Maher's Digital World

Here I am going to put back some of the photos presented earlier. The topic was deleted because I was fed up.
I'm just pasting some of the best messages.


The photos of Daniil:

Also, I bought a car. This is GAZ-24 "Volga", 1978, $1800. All except turn indicators working but many parts needs replacement for moving without troubles in modern traffic (electrical wiring, clutch hydraulics, brakes... I already change clutch hydro and part of wiring on modern analogs).
(https://i.ibb.co/3rpp6vQ/nr0f45.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/BGLHd4h/2ev4044.jpg)

Some new photos for you, of winter.
(https://i.ibb.co/zs8gcm9/2qjeq7m.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Snv9kPt/10qflmq.jpg)
It is the first snow at this year, and last sunny day - since October 23 here we have only clouds and darkness (and today even more - a fog all over the city).

Our respectable comrade Humbert was right when he told me that a car is more a headache than a pleasure. No, it isn't so difficult to drive, and it isn't require a lot of money (but a lot of upkeep, a lot! I fixing it, and fixing, and fixing every weekend...) But it is not a good transport in a big city. Driving to and from my job, to and from my institute requires same amount of time as a same route on a bus, because you can't move faster than a traffic. Also you can't just leave it in a street, you always must think about a parking place, and you can't find it at the old center of the city (I parked my car at a backyard of our office). So, as a conclusion of my experience with a car - it is just a toy. Big, interesting, beautiful - but a toy. The best usage for my one - large voyages over the interstate roads (but I don't think that I can drive to a Europe, because max speed of Volga is 145 kph, it's too slow for autobahns).

Anyway, that's it - soviet road cruiser (even with red star on engine block). Not all is fixed, but it's alive and shining.
(https://i.ibb.co/9p08jxm/5dm1qg.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3dY2Y5D/a4l6rl.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZTy8LKw/14y5n47.jpg)
(Yes, I understand that this is only a shadow of "big americans" (like a car on one of new scarface's photos), but it's nice anyway!  )



Some photos I took this winter especially for our forum (and didn't post at a time, ashame, ashame!)
15.01.14
(https://i.ibb.co/K789t4v/2ypfzer.jpg)
Neva river. View from Summer Garden. it's -15, windy. You can see the spire of Peter and Paul Cathederal.
(https://i.ibb.co/HnFW0S2/s6lvlu.jpg)
Other angle of view from same place. You can see the building of Makarov's NAVY Academy (small blue one in center) "Aurora" battlecruiser and modern buildings of great "Saint Petersburg" hotel and business center.
(https://i.ibb.co/0Mj2Lgv/14vnr5y.jpg)
Snow. Because many of you asks me how it is looking from close. I'm in two layered glowes made from dog wool.
(https://i.ibb.co/JqLqQyD/szjxhd.jpg)
Lebyajya knavka (i.e., Small Swan Channel). At XVIII century here lived a swans because the Emperor and aristocracy closest to him often got walk by side of this small channel (swans was a symbol of prestige).
(https://i.ibb.co/qpVqZ4x/33u72bb.jpg)
Panorama of Neva river and Liteyniy most (Melting factory bridge, it's named this because on the southern side of Neva near it at XVIII- early XIX century was melting factories, making iron for guns of Russian Army and Navy). On the left side there is buildings of Military Medical Academy named by Pirogov (famous russian medic-surgeon of XIX century), in the center behind the bridge you can see a high chimney - it's a crematory of famous prison named "Krestee" (The Cruxes). On the right side behind the buildings you can see many antennas - that is FSB (KGB) headquareters, so called "Big House".
(https://i.ibb.co/19p0wLD/nxuqv5.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/8rcP2y2/5yhizo.jpg)
This is Troitskiy most (Triune Godhead bridge), or, as it was called at USSR time, Kirovskiy most (Kirov's bridge). First name is more correct. Also you can see the Peter and Paul fortress and Peter and Paul cathederal. On the second photo you can see a memorial to russian navy crews (small chapel with golden cupola).
Now, some photos may be interesting for our muslim comrades:
(https://i.ibb.co/Gt3F21p/307viqf.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/kJnYWGm/nlwoyq.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Y8ZPjs3/nbsrus.jpg)
Kamennoostrovskiy prospekt (Stone Island Avenue) - just a typical street. Take a note - heavy frost suck out any wet as well as very hot weather, so ground is almost dry.
(https://i.ibb.co/khCDBDr/milgj.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/GnMfbxY/2z65ixc.jpg)



The photos of Ahmad:
This is the first thing you'll see if you come visit me,
Welcome to Al Mahalla Al Kubra..
(https://i.ibb.co/sq059Hd/El-Mahalla-El-Kobra-gate.jpg)

And this one on the road after the previous one, just before the main square of my town (Al Shoon square)..
(https://i.ibb.co/M8JPhnT/el-shoon.jpg)
BTW, I live near it.

