the weather outside.

ribbon particles
This simulation shows the origin of ribbon particles
of different energies or speeds outside the heliopause
(labeled HP). The IBEX ribbon particles interact with
the interstellar magnetic field (labeled ISMF) and
travel inwards toward Earth, collectively giving
the impression of a ribbonspanning across the sky.
Now, a new study uses IBEX data and simulations of the interstellar boundary – which lies at the very edge of the giant magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system called the heliosphere – to better describe space in our galactic neighborhood. The paper, published February 8, 2016, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, precisely determines the strength and direction of the magnetic field outside the heliosphere. Such information gives us a peek into the magnetic forces that dominate the galaxy beyond, teaching us more about our home in space.

The new paper is based on one particular theory of the origin of the IBEX ribbon, in which the particles streaming in from the ribbon are actually solar material reflected back at us after a long journey to the edges of the sun’s magnetic boundaries. A giant bubble, known as the heliosphere, exists around the sun and is filled with what’s called solar wind, the sun’s constant outflow of ionized gas, known as plasma. When these particles reach the edges of the heliosphere, their motion becomes more complicated.

“The theory says that some solar wind protons are sent flying back towards the sun as neutral atoms after a complex series of charge exchanges, creating the IBEX ribbon,” said Eric Zirnstein, a space scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and lead author on the study. “Simulations and IBEX observations pinpoint this process – which takes anywhere from three to six years on average – as the most likely origin of the IBEX ribbon.”

Outside the heliosphere lies the interstellar medium, with plasma that has different speed, density, and temperature than solar wind plasma, as well as neutral gases. These materials interact at the heliosphere’s edge to create a region known as the inner heliosheath, bounded on the inside by the termination shock – which is more than twice as far from us as the orbit of Pluto – and on the outside by the heliopause, the boundary between the solar wind and the comparatively dense interstellar medium.

Some solar wind protons that flow out from the sun to this boundary region will gain an electron, making them neutral and allowing them to cross the heliopause. Once in the interstellar medium, they can lose that electron again, making them gyrate around the interstellar magnetic field. If those particles pick up another electron at the right place and time, they can be fired back into the heliosphere, travel all the way back toward Earth, and collide with IBEX’s detector. The particles carry information about all that interaction with the interstellar magnetic field, and as they hit the detector they can give us unprecedented insight into the characteristics of that region of space.

“Only Voyager 1 has ever made direct observations of the interstellar magnetic field, and those are close to the heliopause, where it’s distorted,” said Zirnstein. “But this analysis provides a nice determination of its strength and direction farther out.”

The directions of different ribbon particles shooting back toward Earth are determined by the characteristics of the interstellar magnetic field. For instance, simulations show that the most energetic particles come from a different region of space than the least energetic particles, which gives clues as to how the interstellar magnetic field interacts with the heliosphere.

For the recent study, such observations were used to seed simulations of the ribbon’s origin. Not only do these simulations correctly predict the locations of neutral ribbon particles at different energies, but the deduced interstellar magnetic field agrees with Voyager 1 measurements, the deflection of interstellar neutral gases, and observations of distant polarized starlight.

However, some early simulations of the interstellar magnetic field don’t quite line up. Those pre-IBEX estimates were based largely on two data points – the distances at which Voyagers 1 and 2 crossed the termination shock.

“Voyager 1 crossed the termination shock at 94 astronomical units, or AU, from the sun, and Voyager 2 at 84 AU,” said Zirnstein. One AU is equal to about 93 million miles, the average distance between Earth and the sun. “That difference of almost 930 million miles was mostly explained by a strong, very tilted interstellar magnetic field pushing on the heliosphere.”

But that difference may be accounted for by considering a stronger influence from the solar cycle, which can lead to changes in the strength of the solar wind and thus change the distance to the termination shock in the directions of Voyager 1 and 2. The two Voyager spacecraft made their measurements almost three years apart, giving plenty of time for the variable solar wind to change the distance of the termination shock.

“Scientists in the field are developing more sophisticated models of the time-dependent solar wind,” said Zirnstein.

The simulations generally jibe well with the Voyager data.

IBEX ribbon
The IBEX ribbon is a relatively narrow strip of particles flying in towards the sun from outside the heliosphere. A new study corroborates the idea that particles from outside the heliosphere that form the IBEX ribbon actually originate at the sun – and reveals information about the distant interstellar magnetic field.

"The new findings can be used to better understand how our space environment interacts with the interstellar environment beyond the heliopause,” said Eric Christian, IBEX program scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who was not involved in this study. “In turn, understanding that interaction could help explain the mystery of what causes the IBEX ribbon once and for all.”

Image Credit: NASA/IBEX/Adler Planetarium, SwRI/Zirnstein
Explanation from: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/nasa-s-ibex-observations-pin-down-interstellar-magnetic-field

Double Tornado under a Supercell in Colorado

Double Tornado

Simla, Colorado, USA
June 4, 2015

Image Credit & Copyright: Kelly DeLay

High Resolution Global View of Jupiter's moon Io

Jupiter Moon Io

Io, the most volcanic body in the Solar System is seen in the highest resolution obtained to date by NASA's Galileo spacecraft. The smallest features that can be discerned are 2.5 kilometers in size. There are rugged mountains several kilometers high, layered materials forming plateaus, and many irregular depressions called volcanic calderas. Several of the dark, flow-like features correspond to hot spots, and may be active lava flows. There are no landforms resembling impact craters, as the volcanism covers the surface with new deposits much more rapidly than the flux of comets and asteroids can create large impact craters. The picture is centered on the side of Io that always faces away from Jupiter; north is to the top.

Color images acquired on September 7, 1996 have been merged with higher resolution images acquired on November 6, 1996 by the Solid State Imaging (CCD) system aboard NASA's Galileo spacecraft. The color is composed of data taken, at a range of 487,000 kilometers, in the near-infrared, green, and violet filters and has been enhanced to emphasize the extraordinary variations in color and brightness that characterize Io's face. The high resolution images were obtained at ranges which varied from 245,719 kilometers to 403,100 kilometers.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Explanation from: http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00583

February 25, 2016

Sun's reflection on Pacific Ocean seen from the International Space Station

Sun reflection from ISS

ISS, Orbit of the Earth
June 2014

Image Credit: NASA/ESA

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  • One pillar is 1080-meter-high (Southern Sky Column)

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a unique national forest park located in Zhangjiajie City in northern Hunan Province in the People's Republic of China. It is one of several national parks within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

In 1982 it was recognized as China's first national forest park with an area of 4,810 ha (11,900 acres). Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is part of a much larger 397.5 km2 (153.5 sq mi) Wulingyuan Scenic Area. In 1992, Wulingyuan was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was then approved by the Ministry of Land and Resources as Zhangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest National Geopark (3,600 square kilometres (1,400 sq mi)) in 2001. In 2004, Zhangjiajie Geopark was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The most notable geographic features of the park are the pillar-like formations that are seen throughout the park. Although resembling karst terrain, this area is not underlain by limestones and is not the product of chemical dissolution, which is characteristic of limestone karst. They are the result of many years of physical, rather than chemical, erosion. Much of the weathering which forms these pillars are the result of expanding ice in the winter and the plants which grow on them. The weather is moist year round, and as a result, the foliage is very dense. The weathered material is carried away primarily by streams. These formations are a distinct hallmark of Chinese landscape, and can be found in many ancient Chinese paintings.

One of the park's quartz-sandstone pillars, the 1,080-metre (3,540 ft) Southern Sky Column, had been officially renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" in honor of the eponymous film in January 2010. According to park officials, photographs from Zhangjiajie inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains seen in the film. The film's director and production designers said that they drew inspiration for the floating rocks from mountains from around the world, including those in the Hunan province.

Image Credit: chensiyuan via wikipedia.org
Explanation from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhangjiajie_National_Forest_Park

A Deeper Look at Centaurus A

Centaurus A

The strange galaxy Centaurus A is pictured in a new image from the European Southern Observatory. With a total exposure time of more than 50 hours this is probably the deepest view of this peculiar and spectacular object ever created. The image was produced by the Wide Field Imager of the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile.

Centaurus A, also known as NGC 5128, is a peculiar massive elliptical galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its heart. It lies about 12 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Centaurus (The Centaur) and has the distinction of being the most prominent radio galaxy in the sky. Astronomers think that the bright nucleus, strong radio emission and jet features of Centaurus A are produced by a central black hole with a mass of about 100 million times that of the Sun. Matter from the dense central parts of the galaxy releases vast amounts of energy as it falls towards the black hole.

This Wide Field Imager (WFI) picture allows us to appreciate the galaxy’s elliptical nature, which shows up as the elongated shape of the fainter outer parts. The glow that fills much of the picture comes from hundreds of billions of cooler and older stars. Unlike most elliptical galaxies, however, Centaurus A’s smooth shape is disturbed by a broad and patchy band of dark material that obscures the galaxy’s centre.

The dark band harbours large amounts of gas, dust and young stars. Bright young star clusters appear at the upper-right and lower-left edges of the band along with the red glow of star-forming clouds of hydrogen, whilst some isolated dust clouds are silhouetted against the stellar background. These features, and the prominent radio emission, are strong evidence that Centaurus A is the result of a merger between two galaxies. The dusty band is probably the mangled remains of a spiral galaxy in the process of being ripped apart by the gravitational pull of the giant elliptical galaxy.