This is a big mosque and its street from outside..
(https://i.ibb.co/pnQ9qWs/mosque.jpg)

This is the stadium and behind it (Misr Spinning and Weaving) company..
(https://i.ibb.co/xFmG9Zm/stadium.jpg)

Some photos of Usman is some pictures of Pakistan:

(https://image.ibb.co/dkPs3L/Faisal-Mosque.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/csTwV0/Badshahi-Mosque.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/eDus3L/darah-khyber.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cNUs3L/Side-wall-of-derawar-fort-cholistan-desert-in-ba.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hKYwV0/Concordia.jpg)



first is Shah Faisal Mosque
second is Badshahi Mosque
third is Khyber Pass
forth is Derawar Fort
and last one is from K-2.




The photos of the car of shadow.97

(http://i.imgur.com/pAccdzb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/uiLnwwX.jpg)

I'm putting the photos which had been removed in another topic. These are the preferred photos of humbert.

In the line 1 of the subway under the champs elysées:
(https://image.ibb.co/bDF6Le/396422_WP20131014002.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kfp5Dz/958778_WP20131014003.jpg)

Here we are at the place of Concorde, we can see some famous sights.
(https://image.ibb.co/f6aO0e/520389_WP20141022001.jpg)

When humbert came here, he visited this mcdonald.
(https://image.ibb.co/jp8OYz/357684_WP20131014005.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gszDYz/564908_WP20131014012.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fZAFfe/463515_WP20131014018.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hmcHtz/125293_WP20131014022.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dhQ96K/212671_WP20131014023.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jvi7tz/757332_WP20131014024.jpg)

Once again a few photos of the 8th arrondissement, in winter:

The place of Madeleine, where there is a famous church.
(https://image.ibb.co/b0VsRK/371338_WP20141119009.jpg)

Here at Fauchon.
(https://image.ibb.co/bt1o0e/124420_WP20141119002.jpg)

There was a nice saleswoman, and I told her I wanted to take a photo:
(https://image.ibb.co/dqgo0e/206717_WP201411190011.jpg)

A few photos of the Champs Elysee. Near the place of Concorde, there is a market of Christmas.
(https://image.ibb.co/mUCYYz/532357_WP20141119030.jpg)

The Renault's stand
(https://image.ibb.co/mbC0Dz/166101_WP20141119044.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/3hDmfNq/907790-WP20141119046.jpg)

In this busy avenue, destitution is also present. Here we can see a woman begging on the floor, in front of the Nike shop. For years I've seen women like that on the Champs Elysées and nowhere else, lying on the floor, motionless, and covered. I stayed there a few minutes but she never moved. The business didn't seem to be very buoyant though, nobody gave money.
(https://image.ibb.co/eefj6K/737228_WP20141119049.jpg)

Here we can see the Arc of Triumph, which honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
(https://image.ibb.co/iPXWmK/121805_WP20141119053.jpg)

Here are a few photos of the 11th arrondissement.

I had a flat there a few years ago, near the St Ambroise church.
(https://image.ibb.co/iuQgLe/891681_WP20141115017.jpg)

in this Street. We don't see it but there is a lot of shops with Chinese wholesalers of textile.
(https://image.ibb.co/cF4afe/430519_WP201411150191.jpg)

Then I Went to the boulevard Voltaire, an important boulevard between Place of Nation and Place of Republic.
(https://image.ibb.co/hA37tz/789535_WP20141115024.jpg)

Then I went to place of Republic, a busy place as you can see.
(https://image.ibb.co/mVEDYz/177587_WP20141115029.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fD0y0e/748254_WP20141115026.jpg)

back to the line 9
(https://image.ibb.co/dk0LDz/476649_WP20141115030.jpg)

Here are some photos of the Quai Branly in the 7th arrondissement
(https://image.ibb.co/ik0O0e/898663_WP20141105006.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dHFZ6K/549578_WP20141105003.jpg)

Here are the photos of the Maya exhibition which took place in the museum of the quai Branly, which has been built under the presidency of Chirac.

Here we can see some zoomorphic pots
(https://image.ibb.co/eh2gmK/471796_WP20141106004.jpg)

Here is a sculpture with a tied slave
(https://image.ibb.co/bZwVfe/688749_WP20141106006.jpg)

Here we can see a thurible
(https://image.ibb.co/frh30e/155949_WP20141106011.jpg)

Here is a sculpture of jaguar, even if it looks like a snake.
(https://image.ibb.co/jGkLDz/433795_WP20141106012.jpg)

Here is the king of Kabah
(https://image.ibb.co/gpywmK/287289_WP20141106015.jpg)

Some skulls
(https://image.ibb.co/cjbhRK/745001_WP20141106016.jpg)

another thurible
(https://image.ibb.co/jUYXtz/611827_WP20141106017.jpg)

a feathered snake
(https://image.ibb.co/dcaHRK/879854_WP20141106026.jpg)

a divinity of the underworld:
(https://image.ibb.co/np0ntz/561455_WP20141106028.jpg)

an insect of the underworld
(https://image.ibb.co/ep3U6K/445715_WP20141106038.jpg)

The best of: the funeral masks
(https://image.ibb.co/eqMD0e/884231_WP20141106020.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dnvCtz/363448_WP20141106021.jpg)

Some photos of the Louvre. Since humbert has been hitting his head against the wall after the disappearance of his favorite photos, it's urgent to put them back.
The louvre with its pyramids, but its more interesting underneath.
(https://image.ibb.co/n05j3V/412921visitedulouvre.jpg)

The louvre has a big collection of Egyptian relics
(https://image.ibb.co/gcRP3V/242216-IMG0808.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dxiMiV/824953-IMG0809.jpg)

The Albani lion is a 1st century Roman green basalt lion statue with a yellow marble sphere under one paw.
(https://image.ibb.co/eWxaAA/147882-IMG0810.jpg)

Here is the most famous painting of Delacroix
(https://image.ibb.co/fzotxq/618293-IMG0821.jpg)

The raft of medusa, painted by Gericault.
(https://image.ibb.co/jchxOV/258978raftofthemedua.jpg)

The joconde,  a 16th-century portrait painted in oil by Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance in Florence, Italy, is one of the most famous painting in the world. It's always surrounded by a lot of visitors, and it's quite difficult to come close to it as you can see.
(https://image.ibb.co/mr28VA/73131645746139.jpg)

Miscellaneous paintings
(https://image.ibb.co/jqyFAA/879789-IMG0813.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dTHLcq/903964-IMG0819.jpg)

(https://preview.ibb.co/nPsaAA/126703-IMG0814.jpg)

Here are a few photos of the exposition of Koons in Paris:
(https://image.ibb.co/iMUgxf/846633-WP20141213001.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/e404Hf/683118-WP20141213005.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iqPs3L/471147-WP20141213011.jpg)

Mickael Jackson and his baboon:
(https://image.ibb.co/defAq0/562622-WP20141213017.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nRoS3L/163432-WP20141213018.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jePgxf/156217-WP20141213019.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gTbGV0/860712-WP20141213020.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cqw8A0/990120-WP20141213021.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hpBmxf/241269-WP20141213022.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hUX4iL/958899-WP20141213023.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mEBiA0/772486-WP20141213024.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cHRfOL/455399-WP20141213025.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/i6t5q0/674719-WP20141213029.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/j9073L/143995-WP20141213030.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fKuZiL/686137-WP20141213032.jpg)

A few unusual photos of Seine st Denis that you will probably like. For those who don't know, Seine st Denis is part of the north eastern suburb of Paris, but this territory is poor. In the sixties, to meet the needs of urbanization and demographic growth, some large housing developments have been built in this area, but progressively the middle class has fled and this area has become a hard place to live. Today it's the area in France with the highest rate of criminality and the highest rate of foreigners.