The new set of images from WFI include long exposures through red, green and blue filters as well as filters specially designed to isolate the light from glowing hydrogen and oxygen. The latter help us to spot the known optical jet features around Centaurus A, which were barely visible in a previous image from the Wide Field Imager).

Extending from the galaxy to the upper left corner of the image are two groups of reddish filaments, which are roughly lined up with the huge jets that are prominent in radio images. Both sets of filaments are stellar nurseries, containing hot young stars. Above the left side of the dusty band, we find the inner filaments, lying about 30 000 light-years away of the nucleus. Further out, around 65 000 light-years away from the galaxy’s nucleus and close to the upper left corner of the image, the outer filaments are visible. There is also possibly a very much fainter trace of a counter jet extending to the lower right.

Centaurus A has been extensively studied at wavelengths ranging from radio all the way to gamma-rays. In particular, radio and X-ray observations have been crucial for studying the interaction between the energetic output of the central supermassive black hole and its surroundings. Studies of Centaurus A with ALMA are just beginning.

Many of the observations of Centaurus A used to make this image were taken to see whether it was possible to use ground-based surveys to detect and study variable stars in galaxies like Centaurus A outside the local group. More than 200 new variable stars in Centaurus A were discovered.

Image Credit: ESO
Explanation from: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1221/

February 24, 2016

Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park

Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park

Horsetail Fall, located in Yosemite National Park in California, is a seasonal waterfall that flows in the winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. If Horsetail Fall is flowing in February and the weather conditions are just right, the setting sun illuminates the waterfall, making it glow orange and red. This natural phenomenon is often referred to as the "Firefall", a name that pays homage to the manmade Firefall that once took place in Yosemite.

This waterfall descends in two streams side by side, the eastern one being the larger but both quite small. The eastern one drops 1,540 feet (470 m), and the western one 1,570 feet (480 m), the highest fully airborne waterfall in Yosemite that runs at some point every year. The waters then gather and descend another 490 feet (150 m) on steep slabs, so the total height of these waterfalls is 2,030 ft (620 m) to 2,070 ft (630 m).

The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.

Image Credit & Copyright: shank0205 via instagram.com
Explanation from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsetail_Fall_(Yosemite)

Blue Glaucus

Blue Glaucus

Glaucus atlanticus (common names include the sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, blue dragon, blue sea slug and blue ocean slug) is a species of small, blue sea slug, a pelagic aeolid nudibranch, a shell-less gastropod mollusk in the family Glaucidae.

These sea slugs are pelagic: they float upside down by using the surface tension of the water to stay up, where they are carried along by the winds and ocean currents. Glaucus atlanticus is camouflaged: the blue side of their body faces upwards, blending in with the blue of the water. The silver/grey side of the sea slugs faces downwards, blending in with the silvery surface of the sea.

Glaucus atlanticus feeds on other pelagic creatures, including the venomous cnidarian, the Portuguese man o' war. This sea slug stores stinging nematocysts from the cnidarian within its own tissues as defense against predation. Humans handling the slug may receive a very painful and potentially dangerous sting.

This species looks similar to, and is closely related to, Glaucus marginatus, which is now understood to be not one species, but a cryptic species complex of four separate species which live in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

At maturity Glaucus atlanticus can be up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in length. It is silvery grey on its dorsal side and dark and pale blue ventrally. It has dark blue stripes on its head. It has a tapering body which is flattened, and has six appendages which branch out into rayed, finger-like cerata.

The radula of this species bears serrated teeth.

Buoyancy and coloration

With the aid of a gas-filled sac in its stomach, G. atlanticus floats at the surface. Due to the location of the gas sac, this species floats upside down. The upper surface is actually the foot (the underside in other slugs and snail), and this has either a blue or blue-white coloration. The true dorsal surface (carried downwards in G. atlanticus) is completely silver-grey. This coloration is an example of countershading, which helps protect it from predators that might attack from below and from above. The blue coloration is also thought to reflect harmful UV sunlight.

Life history and behavior

G. atlanticus preys on other larger pelagic organisms. The sea slugs can move toward prey or mates by using their cerata to make slow swimming movements. They are known to prey on the dangerously venomous Portuguese man o' war Physalia physalis; the by-the-wind-sailor Velella velella; the blue button Porpita porpita; and the violet snail, Janthina janthina. Occasionally, individuals will attack and eat other individuals in captivity.

G. atlanticus is able to feed on Physalia physalis due to its immunity to the venomous nematocysts. The slug consumes the entire organism and appears to select and store the most venomous nematocysts for its own use. The nematocysts are collected in specialized sacs (cnidosacs) at the tip of the animal's cerata, the thin feather-like "fingers" on its body. Because Glaucus concentrates the venom, it can produce a more powerful and deadly sting than the Man o' War upon which it feeds.

Like almost all heterobranchs, Glaucus is a hermaphrodite, having both male and female reproductive organs. Unlike most nudibranchs, which mate with their right sides facing, sea swallows mate with ventral sides facing.After mating, both animals produce egg strings.

The Glaucus atlanticus is able to swallow the venomous nematocysts from siphonophores such as the Portuguese man o' war, and store them in the extremities of its finger-like cerata. Picking up the animal can result in a painful sting, with symptoms similar to those caused by the Portuguese man o' war.

Image Credit & Copyright: Sylke Rohrlach
Explanation from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucus_atlanticus

Wolf–Rayet star WR 31a in Carina

Wolf–Rayet star WR 31a in Carina

Sparkling at the centre of this beautiful NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image is a Wolf–Rayet star known as WR 31a, located about 30 000 light-years away in the constellation of Carina (The Keel).

The distinctive blue bubble appearing to encircle WR 31a, and its uncatalogued stellar sidekick, is a Wolf–Rayet nebula — an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other gases. Created when speedy stellar windsinteract with the outer layers of hydrogen ejected by Wolf–Rayet stars, these nebulae are frequently ring-shaped or spherical. The bubble — estimated to have formed around 20 000 years ago — is expanding at a rate of around 220 000 kilometres per hour!

Unfortunately, the lifecycle of a Wolf–Rayet star is only a few hundred thousand years — the blink of an eye in cosmic terms. Despite beginning life with a mass at least 20 times that of the Sun, Wolf–Rayet stars typically lose half their mass in less than 100 000 years. And WR 31a is no exception to this case. It will, therefore, eventually end its life as a spectacular supernova, and the stellar material expelled from its explosion will later nourish a new generation of stars and planets.

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, Judy Schmid
Explanation from: http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1608a/

February 23, 2016

Alnitak + Alnilam + Mintaka = Orion's Belt

Orion's Belt

Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, are the bright bluish stars from east to west (left to right) along the diagonal in this gorgeous cosmic vista. Otherwise known as the Belt of Orion, these three blue supergiant stars are hotter and much more massive than the Sun. They lie about 1,500 light-years away, born of Orion's well-studied interstellar clouds. In fact, clouds of gas and dust adrift in this region have intriguing and some surprisingly familiar shapes, including the dark Horsehead Nebula and Flame Nebula near Alnitak at the lower left. The famous Orion Nebula itself lies off the bottom of this star field that covers an impressive 4.4x3.5 degrees on the sky. The color picture was composited from digitized black and white photographic plates recorded through red and blue astronomical filters, with a computer synthesized green channel. The plates were taken using the Samuel Oschin Telescope, a wide-field survey instrument at Palomar Observatory, between 1987 and 1991.

Image Credit: Davide De Martin & the ESA/ESO/NASA
Explanation from: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap051013.html

Moon over Antelao

Moon over Antelao

Late afternoon at San Vito di Cadore, Italy the moon shines over Monte Antelao. The snow-covered dolomite ridge of the mountain and the Earth’s only natural satellite bear a striking resemblance to one another, contrasting against the bright blue of the afternoon sky.

San Vito di Cadore, Veneto, Italy
January 31, 2015

Image Credit & Copyright: Marcella Giulia
Explanation by: Royal Observatory Greenwich

Globular Cluster Messier 13

Hercules globular cluster Messier 13

This image, taken by the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope, shows the core of the great globular cluster Messier 13 and provides an extraordinarily clear view of the hundreds of thousands of stars in the cluster, one of the brightest and best known in the sky. Just 25 000 light-years away and about 145 light-years in diameter, Messier 13 has drawn the eye since its discovery by Edmund Halley, the noted British astronomer, in 1714. The cluster lies in the constellation of Hercules and is so bright that under the right conditions it is even visible to the unaided eye. As Halley wrote: “This is but a little Patch, but it shews it self to the naked Eye, when the Sky is serene and the Moon absent.” Messier 13 was the target of a symbolic Arecibo radio telescope message that was sent in 1974, communicating humanity’s existence to possible extraterrestrial intelligences. However, more recent studies suggest that planets are very rare in the dense environments of globular clusters.

Messier 13 has also appeared in literature. In his 1959 novel, The Sirens of Titan, Kurt Vonnegut wrote “Every passing hour brings the Solar System forty-three thousand miles closer to Globular Cluster M13 in Hercules — and still there are some misfits who insist that there is no such thing as progress.” The step from Halley’s early telescopic view to this Hubble image indicates some measure of the progress in astronomy in the last three hundred years.