In Montreuil
(https://image.ibb.co/kWntyV/440368montreuil.jpg)

In bagnolet:
(https://image.ibb.co/hDF2sq/203954bagnolet.jpg)

In Saint Denis
(https://image.ibb.co/cKGgkA/336310stdenis.jpg)

in Pantin:
(https://image.ibb.co/e53Nsq/472772pantin.jpg)

in Bondy:
(https://image.ibb.co/dj7tyV/937840bondy.jpg)

in La courneuve:
(https://image.ibb.co/nLoYyV/224789lacourneuve.jpg)

When  I rented a car I took a few photos. Here they are:
I went to the station Montparnasse to fetch the car. Beside the station, we can find the tower Montparnasse, the tallest tower of paris:
(https://image.ibb.co/nJoBkA/393138-WP20140916008.jpg)

Then I went back to the north west of Paris where I'm living. Here we are in the 15th borough, on a hill overlooking Paris and we can make out the eiffel tower.
(https://image.ibb.co/kxStyV/562701-WP20140916012.jpg)

I went to the place of Concorde then, a place reminiscent of ancient Egypt.
(https://image.ibb.co/cJevCq/671310-WP20140916014.jpg)

Then I took the Avenue of the Champs Elysees.
(https://image.ibb.co/nrx45A/573441-WP20140916017.jpg)

On the pont d'iena...
(https://image.ibb.co/csB8Xq/853019-WP20140916035.jpg)

Other photos taken in summer.
During holidays in the south of France, a fine weather.
(https://image.ibb.co/iB7nQA/775847-WP20140904010.jpg)

After a 2 and a half hours travel in train, the same day the weather is not so fine here in Paris. There is a grey sky, and it seems there are clouds on the horizon, both literally and figuratively.
(https://image.ibb.co/hDwWkA/296891-WP20140906012.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/deP1kA/597182-WP20140906009.jpg)

You rented a car just to go out and take some pictures? In Paris you don't even need a car, you can go just about anywhere on the metro without worrying about parking. Renting a car over there must cost a fortune, not to even mention insurance and gas. What's a liter of gas going for nowadays.

The pics are great!

Answering humbert would be too long. Let's assume he knows the answers!
I wanted to talk about Greece. Germany just rejected Greek extension proposal. Translation: for Greece its nein, either they pay or they go back to the drachma. The stocks markets plunged following this decision.

Quote from: scarface on February 19, 2015, 02:37 PM
I wanted to talk about Greece. Germany just rejected Greek extension proposal. Translation: for Greece its nein, either they pay or they go back to the drachma. The stocks markets plunged following this decision.

I honestly don't know what these Greeks are thinking. Don't they understand the basic concept that if you make 1â,¬ you can't spend 2â,¬? Do they expect Angela and the rest of the EU to simply finance their wasteful policies or what? Does Syriza offer another way out that simply no austerity?

Tonight, I’m going to hold another conference.
I’m going to talk about a man from Qalqilya who has become an apostate and who is proud of it. In his Palestinian town, Waleed Al Husseini decided that it was time for God to have a facebook page and called it “Ana Allah”, which means I am God. He announced that God would be communicating directly with people via Facebook since despite having sent prophets centuries ago His message had still not got through. The imaginary instructions from God posted by Husseini included one written in the style of Qur'anic verses forbidding people from drinking whisky mixed with Pepsi; "God" ordered them to mix it with water instead. In another post on the divine Facebook page, "God" recommended smoking hashish. First he did this at home but his father who is very religious got rid of his connection when he realized what was posted on internet. So He kept posting his messages at the cybercafe where he could spend 10 hours per day.
The Palestinian authorities were far from amused, however, and few days later Walled al Husseini , an IT graduate who had been unable to find a proper job since leaving university, was sitting in a cafe playing cards when two members of the secret police came in and arrested him. He spent the next ten months in jail, some of the time in solitary confinement, and today lives in exile in the suburb of Paris, unemployed and separated from his family and friends.

Husseini grew up in Palestine in what he describes as a normal Muslim family but in secondary school he started asking questions - "questions like whether we are free to choose or not". Without realizing it at the time, he had stumbled into a debate about free will and predestination (al-qada' wal-qadr in Arabic) which has exercised the minds of theologians for centuries. If God is all-knowing, He can surely foresee evil deeds; if He is all-powerful He must be capable of preventing them; if He is good, why does He allow evil deeds and then punish people for them? A verse in the Qur'an says: "Ye shall not will, except as Allah wills."
He went to an imam in Qalqilya to put his question but he didn’t have an answer. This kind of response - that such questions should not be asked - is a familiar one in authoritarian societies and it is a response described by many other Arabs who have since abandoned religion. By prompting them to look further afield for answers, it has probably done more than anything else to set young Muslims on the road to disbelief.
With his curiosity aroused, Husseini embarked on his own research. "I went to the library in my school and the public library in my city. You can find many things there about religion but not about criticisms of religion," he said. "I spent around four years searching because when I started with this issue I discovered more and more. Step by step I moved away from religion until I left Islam in my first year at university."
Naively, perhaps, Husseini saw nothing particularly abnormal about his decision. He knew that plenty of famous Palestinian writers had also questioned religion in the past - among them Edward Said who was an openly-declared agnostic, plus the poet Mahmoud Darwish and the novelist Ghassan Kanafani who had also been a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. But when Husseini started telling his university friends that he was no longer a Muslim, he was taken aback by their reaction. Looking for reassurance, he even approached some who claimed to be Communists but their reaction was the same: "No," they told him, "We only take from the Communists their way of fighting."
Undeterred by that, he had started a couple of blogs - one in Arabic called Nour al-Aql ("The Light of Reason") and another in English called Proud Atheist. "I started discussions. I was just looking for the truth," he said. "It wasn't much, and in the beginning nobody was following me." In a blog post at the end of August in 2010 - two months before his arrest - Husseini wrote:
"Muslims often ask me why I left Islam. What strikes me is that Muslims can't seem to understand that renouncing Islam is a choice offered to everyone and that anyone has the right to do so. They believe anyone who leaves Islam is an agent or a spy for a western state, namely the Jewish state, and that they get paid bundles of money by the governments of these countries and their secret services. They actually don't get that people are free to think and believe in whatever suits them...
I would like to emphasise that by writing this article I did not mean to imply that Christianity or Judaism were better than Islam, and the reader should not fool himself into thinking that I only reject Islam among religions, all of which are to me a bunch of mind-blowing legends and a pile of nonsense that compete with each other in terms of stupidity."

Husseini was eventually charged with insulting Muslims, defaming religions and inciting religious strife but it was four months before he appeared in court. In all, he says, he made more than ten court appearances and each time the case was adjourned without a full trial. He suspects his arrest was more connected with politics than religion itself - rivalries between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Islamist Hamas movement in Gaza. Hamas was accusing the PA of not being religious enough, and the PA wanted to display some religious credentials.
Husseini was also tortured for that during his cross examinations, like being suspended from the ceiling, the obligation to be standing on one leg for one month...
"For the first four months I slept only two or three hours a night," Husseini said. "All the time I was standing and they asked me things like 'Who paid you? Are you working with the Mossad? Are you working with others?' I said no, I just write my articles, my thoughts.
Husseini knows he's potentially in danger but for the moment no fatwa has been released against him.
He just released a book titled "blasphemers, the jails of Allah"...

The town of Qalqilya
(http://www.artistes-contre-le-mur.org/Qalqilya/qalqilya_mur_aer.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to do a conference to talk about Egypt.
Today, president Sissi adopted a new anti-terrorist law to fight terrorism which has been hitting Egypt for 20 months and to reinforce the repressive arsenal. Those who are supporting the terrorists or those who are talking about them, notably on the internet, can be sent to jail.
According to some experts, this opens the way to proceedings against whoever talks about the Muslim brothers on internet or in a mosque.
I know there are many Egyptians on the forum, they probably feel concerned about that.

President Sissi of Egypt
(https://i.ibb.co/K0LtM7P/Sissi.jpg)

Another highlight of the day: Dictator kim Jong un is wearing a new sleek haircut.
(http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/404764/slide_404764_5038930_compressed.jpg)
Clearly it's reminiscent of famous people...
(http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/3100000/Dylan-beverly-hills-90210-3196351-263-395.jpg)

(https://theyellowkid.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/kid-n-play-yellow.jpg)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/89/47/ca8947083164c0761454cf016933d16b.jpg)

Quote
(https://theyellowkid.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/kid-n-play-yellow.jpg)

I thought this was Swedens flag when I scrolled by quickly.  ::)

Here are a few photos of the roofs of Paris. I took them today when I was on the rooftop of the galeries Lafayette. It provides a stunning view over all of Paris and its monuments.
The big building is nothing else than the Opera Garnier.

(http://i.imgur.com/M9inKdx.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kobLfA/47090220160720132824.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/f9GLfA/55263720160720132832.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/m2frnq/61609620160720133047.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iH5rnq/22345420160720133157.jpg)

You're forgetting Burma's name is Myanmar, at least until Aung San Suu Kyi takes over (hopefully soon).

As for the USA, you're paying too much attention to the news media. Despite the fact that killings of this nature have been going on for quite a while, the country is safe, everything continues as normal and there no is collapse in order.