This picture was created from images taken with the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. Data through a blue filter (F435W) are coloured blue, data through a red filter (F625W) are coloured green and near-infrared data (through the F814W filter) are coloured red. The exposure times are 1480 s, 380 s and 567 s respectively and the field of view is about 2.5 arcminutes across.

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble and NASA
Explanation from: https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1011a/

February 22, 2016

Terra and Sol seen from the International Space Station

Terra and Sol seen from the International Space Station

ISS, Orbit of the Earth
July 2014

Image Credit: NASA/ESA

Aurora and Sunrise seen from the International Space Station

Aurora and Sunrise seen from the International Space Station

ISS, Orbit of the Earth
February 2016

Video Credit: ESA/NASA/Tim Peake

Orion: Head to Toe

Cradled in cosmic dust and glowing hydrogen, stellar nurseries in Orion the Hunter lie at the edge of a giant molecular cloud some 1,500 light-years away. Spanning nearly 25 degrees, this breath-taking vista stretches across the well-known constellation from head to toe (left to right). The Great Orion Nebula, the closest large star forming region, is right of center. To its left are the Horsehead Nebula, M78, and Orion's belt stars. Sliding your cursor over the picture will also find red giant Betelgeuse at the hunter's shoulder, bright blue Rigel at his foot, and the glowing Lambda Orionis (Meissa) nebula at the far left, near Orion's head. Of course, the Orion Nebula and bright stars are easy to see with the unaided eye, but dust clouds and emission from the extensive interstellar gas in this nebula-rich complex, are too faint and much harder to record. In this mosaic of broadband telescopic images, additional image data acquired with a narrow hydrogen alpha filter was used to bring out the pervasive tendrils of energized atomic hydrogen gas and the arc of the giant Barnard's Loop.

Image Credit & Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo
Explanation from: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap101023.html

Noctilucent Clouds over Sunderland

Taken on 7 July 2014 from Seaburn Beach, Sunderland in the North of England. The photographer had seen nightly displays of noctilucent clouds for up to seven days prior to taking this shot – his first attempt at astrophotography - of the most vibrant display he witnessed. Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere and form above 200,000 ft.

Image Credit & Copyright: Matt Robinson
Explanation by: Royal Observatory Greenwich

February 21, 2016

Island and Clouds near French Polynesia seen from the International Space Station

island from iss

ISS, Orbit of the Earth
June 2012

Image Credit: NASA/ESA

The NGC 1097 Galaxy

NGC 1097

In this image, the larger-scale structure of the galaxy is barely visible: its comparatively dim spiral arms, which surround its heart in a loose embrace, reach out beyond the edges of this frame.

This face-on galaxy, lying 45 million light-years away from Earth in the southern constellation of Fornax (The Furnace), is particularly attractive for astronomers. NGC 1097 is a Seyfert galaxy. Lurking at the very centre of the galaxy, a supermassive black hole 100 million times the mass of our Sun is gradually sucking in the matter around it. The area immediately around the black hole shines powerfully with radiation coming from the material falling in.

The distinctive ring around the black hole is bursting with new star formation due to an inflow of material toward the central bar of the galaxy. These star-forming regions are glowing brightly thanks to emission from clouds of ionised hydrogen. The ring is around 5000 light-years across, although the spiral arms of the galaxy extend tens of thousands of light-years beyond it.

NGC 1097 is also pretty exciting for supernova hunters. The galaxy experienced three supernovae (the violent deaths of high-mass stars) in the 11-year span between 1992 and 2003. This is definitely a galaxy worth checking on a regular basis.

However, what it is really exciting about NGC 1097 is that it is not wandering alone through space. It has two small galaxy companions, which dance “the dance of stars and the dance of space” like the gracious dancer of the famous poem The Dancer by Khalil Gibran.

The satellite galaxies are NGC 1097A, an elliptical galaxy orbiting 42 000 light-years from the centre of NGC 1097 and a small dwarf galaxy named NGC 1097B. Both galaxies are located out beyond the frames of this image and they cannot be seen. Astronomers have indications that NGC 1097 and NGC 1097A have interacted in the past.

This picture was taken with Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys using visual and infrared filters.

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, E. Sturdivant
Explanation from: https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/potw1252a/

Cyclone Winston Threatens Fiji

Cyclone Winston

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Winston continued to intensify as it neared Fiji and NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the strengthening storm with a clear eye. Warnings are posted in Fiji as the storm is expected to make landfall there as a major hurricane.

Warnings were in effect in Fiji on Feb. 19 as Winston moved westward in the Southern Pacific Ocean and continued to intensify. In Fiji, a Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Vanuabalavu, Yacata, Mago, Cicia, Tuvuca, Nayau, Koro, Gau, Vanuavatu, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala, Ovalau, Wakaya and southern Vanua Levu. A Storm Warning remained in effect for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Ogea, Moala and rest of Vanua Levu, eastern half of Viti Levu. A Gale Warning was effect for the rest of Fiji. Meanwhile, all warnings in Tonga have been dropped as the storm moved away.

On Feb. 19 at 01:15 UTC (Feb. 18 at 8:15 p.m. EST) the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Winston in the South Pacific Ocean. The VIIRS image showed that Winston had a 15 nautical mile wide eye circled by a thick band of thunderstorms.

At 1500 UTC (10 a.m. EST) on Feb. 19 Tropical cyclone Winston's increased to 125 knots (143.8 mph/231.5 kph). It was centered near 17.3 degrees south latitude and 177.5 degrees west longitude, about 239 nautical miles (275 miles/442.6 km) east of Suva, Fiji. Winston was moving to the west at 15 knots (17.2 mph/27.7 kph). Winston was generating very rough seas with maximum significant wave height to 38 feet (11.5 meters).

Winston is moving west and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecast calls for Winston to strengthen to 130 knots (149.6 mph/240.8 kph) before making landfall on the east coast of Fiji as a major Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage.

According to the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale for Category 4 hurricane, "catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."

The storm will then veer sharply south and weaken quickly as it moves over an area with increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

Image Credit: NASA Goddard Rapid Response/NOAA
Explanation from: http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/winston-southwestern-pacific-ocean


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Excessive Underarm Sweating

Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Axillary hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweaty armpits, where excessive sweating is localised to the armpits. If sweating in this area has not been responsive to the use of various antiperspirants, provided your condition meets with strict Medicare requirements – you could be eligible to have this problem treated with injections of muscle relaxants.

The reduction in sweating varies with the individual and the duration of action can be between 4 to 6 months.

How we treat axillary hyperhidrosis

Diluted muscle relaxant (the medication binds to the nerve receptors on your sweat glands to stop their activation, over time new nerve receptors grow and so the sweating response returns) is delivered by a number of fine needle injections into your armpit.

Medicare claims

Medicare does not provide subsidy for excessive sweating in other areas of the body including hands and feet. If your excessive sweating is of recent onset or is generalised you should see your local doctor to have appropriate investigations to rule out underlying causes of excessive sweating.

If you are needle phobic there are a number of oral medications that may be of benefit in reduction of sweating.

Make an appointment

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I hope you enjoy your visit.

Friday, December 30, 2011

I am much happier with this card. I think it's better than just okay.All I added was more silver glimmer paper, a framed sentiment and some black leaves. Easy fix. Now, I'm happy to submit it to Colour Q.
Don't forget to check out the other entries at Colour Q.
Give it a try!

Happy New Year everyone!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Almost a month without blogging made me more determined to get the last Colour Q challenge included.
I'm still not thrilled with this card- it is okay. I may try again. What I do love is the silver glimmer paper- so much better in real life but not too shabby in a photo. Here's my card-
I was pleased with how the black embossing turned out on the glittery paper surface. To be honest, what bothers me most about this card is the 'be merry' stamping. It should be more left- centered in the white space. I got lazy and didn't take the time to use my stamp-a-ma-jig. I do have an idea for fixing this though. Stay tuned!  :)


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Thursday, 28 May 2009

Chinese style steamed seabass

Steamed fish with greens and chinese sauce (by Christ tell)
You must know it by now, my favorite fish is seabass, and yes, steamed with greens. Very healty, easy and no fuss. Extremely tasty.

So here's another recipe, chinese this time.
You won't need much:
- 1 fresh seabass, filleted
- 1 broccoli
- a handful of runner beans cut in strips

for the sauce (adjust vinegar and Soya to taste)
- 5 tblspn Soya sauce
- 2 tblspn white wine vinegar or chinese vinegar
- 1 tspn sesame oil
- 2tblspn water
- 1 bird eye chilly, sliced
- 1/2 thumb fresh ginger chopped finely
- 1 tblsp golden syrup

Cook the fish and the vegetables in the steamer in separate baskets for 12 minutes
Prepare the sauce by mixing the ingredients and adjusting.
Dish the fish and vegetables, pour the sauce on top (or serve the sauce separately if you prefer)

Steamed fish with greens and chinese sauce (by Christ tell)

Did I say it was quick and easy? Ah! I wasn't lying!...
This one definitely beats the take away.. (well, I don't do take aways anyway..)

Source: my own experimentation with various tastes

Christina Kim said...