On the little map you posted, notice that the 1% corresponds to an area that is mostly mountains, forests and deserts in the south. Even the more heavily populated cities of Los Angeles and Phoenix are to the south of it.

Quote from: humbert on March 01, 2015, 05:15 AM
You're forgetting Burma's name is Myanmar, at least until Aung San Suu Kyi takes over (hopefully soon).

As for the USA, you're paying too much attention to the news media. Despite the fact that killings of this nature have been going on for quite a while, the country is safe, everything continues as normal and there no is collapse in order.

On the little map you posted, notice that the 1% corresponds to an area that is mostly mountains, forests and deserts in the south. Even the more heavily populated cities of Los Angeles and Phoenix are to the south of it.

We are taught in school that it is no longer called Myanmar. We got taught Burma.

Today, I'm going to talk about Australia. This country is suffering from an exceptional drought, and some think this is directly link with global warming. In november 2014, Obama throwed down climate change challenge to Australia's prime minister Abbott, since many leaders are critical against his equivocal policy to curb global warming. German Chancellor Merkel also called on Australia to reveal plans for cutting dioxide emissions, warning that climate change "won't stop at the Pacific Islands".

Australians are chuffed about a huge trade deal signed with Beijing last month that will see millions of their beef cattle end up on Chinese dinner plates.
But global warming could prevent Australia from satisfying the astronomical demand for about $1 billion a year of live exported beef that has been created by China’s burgeoning, meat-hungry middle class.
Farmers in Australia’s fabled Outback are being whipsawed by a once-in-100-year-drought that is forcing a large number of them to slaughter their herds now.

(https://i.ibb.co/bQvKGhJ/matthew-fisher-2817e.jpg)
As the Outback reels from a once-in-a-century drought, three million beef cattle â€" or ten per cent of the national herd â€" have already had to be culled and an iconic way of life is in peril.

these are not ordinary times in the Outback or on the Champions’ land at Longway Station, just outside the tiny regional centre of Longreach and 1,175 kilometres by road from Brisbane. There has not been any rain at all here for 20 months.

Australia had 29.3 million cattle as of June of last year and is expected to have about 26 million head next year, according to Queensland Country Life. That would be the smallest number of cattle here in nearly 40 years. Already 46 farms in the Longreach area are believed to be seriously “stressed” economically. Some have been abandoned.

(https://i.ibb.co/NSkzxP9/fisher-australia-webd1b7.jpg)

Quote from: usmangujjar on March 05, 2015, 05:45 AM
not only human being is totally cause of climate changes.
i think when the population increased too much, nature starts some challenges like floods and earthquakes to decrease it and taught us some lesson.

This is pretty much what I've been saying all along - nature is very self-correcting. Populations adjust to the amount of resources available.

Quote from: usmangujjar on March 05, 2015, 05:45 AM
(Brother Ahmad is here again, some days ago he visited the forum, but don't replied me. i had sent him pm. he will be busy, but i am too happy..)

We are all your brothers, right? :)

Quote from: Fuj on March 16, 2015, 03:47 PM
Today we have a new one - "Private video chat right now with sexy beautiful model". It's not necessarily the case, but it does smell like it could be the type of scam you might have already heard about in the news because it led some people to suicide. The girl undresses herself in front of webcam and convinces the naive guy to do the same. Everything is recorded and then they start blackmailing him under the threat of posting the video on Facebook or wherever. So this is potentially much more dangerous than the classic spam we've been getting.

I'm not seeing any ads at all. Then again I use Adblock Edge. Edge is the way to go -- Plus has a whitelist of sites that pay them off so as not to be included in their filtering. Edge also supports much better filters which don't appear in Plus.

Be that as it may, there is no question an ad such as this is rogue. Maher would never allow anything that even remotely smells of pr0n. I'm going to contact him and tell him to intervene immediately.

Tonight, I'm going to put a few photos taken in the Cernuschi museum which is an Asian art museum, specialising in works from China, Japan, and Korea.
The museum was founded in 1898 by Henri Cernuschi (1821â€"1896) and is located in the mansion which used to be his home.
I said I would put photos of the paintings of Velazquez, but it would be have been boring for me and most probably for you.

(https://image.ibb.co/bR4gLA/429085-WP20150328001.jpg)
On the way to the museum

(https://image.ibb.co/hjymnq/827675-WP20150328003.jpg)
Formerly, I lived in the vicinity. I moved only a few hundred meters away.