Healthy! I love it, a great combo of flavors.

Marjo said...

Ginger with steamed fish, a perfect association. And an easy and quick recipe too. Thank you !!!

Ricardo said...

It genuinely looks delicious and pure so much colour contrast and very well presented great photo too. :) xx Rico

Cindy Khor said...

yup, its absolutely easy and fast... but if i were to steam it, i need to have fresh fish, and not frozen ones... its hard to find fresh fish here... thanks for the reminder again

vincent said...

We bumped into your blog and we really liked it - great recipes YUM YUM.
We would like to add it to the

We would be delighted if you could add your blog to Petitchef so that our users can, as us,
enjoy your recipes.

Petitchef is a french based Cooking recipes Portal. Several hundred Blogs are already members
and benefit from their exposure on

To add your site to the Petitchef family you can use or just go to and click on "Add your site"

Best regards,

Christelle said...

To Christina and Ricardo: Thanks, simple but great ingredients always work :))

To Marjo: You're welcome :)

To Cindy: I never use frozen fish, I'm not very keen on it, this one was fresh from the fishmonger, so much tastier. But of course, it's not possible all the time and for everybody to get fresh fish...


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New Swimmers. New(ish) Look.

As my book is progressing, I've begun to refine the look of some of my swimmer girls. While I love working in a free, painterly manner, there is a (big) part of me that craves control, tiny details, and well, drawing. To date, I think the following images are the best mix of my two ways of working.


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Sussex Healthcare Offers the Best Healthcare Services

Sussex Healthcare offers housing and nursing care services within the Sussex region. They provide specialized care to the people with brain disabilities, and those with neurological conditions. They also consider other health problems that need maximum attention. Sussex also provides other services such as physiotherapy, day-care, sensory rooms, and hydrotherapy pools. It is managed by friendly and highly qualified professionals who are devoted in delivering personal-cantered, homely, and comfortable environment.

Sussex Healthcare Company headquarters are based in the United Kingdom with its branches in the East and West Sussex. Sussex is located in Nutley, East Sussex, Wisteria Lodge are specialized in nursing care, and they support 20 younger people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities

Sussex healthcare noted that recreational activities, games, social and leisure are the essence of an individual’s well-being. All the care homes provide good activities to encourage and motivate interest of an individual and to increase one’s behavior. Sussex also select their activities based on the abilities of the residents. Visit

Besides that, Sussex always organizes various activities that help their inhabitants to design artistries, this enhances an individual’s thinking and reduces distress that affects the body functioning system of an individual. Also, Sussex Healthcare’s experts encourage the residents to take part in thorough exercises and gaming activities to improve thinking capacity and make individual responses to be active.

Furthermore, the residents are always encouraged by giving good messages, this help to reduce nervousness and enhances their focus and stimulates the production of certain hormones with increases on personality. It also increases bone formation and improves individuals focus.

Sussex Healthcare gives well prepared fresh meal all times. Use of locally manufactured products prepares Their foods. This helps to ensure that their clients (residents) get the very best foods that are both clean and highly nutritious. Their kitchen staffs and chefs have undergone through well-grounded training. They know how to accommodate diets that are required to meet the standard dietary composition for diabetic and allergic residents. Sussex residents go through a customized assessment that covers their health their entire health check-ups. This helps Sussex in planning on how they will deliver the best and required services.

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Attribution 101

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VAM Attribution 101 - Introduction to Morgan VAMs

VAM Education for Beginners (VEFB) Archive

By coming to this web site, you've already taken the first step in what can be a very addictive hobby. Collecting die varieties, also known as VAMs, is a popular addition to Morgan and Peace dollar enthusiasts. This page is not intended to be an introduction to the minting process or VAM definitions. For more information on the definition of a VAM, go here. For more information on the minting process, please read Chapter 3 in the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
As a side note, the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars, written by Mr.Leroy Van Allen and Mr. A. George Mallis is something that everyone in the hobby should strongly consider purchasing. It provides information about the industry and VAMs that is unrivaled anywhere else and is an invaluable resource.
Since you're here, you may be what? What do I do? How do I read all of these pages? How do I know if I have something worth noting or just noise that looks cool? It is the intent of this page to act as a living document to provide these answers and hopefully more. That way you can begin to identify VAMs in your own collection, grow your knowledge, and pass along things that you have learned.
The following topics will be covered in this introduction to Morgan VAMs:

Knowing Your Way Around the Morgan Dollar

Before we get started with this introduction, there are several areas of the Morgan dollar that you should be familiar with. The areas identified are the most common areas that you will refer to on this site when researching VAMs or providing information for individuals who are trying to help you attribute something. The areas listed are not the only areas of interest, just the most commonly used.
Obverse areas of interest:
Reverse areas of interest:
One thing to note about the reverse areas of interest is way that the eagle's wings are described. The eagle's wings are generally referred to from the view point of the eagle. For example, "eagle's right wing" is actually viewed as the left wing by the VAMmer. This means that the eagle's wings will be reversed from the wreaths when discussed. If you do not desire to refer to them in this fashion, be sure to state "as viewed". Meaning "eagle's left wing as viewed" would actually refer to the left wing as viewed on the reverse.

Understanding Major Hub Types

I know, you don't care about the major hub types. You just want to know what VAMs you have and how you can identify all of them. The fact of the matter is that one of the more widely misunderstood topics for beginners in VAMs is the major hub types and hub sub-varieties. Being able to understand and identify the varieties will go a long way in helping you comprehend the individual VAM pages and will help you attribute coins more quickly.
Simply put, there are 4 major obverse hub types and 4 major reverse hub types for Morgan dollars. Peace dollars have a separate set of hub types and they will be covered separately. The following table lists the major hub type designs, referenced in Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars:

Obverse Hub Type Obverse Sub-Variety Reverse Hub Type Reverse Sub-Variety
I I1 A A1
I2 A2/A1
D D1

According to Leroy Van Allen, the sub-varieties are listed because the changes made to the major hub designs were used to produce many working dies. There are some hybrid dies that use more than one hub design. For example, a hybrid design of B/A means that the B hub variety was impressed on top of the A hub variety. This is how some classes of VAMs were created, such as the 7/8 TF varieties. Obverse hub types use Roman numerals and reverse hub types use capital letters. Superscripts after Roman numerals or capital letters indicate minor design type. Subsequent numbers after the minor design type equal the individual die varieties.
So what does all of this mean? Each major hub design or minor design type has key characteristics that distinguishes it from any of the other hub designs. The basic obverse design differences are listed in the following table:

Hub Type ID Description
Obverse I Thin letters in LIBERTY, evenly divided rear portion of ear.
Obverse I1 Incused designer's initial, as on 1879-1921 coins.
Obverse I2 Raised designer's initial M with two parallel vertical bars.
Obverse II/I Short or very thin ear fill, evenly divided rear portion of ear, thicker letters in LIBERTY, some portion of the lettering or stars doubled.
Obverse II Thicker letters in LIBERTY, unevenly divided rear portion of ear, lines in wheat leaves.
Obverse III Thin letters in LIBERTY, unevenly divided rear portion of ear, lines in wheat leaves.
Obverse III1 Lines in all wheat leaves, wheat leaf end well below bottom of R in PLURIBUS. Long wheat leaf between wheat stalks.
Obverse III2 Long wheat leaf below R, close to bottom of R, with weak lines. Short wheat leaf between wheat stalks.
Obverse IV Eyelash missing, hairlines more pronounced, LIBERTY letters different.

The basic reverse design differences are listed in the following table:

Hub Type ID Description
Reverse A Eight tail feathers.
Reverse A1 Raised eagle's beak.
Reverse A2/A1 Hooked eagle's beak with lower beak and tongue usually doubled. Top arrow head and shaft doubled.
Reverse B/A Long center arrow shaft, parallel arrow feathers, seven tail feathers with portions of eight tail feathers usually showing below seven tail feathers, portions of A die design around branch leaves, wreath and bow, or IN GOD WE TRUST.
Reverse B Seven tail feathers, parallel arrow feathers, flat eagle's breast.
Reverse B1 Long center arrow shaft.
Reverse B2 Short center arrow shaft.
Reverse C Seven tail feathers, slanted arrow feathers, round eagle's breast.
Reverse C1 A in AMERICA very close to eagle's wing, bottom feather of eagle's right wing next to leg is rounded and not connected to wing on left.
Reverse C2 A in AMERICA very close to eagle's wing, bottom feather of eagle's right wing extends to junction of next two feathers, thin line present between eagle's leg and first feather.
Reverse C3 Left serif of A in AMERICA cut down so it is further from wing, bottom feather of eagle's right wing squared off and raised.
Reverse C4/C3 Two olives connected above olive branch with upper one shallow.
Reverse C4 Larger U-shaped space between eagle's left wing edge and eagle's neck.
Reverse D Parallel arrow feathers, flat eagle's breast, bent branch held by eagle's right talon.
Reverse D1 17 berries in wreath.
Reverse D2 16 berries in wreath.

Hub design detail information is © Leroy Van Allen.
For more information on hub design differences, please refer to Chapter 6, in the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars.