(https://image.ibb.co/hwcqDV/920554-WP20150328004.jpg)
He we are at the Monceau park. The museum is adjacent to the park. At the left, we can spot the embassy of Portugal.

(https://image.ibb.co/bQfMLA/136764-WP20150328005.jpg)
The Cernuschi museum

(https://image.ibb.co/dikXSq/856089-WP20150328006.jpg)
At the museum entrance

(https://image.ibb.co/fvXnSq/3328955155519.jpg)
Here we can see a You vase with a tiger shape, from Sthe hang dynasty (roughly 1300 bc). It's unquestionably the most famous work of the museum.
This vase was designed to contain fermented beverages.

(https://image.ibb.co/cnCCSq/256971-WP20150328007.jpg)
Here we can see a Lei vase, from the Zhou dynasty (1000 bc)
This one is particularly rare. A few other Lei vases have been discovered in Baidong, in the district of Harqin in Laoning, or in Peng district, in Sichuan.

(https://image.ibb.co/cr4gLA/744111-WP20150328014.jpg)
A door of tomb chamber. Period of the Eastern Han (1st century ac)

(https://image.ibb.co/kPp1nq/124440-WP20150328015.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/b1TGLA/500522-WP20150328016.jpg)
A gooze-shaped carafe (period of the Northern Han)

(https://image.ibb.co/c9XbLA/291400-WP20150328029.jpg)
The buddha Amithaba (period of the Liao Dynasty, 1000 ac)


added: A few recents photos taken on 8 May 2016.

The Monceau park
(https://image.ibb.co/f50rnq/75380320160508153712.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/k80P7q/31330320160508153858.jpg)

The Street Georges Berger
The devices across the street are charging stations for electric cars.
(https://image.ibb.co/mnfJYV/11716920160508154201.jpg)

The street Legendre
(https://image.ibb.co/dxqVfA/77284720160508154632.jpg)

The street of Saussure
(https://image.ibb.co/dxPHSq/60502520160508155320.jpg)

The street Cardinet and behind you can see new housing under construction, in the area of the Martin Luther king park.
(https://image.ibb.co/f9eHSq/83081520160508155751.jpg)

The avenue of Clichy
(https://image.ibb.co/bZ4HSq/57617120160508160804.jpg)

Tonight, I'm also going to do a conference about financial markets with latest market insights, analysis, and perspectives.

Last Thursday and last Friday, we have seen that the bubble in the sector of Biotechnology began to burst, at least on the French market. The news of bad clinical tests was sufficient to trigger a collapse of the price of Genfit.
(https://image.ibb.co/hDUtiV/453644genfit.png)

At this price, Genfit is still worth 600 million euros and doesn't make any profit.
And In the US, Amgen and biogen have reached market valuations which are close to the stratosphere.
http://www.boursorama.com/cours.phtml?symbole=AMGN
According to Josh Brown at Ritholtz Wealth Management, there is clearly a bubble on biotechs. He's denouncing the bets made on certain medications.

All this reminds me of the bubble in Green energy in 2007. At the beginning of the year 2007, everyone was optimistic about green energy. but Firms in wind power
never made any profit, they are surviving thanks to capital increases. For those who invested in the French firm Theolia, which was the European leader in green energy, mainly wind power, it has been a rout. while the price went up to 30euros in 2007, it's only worth 70 cents today. The firm is selling more and more assets to survive, the ones in Morocco or Brazil.
An association of cheated small investors of Theolia has even been created...
The evolution of the market valuation of Theolia
(https://image.ibb.co/g9B0VA/454809teo.png)

Why am I taking this example? Because the overall market could follow a similar pattern. The bubble of Theolia began to burst at the beginning of 2007. The investors, let's call them "baboons" or "sheep", suddenly understood that valuations were a bit high. And a few months later, the markets peaked before the crisis of 2008. In 2008 the bubble on the weakest firms completely burst. We could see the same thing today. I don't think the markets will crumble immediately. But there are big problems ahead, like Greece, or the US rate hikes, while valuations are tight. If I'm right, we could have a peak in the next months before a stagnation and then a fall of the markets. For the moment, note that the resistance on the dow jones at 18300 I referred to a few weeks ago has played its role.