Reading the VAM Pages

Hub types are important because when a VAM is identified, the obverse and reverse hub varieties are listed. When new characteristics of a specific sub-variety are identified, it is given a revision number that is appended to the hub variety. To make sure this makes sense, let's apply this to an actual VAM listing.
This example is of a VAM listed under the 1881-S date and mintmark. The header description states that this is VAM has a doubled "88" in the date and a repunched mintmark "S/S" that is set far to the left. We will be discussing these kinds of things a bit later. For now though, lets focus on the sub-heading for the listing.

1881-S VAM-15 Doubled 88, S/S Far Left

15 III2 8 - C3g (Doubled 88, S/S Far Left) (185) I-3 R-3
The following table illustrates the how the sub-heading is broken down:

Field Description
15 VAM ID #
III2 Obverse hub type (III) with minor hub design type (2). These are included so that the collector knows what principle design features are on the coin.
8 Identification number for a specific die. This number identifies the order in which it was listed by Mallis and Van Allen, not necessarily the order used by the mint to produce the coins minted for this year.
C3 Reverse hub type (C) with minor hub design type (3). These are included so that the collector knows what principle design features are on the coin.
g Identification number for a specific die. This number identifies the order in which it was listed by Mallis and Van Allen, not necessarily
the order used by the mint to produce the coins minted for this year.
(Doubled 88, S/S Far Left) Brief description of the VAM
(185) Number of reeds around the edge of the coin.
I-3 Interest level. The interest level identifies how much "interest" or demand there is for a given VAM.
I-1 = Normal die variety with little interest to variety collectors.
I-2 = Minor die variety with some interest to variety collectors.
I-3 = Significant die variety with general interest to variety collectors.
I-4 = Major die variety with universal interest to variety collectors.
I-5 = Outstanding die variety with prime interest to variety collectors.
R-3 Rarity scale. The rarity scale identifies how likely you are to encounter the listed VAM "in the wild"
R-1 = Common (Tens of Millions)
R-2 = Not so Common (Several Million)
R-3 = Scarce (Hundreds of Thousands)
R-4 = Very Scarce (Tens of Thousands)
R-5 = Rare (Several Thousand)
R-6 = Very Rare (Several Hundred)
R-7 = Extremely Rare (Few Tens)
R-8 = Unique or Nearly Unique (Several)

One note of caution. Do not rely solely on the Interest and Rarity numbers. They are initial estimates made by Leroy Van Allen at the time that a variety was first cataloged, and are meant to be treated as such. Through the study and pursuit of specific varieties, a better estimate of the rarity as well as the market desirability is obtained. The original numbers assigned by Leroy will not, however. In other words, don't just buy it because it's an R-5. Likewise, the population reports from the TPGs are to be used as a guide for population of given VAMs, but are not 100% accurate. Several of the TPGs only encapsulate a sub-set of the known VAMs and thus would not be able to reflect any information about those coins that they do not cover. These population reports also do not take into account crack outs and resubmissions.
One important point about the way the VAM pages are listed. In some cases, you will come across a VAM page where there is no description for the obverse or reverse hub type. Do not look at the page thinking you are lost. When a page is shown without a description for something, it is normally due to the fact that the specific obverse or reverse die was already listed and described on a previous die variety combination and was not repeated in order to save space in the book. A quick search through a a few of the earlier VAMs listed will very likely provide you with the description you are looking for.

Date Positioning

The purpose of this section is to introduce you to date positions and how to identify what you have when looking at your coins. For most dates, identifying the date and mintmark position will allow you to eliminate VAMs that do not match your coin very quickly. It is also generally two of the first items that you will be asked for in the event that you ask for help with attributing a coin.
The following image is a lateral positioning guide from page 115 of the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars:

Image: Courtesy of Leroy Van Allen

This image identifies the positioning of the date as it relates to base of Liberty's neck (referred to as the neck "V"). The distance, or number of denticles, between the neck "V" and the beginning of the date will determine whether the date is considered near, normal, far, and the like. However, this tool is only really useful for Morgan dollars dated from 1884 to 1904.
A note from John Roberts: 1878 and 1921 dates were hubbed. The 1879-83 dates were partially hubbed. The first two digits were in the hub. That's why you'll see the variations in space and angle of the second pair of digits relative to the first. You'll also find a number of dies with considerable differences in elevation above the field between the first two digits and the third and fourth. This is most easily noticed on 1880 dated coins.
Let's take a look at a few examples.

Very Near Date

Near Date

Normal Date

Left side of tolerated area:
This example illustrates the left-hand most area associated with normal date placement. The purpose of this image is to show you that in the 1884-1904 range, a date can be "within normal tolerance" without being exactly 2.5 denticles away from the neck "V".
Center of tolerated area:
Sentry02 101-Normal.jpg

Far Date

Sentry02 101-Far.jpg
In this example, notice the additional identifier for a normal date height. The height is the vertical distance from the denticles and can be low, normal, or high.

Very Far Date:

This example illustrates the positioning of the date as very far laterally and a low height from the denticles. For an example of a high date, take a look at the 1885-O VAM-5.
One thing that has not been mentioned yet is whether the date is level or not. When you look at references that identify a "slanted" date, it is just that. A slanted date can be quite pronounced or slanted ever so slightly. The previous example for a Very Far Date illustrates a low, slanted, very far date. The "4" is farther away from the denticles than the "1". Typically, slanted dates will be positioned such that the "1" will be closer to the denticles than the last digit. This is not always the case, however, and in the event that the last digit is closer to the denticles, it will likely be in the VAM description.

Mint Mark Positioning

The second piece to most puzzles regarding VAMs is the position and orientation of the mint mark. For some coins, whether the mint mark is doubled/repunched or not will also provide necessary information as to which VAM you are holding. The following image is a mint mark positioning guide from page 116 of the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars. The illustration indicates the so-called normal tolerance in mint mark position and tilt that Van Allen and Mallis have assigned.

Image: Courtesy of Leroy Van Allen

Yes, the image is slightly tilted and no, it was not meant as a joke. This image illustrates the relative positioning of the mint marks for Morgan dollars. All mint marks but Philadelphia (no mint mark) will be listed in this location. If you refer to the "O" as centered, then deviations over the guide lines in any direction will dictate whether the mint mark is low, high, shifted left, or shifted right. Since the mint marks were punched in by hand, they may also be rotated or "tilted" to the left or right.
Furthermore, it is possible for a Morgan dollar to have a mint mark that reflects multiple conditions. As an example, the1881-O VAM-36 has a mint mark that is both set left and tilted left. It is very important to point out that when you are taking photos of the mint mark on your Morgan dollar, it is imperative that you include the wreath bow and the wreath bow must be leveled. Leveling the wreath bow will allow you to see any tilting or shifting more readily than if it is shown at an angle. It is also important to keep the "DO" of "DOLLAR" in the viewer so that you can identify if a mint mark is situated low.
Let's look at a few mint mark examples:
Sentry02 101-MM-Combined.jpg
The following mint marks are illustrated:

  • CC mint mark that is tilted to the left. When CC mint marks tilt, they look a bit off because of the fact that they are two characters that are punched instead of a single character. It is also possible to have one "C" lower than the other and the spacing between the "C"s may also differ as is found with several of the 1878-CC VAMs.
  • S mint mark that is shifted to the left. This mint mark is shifted to the left and may be very slightly tilted to the left. It may also be that the wreath bow was not 100% level when the photo was taken.
  • O mint mark that is shifted to the right and low. The mint mark is shifted to the right of center and the bottom of the "O" will touch the top of the "O" from DOLLAR when a line is drawn. Photo is slightly tilted to the right.
  • O mint mark that is high and significantly tilted to the right. The mint mark is high because it invades the lower space between the portions of the bow and is noticeably tilted to the right.

Other Things You'll Observe

Strike Doubling vs. Doubled Dies

While looking at Morgan silver dollars, there are two types of doubling that you will very likely encounter; strike doubling and die doubling.
Strike doubling has flat shiny surfaces. It is from flat field (which is high area of die) sliding or bouncing over onto edge of letters or design. It reduces extent of coin letter or design and is not something that is listed as a die variety as it is a product of the striking process and not the die itself.. Die doubling is caused by raised letters or design hitting die slightly out of register during multiple hubbing blows on Morgan dies. Die doubling has dull rounded tops that enlarge design or letters.
Doubling on a mint mark and nearby wreath or legend letters in same direction is likely strike doubling. Since the mint mark was punched into die after design was hubbed in, it is unlikely that any die doubling on mint mark would be in same direction as that on design or letters.
Note: The Morgan dollar was minted with the obverse die as the hammer and the reverse die as the anvil. For this reason, most strike doubling can be found on the reverse of Morgan dollars.
Let's look at a few examples of strike doubling:
Sentry02 SD-Combined1.jpg
One of the easiest ways to describe strike doubling is that it appears as a flat, shelf--like surface and is typically uniformly to one side of a given image. Picture the image being struck and then sliding slightly as it is released. This example illustrates the strike doubling of Liberty's profile. While less common to see strike doubling on the obverse of the coin, it is certainly possible.
Sentry02 SD-Combined2.jpg
This example illustrates strike doubling on the under side of the eagle's right wing (viewed left). Again, the doubled image is very flat and looks like the image slid across the coin. Other common areas to find strike doubling is on the motto and legend of the reverse.
Sentry02 SD-Reverse-Legend.jpg
This example shows strike doubling in a very common area; the reverse legend. Notice the flat shelf on top of the letters of UNITED. In contrast, let's take a look at what we are comparing it to. This way you'll have a point of reference for hub doubling as well.
Sentry02 DDO-Combined1.jpg
This example was pulled from an 1887-P VAM-12A. Notice the doubling at the top of "RIB" from PLURIBUS. This doubling has a depth to it and appears to be part of the image as it was imprinted on the coin. Again, this is because it's part of the die and not part of the process.
Sentry02 DDO-Combined2.jpg
As one of the more drastically hub doubled varieties out there, the 1888-O VAM-4 takes the prize. The die has been doubled to the point that there is an extra set of nose, lips, and chin. Again, there is no flat surface to speak of, just depth.
Finally, let's look at a more deceptive type of strike doubling. We will be using the same area on two different coins. The area in question is the left wreath on the reverse (as viewed). The first example shown is on an 1889-P VAM-3. The second example shows a 1878-P VAM-232.
Sentry02 Doubling-90108.jpg
When looking at the 1889-P on the left, it may not be as noticeable that what you are looking at is strike doubling. To some extent, it does have many of the same characteristics that are found when looking at actual die doubling. As John Roberts explains about the coin on the left, "There are areas where the doubling comes right up to the leaf tip. That degree of shift should leave a big notch on the leaf tip, but there's nothing". The notches John refers to are circled in the 1878-P on the right-hand side. Notice the secondary leaf tips that show as small notches in and around the leaf tips. This tips us off to die doubling.
These examples show you a few of the things that you'll see when looking at your Morgan dollars, but they do not show you everything that you may encounter. Many people still struggle with strike doubling as it can be very misleading depending on where it is located on the Morgan. The more you become accustomed to looking for it, the better you will get at spotting it.
There is an outstanding article about strike doubling vs. die doubling written by John Wexler available at his website, [here.]

Die Cracks and Die Breaks

Die cracks are exactly what they sound like, cracks on the die used to impress the coin. Die cracks are thin splits in a die face that result in thin, shallow raised lines on the coin. Thin die cracks are very common and typically alone are NOT enough to be considered for a new VAM designation. This point can't be stressed enough. Can die cracks be included in VAMs? Absolutely, but must be visible to the naked eye and must not be simply a thin line. Furthermore, die cracks may or may not be listed as VAMs if they are very common for the date and mint mark. However, most VAMs that include die cracks also have other attributes listed with them.
Let's take a look at an example coin:
Sentry02 Diecrack-Combined2.jpg
This coin illustrates some of the ways that die cracks can deceive you. First of all, all of the listed die cracks are from the same coin. Second, there are other die cracks on this coin not shown. At first glance, this coin looks impressive and also includes some attributes not discussed, such as a "railroad track" die clash on the reverse. However, these die cracks are very common for an 1886-P Morgan dollar and, alone, are not listable as a VAM. This particular set of attributes is thought to be an 1886-P VAM-1G where the letter transfer from the clashed "N" has been removed.
Die breaks, on the other hand, are a much more noticeable and may vary in size and shape. A die break is a gap in the die face from chunks of metal breaking out of the die. Tiny die chips are fairly common and not generally visible to the naked eye. Again, die breaks must be significant and visible to the naked eye in order to be listed. Furthermore, they must not be hidden in the design detail or denticles.
Note: Under higher magnification, die cracks will often show small areas where the metal has broken away from the die. These areas are generally not considered for listing as a VAM.
Let's take a look at an example coin:
Sentry02 DieBreak-Combined.jpg
In this example, you can clearly see the difference between a die crack and a die break. Notice the bottom right side of the 6th right star on this 1921-P Morgan dollar. There is clearly an area where metal has broken away from the die and it causes a lump on the coin as it is minted. If you follow the die break further south, it turns into a line. However, notice the thickness differential from the die crack. Seeing them side by side should help you identify what type of things you're looking for. The example coin used is a 1921-P VAM-3X.
Likely the most famous of all die crack / die break combinations would be the 1888-O VAM-1B LDS, nicknamed "Scarface" for its impressive die crack and break combination from rim to rim, through Liberty's face. Other popular die break varieties include the 1887-P VAM-1A Donkey Tail and the 1888-O VAM-1A Clashed E reverse.

Die Clashing

As odd as it might sound, this section is not intended to give an overview of clashed dies. For an excellent overview of clashed dies, please refer to this page. The intent is to provide information about where to look for certain clashed items and how to separate the noise from the good stuff. There are several things that are helpful when looking at Morgans with die clashes. Before we look at some examples of clashed coins, it is important to have an idea of where to look for specific attributes.
Note: All clashed letters on the obverse of a Morgan dollar will be incuse or into the field, whereas clashed letters on the reverse will all be raised.
The following images are designed to serve as visual references for where specific clashed attributes occur on Morgan dollars. These areas are color coded based on how frequently the areas are associated with identified VAMs. The color coding is as follows:

  • Green: Frequently associated with VAM listings.
  • Yellow: Moderately associated with VAM listings.
  • Yellow with Red outline: Associated with only a few VAM listings.
  • Red: Hardly associated with any VAM listings and may generally be ignored.

Having clash marks in the red zone does not mean that you should always ignore it and that you will never have any VAMs in this area. There are VAMs in these areas, but are far less likely than clashing found in the green areas. Likewise, clashing in the green areas will not always produce a VAM. In particular to the green areas, the key to associating the zone with a VAM is the presence of letter transfer from the reverse. Clash marks without letter transfer are NOT considered listable and should be ignored.
Obverse color coding of VAMs:
Sentry02 Obverse-ClashColor4.jpg
Reverse color coding of VAMs:
Sentry02 Reverse-ClashColor3.jpg
You have no doubt noticed that the color coded images are also numbered. The following table will explain what each of the numbered areas references in relation to die clashing:

Field Description
1 This area is associated with the clashing around the lips. The obverse will look like there is smoke coming off of the mouth and lips of Liberty and the reverse will show a long, curved clash (sometimes several) that will terminate at the top as two vertical semi-circles.
2a This area is where you will find the clash marks associated with clashed "N", "IN", and "G" characters. On the obverse, 2a represents the location of the clash marks. This area is not listed as green because it does not always yield a VAM. Just because the clash mark line is present at Liberty's neck does not mean that there will be a letter transfer below it. It is very important to remember than clash marks do not equal VAMs without transfer.
2b 2b represents the location against the neck where the actual clashed letter or letters transfer will be found. In order for a "G" to be clashed on the obverse at the neck, the reverse die must be slightly rotated. On the reverse, the clash marks will originate from the eagle's right wing and either go straight up into the characters of "IN" or curve out slightly to the right before going straight up into the "G". The strength of these clash marks on the reverse will key you into whether or not letter transfer will take place on the obverse.
3 This area is associated with clashed "U", "S", or "T" characters from the word TRUST in the reverse motto. Often, detecting the "U", "S", or "T" clashes is a bit more difficult than "N" or "G" clashes and may take quite some time to get used to. However, there are several VAMs where there is an exceptionally strong letter transfer. One thing to keep in mind is that the reverse for area 3 is in yellow. This is because clashing in this area does not mean that you will have letter transfer on the obverse for area 3. Again, letter transfer matters when it comes to VAM designation.
4 This area is associated with the transfer of the designer's initial from the obverse to an area just above the "D" in GOD on the reverse motto. The designer's initial can be seen as two or three short strokes in the field above the "D".
5 This area is associated with the clashed "E" varieties that exist. Many of this type of VAM is not too difficult to detect, but there are others that are very difficult to pickup and can easily be misattributed. The letter transfer can be a partial "E" from LIBERTY or even several letters (BERT).
6 / 7 These areas are associated with the transfer of the mint mark and part of the "D" in DOLLAR from the reverse to the obverse field above and to the right of the wheat stalks. These areas are listed as green because if there is clashing present, it is very likely to have a VAM associated with it.
8 This area is associated with the clash and transfer of the stalks and lower portions of the cotton bolls from the obverse to the area just above the arrow heads on the reverse. One thing to point out, as mentioned by John Coxe; If you do not have the cotton boll transfer in this area, the likelihood of a clashed "E" being present is low.
9 This area is associated with the transfer of the back of the phrygian cap on the obverse as a greater than sign on the reverse near the top of the right wreath. Likewise, the obverse will show spikes on the back of the phrygian cap. In its most drastic display, the actual wreath may be displayed in the field behind the phrygian cap on the obverse.

This area is typically not associated with VAM listings and may normally be ignored. However, some VAMs that show heavy clashing in this area do carry other attributes and are associated with VAMs. 1886-P VAM-1C is an example of a VAM that makes use of this area.

10 This area is associated with the clashing of hair curls from Liberty to the reverse under the chin of the eagle. While it is possible to have VAMs associated with clashing in this area (1886-P VAM-1C for example), it is not always the case.

Now that you have seen many of the areas that a Morgan dollar will show clashing and have learned what each of the clashed areas is related to, it's time to look at a few different coins to understand a few finer points of the clashing that you can expect to see.
Sentry02 1887P-No-Combined.jpg
This example illustrates exactly how some clashing simply does not provide letter transfer. The weakness of the clash and the fact that it doesn't even reach the character in the motto makes it very unlikely that it will provide letter transfer on the obverse.
Sentry02 ClashedG-Combined.jpg
A strong clash mark that makes solid contact with the target character in the motto is far more likely to provide letter transfer at the neck of Liberty on the obverse. Think about it as being a "contact hitter" in baseball.

Images courtesy of Mitzydog

Some coins, such as this 1884-P VAM-2A show an impressive amount of clashing and transfer on both obverse and reverse of the coin. Images are only a subset of the clashing encountered.
Here is a Morgan Overlay, typical but does vary based on the Rotation of the dies used

Die Scratches and Gouges

This section will focus on a few additional items that are commonly found with Morgan dollars; die scratches and die gouges. Both scratches and gouges are die defects caused by the die coming into contact with a foreign object. Because the die came into contact with a foreign object, there is a portion of the die missing in the affected area. This is important to keep in mind because they will be displayed as raised areas on the coin, NOT as depressed areas. Both scratches and gouges can appear as straight lines on the coin, but gouges will typically be much thicker. In order to be listed as a VAM, they must be readily visible to the naked eye. Otherwise, they will likely be used as die markers if necessary.
Let's look at a few die scratch examples:
Sentry02 1898P-ChinScratch-Combined2.jpg
The two listed die scratches are from a 1898-P Morgan. One die scratch runs from the rear of the neck to the front, where it is intersected by an almost vertical die scratch.
Sentry02 1898P-Lips-Combined2.jpg
This die scratch is from the same Morgan dollar. Notice how all of these die scratches are raised areas on the coin, indicating die damage. To give you some idea about what is required to have a die scratch list as a VAM, both of these were cited as being too small and not readily visible enough to the naked eye. However, both would serve as excellent die markers should the need ever arise.
So, how small can they get? How about REALLY small:
Die gouges, on the other hand, are usually thicker than die scratches and may also be of varying sizes. Let's take a look at a few die gouge examples:
Sentry02 1884CC-ClashedU-Combined2.jpg
This die gouge is hidden fairly well within the hair V of Liberty. Because of it's location and size, this die gouge is not listable. If this die gouge was out in the open somewhere that it could be seen, it might be listable as a VAM.
Sentry02 1885P-DotandGouge-Combined2.jpg
This example illustrates two areas of interest. The top left area shows a small dot of metal on Liberty's hair curls and the bottom right shows an exceptionally small die gouge in between hair curls. Both of the listed attributes here are too small to list and are hidden well from the naked eye. Thus, neither are listable as VAMs.
So we've seen a lot of things that don't make the grade. How about we look at a few that did cut it as a VAM:

After reviewing several of the listed VAMs, you should have a good idea about what is considered for listing as a VAM and what is simply too small or too obscured to list.

Overlapping Edge Reeding

Morgan dollars have two distinct characteristics around the edge of the coin. There is a raised rim on both obverse and reverse dies so that coins can be stacked without the central designs touching. If the central designs were to touch, it would cause wear and make the stack unstable. The rim is a circular depression on the dies and planchets are "upset" by the upsetting machine to make the planchet edges thicker in order to fully fill up the rim band on the die when struck. There is also a reeded edge, which is a product of the actual striking of the coin. The collar that holds the planchet in place is grooved so that when the dies produce some 150 tons of pressure during the coin strike, the reed is imprinted on the edge of the coin. The reeding number displayed in the VAM listings identifies the number of reeds, or grooves along the edge of the coin. Edge reeding varies anywhere from 157 to 194, based on year and mint mark of the coin.
After the hunt for VAMs began, Jeff Oxman discovered an anomaly referred to as overlapping reeding. Overlapping reeding is caused by the milling machine producing grooves around the collar swedging tool not in perfect alignment at the start and end points. Instead, the start and end grooves merge together with smaller groove spacing and with grooves fading away to the right and left. The grooved swedging tool is forced into the collar opening to produce the reeding grooves and ridges inside the collar.
Here is an example of overlapping reeding on 3 different areas of the same coin
The edge reeding illustrated in the example shows the effect that is indicative of overlapping reeding. It is not isolated to any one point around the coin's edge and may occur anywhere along the edge. When identifying certain VAMs that are unattributed, but graded by a TPG, the coin slab can make it all but impossible to identify any overlapped reeding without cracking the coin out of the slab. As a general rule, it is not recommended that coins are removed from the grading slabs so in these cases it would be necessary to rely on secondary diagnostics.

This brief introduction to Morgan dollar VAMs should give you a good starting point of reference on many of the most common problem areas that newcomers are faced with once they decide to take up VAMming. Becoming familiar with the points covered in this tutorial are essential to your success in the hobby and understanding the difference between a VAM and what looks cool, but is just noise that can be ignored.
Happy VAMming and good luck!
- Bradley Graham (Sentry02)
This tutorial would not have been possible without the input and help from many of the folks on this site. The list includes, but is not limited to:

  • Vampicker
  • Coxe
  • JLee2027
  • W1WScott
  • Ben100
  • Mitzydog
  • RobJoyce

A special thank you to Leroy Van Allen for allowing me to use his images and other mint production and die related information. Without you, I wouldn't have a hobby nearly as fun as the one I do.
© 2009 Bradley Graham All rights reserved. No part of this Guide may be reproduced by any means without written permission from the author. Used by VAMWorld with permission.


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Revco To Donate To Local Fire Departments

In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, which is recognized from Sunday, October 6, through Saturday, October 12, REVCO Lighting + Electrical Supply in Southampton will donate $1 to local fire departments for every smoke detector sold during the entire month.

The donations will be earmarked to benefit fire departments in Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead and Southold, according to information provided by REVCO. In a typical month, the company sells approximately 1,200 smoke detectors.

“REVCO is proud to do its part to support our local fire departments and endorse fire safety in our own communities,” REVCO Vice President Michael Velys Sr. said in a written statement.

To learn more about National Fire Prevention Week or the National Fire Protection Association, visit To learn more about REVCO, visit or visit the store’s locations in Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead and Southold.

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Genomic Map of Poland

Activities carried out within the Polish Roadmap for Research Infrastructures allowed the European Centre of Bioinformatics and Genomics to make a financial contribution of PLN 104 million on the development of the Genomic Map of Poland. This innovative project is realized thanks to the financial support of Information Processing Institute as implementing institution for the IV Priority Axis of the Operational Programme Smart Growth 2014-2020. It assumes the sequencing of whole human genomes of about 5000 inhabitants from all over the country. Then, based on these genomes, the Genomic Map will be created serving as a specific genetic pattern (the so-called reference genome) of people from a given region of Poland.

The implementation and results of this project will allow Poland to join a very few and prestigious group of countries all over the world, such as the USA, South Korea, Japan and Great Britain, in which similar projects have already been launched or realized. In this context, it should be emphasized that the project of the Genomic Map of Poland is particularly important for basic research and for the growth of modern methods currently used in medicine such as personalized medicine or precision medicine, which are among the fastest growing areas of science in the modern world. Nowadays, we know that despite genomic similarity between two people above 99%, knowledge about the genome of a local population is of major importance not only in theory but also for practical purposes. In the case of genetic diseases, often single mutations are responsible for difficulties in detecting a disease. This is why it is so important to prepare a scientific description of a Genomic Map for a particular population group that will serve as a benchmark in biological and medical research, where seeking individualized treatment for patients is one of the goals.

It should also be stressed that a necessary condition for conducting all current genetic high quality research is the involvement of significant computational resources and the support of advanced algorithms, at any stage of biological data processing and further data analysis. Hence, the project of the Genomic Map of Poland requires the participation and cooperation of experts in the fields of bioinformatics, biology, chemistry and computer science as well.


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Roundtable Discussions

Implications of the Global Economic Crisis for the Textiles and Ready-made Garments Sector in Egypt

Date : 2/11/2010

Speakers : Amirah El-Hadad, Cairo University

This roundtable discussion assessed the impact of the global economic crisis on the textiles and ready-made garments sector in Egypt; given its importance to investments, production, exports and employment. The assessment is based on two recent datasets reflecting firms' and workers' views regarding the impact of the crisis on the sector.


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From Solids

Abigail Child

Child's first book, published by The Segue Foundation (New York) in 1983 in an edition of 300 copies, contains two works: "Subject Motion" and the eponymous "From Solids." Set in Optima, the pamphlet is trimmed to 6.75 x 8.5 inches and saddle-stapled in coated covers with the illustration of a spectral analysis by a Kay Elemetrics Company B/65 type Sonagram.

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Simplifying your life with a transcription software

Attending classes, going to seminars or simply taking notes of important information you acquire in different places is usually done in the traditional way. Sometimes you might face the problem of omitting relevant details because you are not able to take notes as fast as someone is talking. Because you are living in a modern world, which has seriously advanced from a technological point of view, you can simplify your life with a transcription software. Everything you want to write down will be automatically done for you by this amazing and advanced software.

In every domain of practice, time means money, and technology researchers have understand the importance of this aspect and have come to your rescue with efficient ways to help you save time and increase your productivity. Whenever you find yourself in need of making transcriptions for professional purposes, you can use this software and save a lot of time. This type of device is beneficial for both students and businesspersons. If you are attending a meeting, or have come across a relevant detail, which you would want to remember and use in the future, you can simply pull out your laptop, use the software and save the information. This will also come in handy when you need to write an essay or work on a project that requires a lot of work. You can significantly reduce the time you spend writing, which can only come as a plus.

Researchers and technology developers have thought about every import aspect and have managed to include amazing and useful features in this type of voice recognition software. Depending on your area of expertise, either business or medical related, you can purchase a voice recognition software, which will come in handy in the most unexpected moments. You will be able to create as many documents as you want or control your PC vocally. You can save up to 40 percent of your working time with this innovative and advanced software. Everybody should look for ways to simplify their job duties, and a transcription software is the best option you could have. If you want to quickly send an email, just by using this software, you will be able to completely finish a one page email in a minute or two. Any audio file you might want to transcribe in written format will be done for you, leaving you with a lot of time to handle other work related projects. A transcription software is customized to each domain, either the business area or medical area, giving you the option to purchase one that is suitable for your area of expertise. When technology has advanced so much and developers have come with amazing solutions, why not take advantage of them? What you need to do is look for the right software supplier and reduce the work related stress you are dealing with. With a voice recognition software, you can make your profession or related activities easier and enjoy that extra time that you will benefit from.

For more information about voice recognition software or transcription software, please click on these links!

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As Pure As Oils Get: Kenza Pure Moroccan Beauty Oils

Mar 18, 2014

Ecopique: KENZA Pure BRONZE-500x500We are all “oil” fanatics here at Ecopique. We’ve written posts about the benefits of oil cleansing, moisturizing and even how to make your own oil cleansers. Our newest obsession is Argan Oil. Recently, there’s been a surge of argan oil products entering the market, but I’ve only seen a few brands that offer pure argan oil with no additives. On my hunt for new moisturizing oils, I found Kenza – Pure Moroccan Beauty Oils on Twitter. They are as pure as it gets with the USDA Organic stamp of approval, no chemicals and cruelty free! They were kind enough to send me a variety kit to review. I tested each of their oils and soap for a little over a month (much longer then I usually test products, but I wanted to make sure I explored Kenza’s oils long term effects too.

KENZA Ecopique: Pure Fusion oil 2oz-500x500Kenza Pure Fusion Oil

A little goes along way when applying Kenza’s Fusion Oil. I applied it main to my neck, upper body and dark pigment spots on my face. With many oils I’ve tried, at times the oil takes awhile to absorb into the skin. Although I appreciate the pureness of these oils, I don’t have enough time in the day to wait for it to absorb so I can get dressed. I was pleasantly surprised that Kenza’s Oil absorbs fairly quickly and doesn’t leave any residue on my clothes. In regards to the effectiveness of the oil, throughout the month my dark pigments around my eye and nose became less noticeable. I’ve tried prescription bleach in the past, which worked but with the cost of putting the controversial  hydroquinone on my skin. I found the fusion oil to work just as well as hydroquinione, which is pretty amazing considering it’s made of all natural ingredients.

Ingredients:  Organic Argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil), Organic Prickly Pear Seed oil (Opuntia Ficus Indica)

This product contains no paraben, mineral oils, silicones, alcohol, colorant, or animal ingredients. It also has not been tested on animals.

KENZA Ecopique - Pure Argan oil 2oz-500x500Kenza Pure Argan Oil

Initially, I had a hard time deciphering the main differences between the Pure Argan Oil and the Pure Fusion Oil. They both are great moisturizers that had long lasting benefits, but with time the Argan Oil proved to be a better all around body moisturizer vs. the Fusion Oil which was a great serum. I’m currently pregnant, so I’ve been applying the Argan Oil directly to my belly and thighs to help the elasticity of my skin in those areas I’m anticipating stretch marks. I especially love how soft it leaves my skin after a few days of using it before my morning and night showers. Another benefit of using Argan Oil on my belly vs. lotions is that I won’t be absorbing the synthetic fillers that many lotions have to make their moisturizers seam creamy. Pure ingredients for me and my baby. Love it!

Ingredients: Organic Argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil)

Although I used the Argan Oil more so for stretch mark prevention, their website has a laundry list of other uses.

  • conditions the skin hydro lipid layer and locks in the moisture
  • improves skin elasticity
  • helps to heal acne and blemishes
  • softens and strengthens nails and cuticles
  • nourishes and conditions hair and prevents split ends
  • helps treat pregnancy stretch marks and scars
  • soothes and heals minor cuts, bug bites, rashes, minor burns, and razor irritation
  • eases sore muscles.

I also had the pleasure of using Kenza’s Pure Hair Treatment Oil and Prickly Pear Soap. More to come in my next posts!

Cheers to a beauty #greenbeauty day,

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On November 23-28 2015, more than 300 green economy professionals from 7 major cities participated in the 2015 Global Week of Green Business and the Climate Movement. #ECO4CLIM15 far-reaching impact clearly showed how green SMEs can significantly contribute to the Climate Movement by providing socially-empowering and financially-viable business solutions to the mitigation and adaptation challenges. A powerful statement and a loud voice calling for our leaders to enact supportive legislation, and facilitate the transition towards a sustainable economy grounded on a vibrant fabric of SMEs.

Two weeks later, we carried that voice all the way to the COP21 Climate Summit in Paris, where, alongside the green SME winner of the Climate Champion Special Award 2015 –Ciclogreen-, we participated in the official EU workshop “Opportunities and challenges for SMEs in realising the COP21 vision” organized by GreenEcoNet. And then the historic Paris Agreement was reached in a groundbreaking victory for the Climate Movement as a whole.

In Spain, 172 professionals and more than 50 organizations actively participated in a range of activities organized by Greenbiz along 4 different cities –Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville-, including multi-stakeholder co-creation sessions; thematic workshops on housing, recycling, energy and mobility; and the “Climate Champion Awards 2015”, where 28 SMEs showcased the positive impact they are already creating on the ground, with 16 of them winning prizes along two categories: mitigation and adaptation/resilience.

The following entities contributed to making the 2015 events in Spain possible:

TriodosBank_logo BIODIVERSIDAD LOGO logo_ImpactHubBCN REDmadridDG RES
logoFENISS MEDIOAM-VERT IAT Logo_Megara Mercados de Medio Ambiente sin Fondo
UEM LOGO AndaluciaEmprende-CEC (v.exenta) Logo_UnivSevilla UPO Andanatura_logo_V+
UnLtd_logo La Bolsa Social logo_COAMBCV Logo-COAMB logo_COAMBA_transparente
logo_SpiroStrategy LogicaEco SANNAS logo_ECOACSA Logo ADVENIO_alta
La Manada PLANCHIC ALTA UpSocial_1091x165_RGB-Transparent

In Germany, ECO4CLIM15 started off with the official ceremony of the StartGreen Award on Nov 19th, 2015, an award honoring innovative ideas and founding concepts serving as role models for the green economy in Germany. UnternehmensGrün was part of the jury and partner in the award ceremony. The StartGreen Award was launched by StartUp4Climate, a founder-initiative, aiming to strengthen the sustainable entrepreneurship scene in Germany, facilitating networking activities of green start-ups, founding-support and investors.

On Monday, 23rd November 2015, UnternehmensGrün e.V. organized a “Climate Lunch” in Berlin. Sustainable entrepreneurs had the opportunity to taste fine organic food, jointly prepared by eco-entrepreneurs and the team of UnternehmensGrün. The dish’s recipes came from the “Genuss-Kochbüchle”. This climate-friendly cookbook was developed by a group of pupils as part of the education for sustainable development project “Umweltprofis von morgen.” Additionally, as a member of the Climate Alliance Germany, UnternehmensGrün strongly supports the political demands of their recently issued position paper. The paper outlines crucial energy and climate policy requirements necessary to limit global warming to well below 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Climate Lunch_3

In the Netherlands, De Groene Zaak launched a report showing that businesses often have great climate ambitions, but are held back by governments. It was done on board the “Train to Paris”, an initiative of a coalition of businesses that headed to the COP21 in Paris, providing a “moving platform” for debates and workshops about Climate Change.

Venues: Train to Paris
Date: November 28, 2015

In France, Entreprenedre Vert organized a workshop in Paris on what entrepreneurs, both through working together and in their own organizations, can do to fight climate change. This led to strong conclusions and recommendations that can be seen here. As stated by Frederic Benhaim, Co-president, “To our association and to our members, it’s high time for stronger climate action from public policy decisionmakers at all levels, and from corporate and SME policy. We can all, really, make a difference. Let’s work together!”

Venue: Espace Fil Rouge, 4 Rue Saint-Nicolas, 75012 Paris
Date: November 25, 2015
Program: Circular discussions were maintained, with open participation from the audience and prestigious speakers including:
  • Philippe Schiesser, CEO of Ecoeff, president of APEDEC / Écodesign Fab lab
  • Gilberte Caron, co-founder of Cobusiness
  • Hélène Exbrayat, consultant – educator, founder of Sequoiavox
  • Aksel Piran, entrepreneur in the virtual reality field

Some pictures from Ecopreneurs for the Climate 2015 (full album on Picasa or Facebook)

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Matsuda Wentzell

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