Hello, comrades.
Scarface crying a lot about economic collapse, I don't  agree with him (or may be his theory is correct, but for EU only).
But I see another threat, invisible but much more real.
Read this article: Behavioral sink (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_sink)

Daniil - certainly you should know by now that Scarface isn't all there. :)

I'm thinking the concept of "behavioral sink" is overblown. Forget about the EU - go to a places that have extremely high population densities. Mumbai (India), Hong Kong, Tokyo (Japan) and Lagos (Nigeria). Order still exists in these places. Also, keep in mind something I keep reminding Scarface - populations are self adjusting. They adjust according to the resources there to maintain them.

To Daniil: Maybe economic collapse is too strong an expression. But in any case, whether you agree or not, or whatever you want, it won’t change anything. And while we all have responsibilities if something happens, it’s not due to me, humbert or iih in particular.
I don’t know if you have watched the videos in the survivalist topic, but they are quite factual.
Fundamentally, we live in a world where everything is linked with oil, and with energy. Without energy, we would come back to the 18th century. If we were not numerous it could be possible but with 7 billion people, and soon 8, it’s going to be difficult. We can see that on the forum which is quite representative of a more and more urban world.  Few persons here are autonomous for their food and live like farmers in Mali or Bedouins in Egypt.
(http://www.friends-international.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Jakarta-from-sky.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cb27AA/990996parisvuduciel.jpg)


It’s also important to understand that we live in a complex world. Formerly, the people were practically all peasants. Today in many countries, 70% of the population is working in the sector of services and 3 or 4% in the farming sector. It’s perhaps not true in Mali or Sudan, but that’s the case in the US or in Europe. But what’s is complex is also fragile. If you are sowing seeds in a meadow it will grow. If these seeds are potatoes maybe they will be eaten by Colorado beetle, it’s possible. But if you are sowing seeds in a field without fertilizers and phospates, nothing will grow, because the micro organisms which are necessary for the crops have been killed by pesticides and by a mechanized agriculture. And while there has been a significant rise in agricultural yields during the 20th century, it’s not true any longer and there is even an inflexion. During the 20th century, it’s important to understand that the demographic growth has been possible thanks to the agricultural revolution and the rise in yields. But modern agriculture needs to be profitable and it’s not possible to leave the fields lying fallow, and while we are more and more numerous, it’s probably going to be another problem in the coming years if yields were to decrease (and we are not even mentioning here the dependence on oil and possibly the need for biofuels).



But today we can see that the consequences of all that are significant. There are fewer and fewer jobs, and unfortunately the people are no longer living in the countryside so there are more and more unemployed people. In some countries like UK or Germany, statistics are good but they are concealing a huge number of “0 hour contracts” and temporary jobs.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/49477731_cba931c66b.jpg)

Also, there is growing evidence that pollution has significant adverse effects.
A hot air balloon in Paris, used to retrieve data about air quality
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/wsfile/8291386845720.jpg)

Another problem with the plastic pollution. Here is the island of Thilafushi in The Maldives
(http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/thilafushi-island-maldives-garbage-dump-plastic-mountains-46008840.jpg)


A few days ago, it was stated that Arctic sea ice this year is the smallest in winter since satellite records began in 1979 â€" a new sign of long-term climate change, according to U.S. data. The U.N. panel of climate scientists links the long-term shrinkage of the ice, by 3.8 percent a decade since 1979, to global warming, and says Arctic summertime sea ice could vanish in the second half of the century.


And finally, we could be facing more and more conflicts for resources like oil or water. Some organizations are also fighting in Syria and Iraq to capture oil rigs in order to finance their wars.
(http://www.sagelaw.us/images/graphics/twin-laden.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on April 14, 2015, 02:09 AM
As for Greece, there is a continued stalemate. Indeed, Greece is preparing to take the dramatic step of declaring a debt default unless it can reach a deal with its international creditors by the end of April, according to people briefed on the radical leftist government’s thinking.
http://bfmbusiness.bfmtv.com/mediaplayer/video/olivier-delamarche-vs-pierre-sabatier-12-la-croissance-chinoise-a-ralenti-est-ce-la-fin-d-un-modele-1304-497169.html

Expect a default in June. Official sector payments (pensions, salaries, etc) will most likely stop in May. This will be the beginning of the end.
Consequences: Civil unrest and financial meltdown. A heaven for criminals...

Maybe you are not a godfather yet. So this could be an opportunity for you.
If you want to sponsor a giraffe, a spider or a snake, you can go to the site of the zoo of vincennes to make a donation.
Most of the animals listed are endangered species and the zoo needs funds to keep them and protect their them in their natural environment.
http://www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr/fr/participez/animaux-parrainer


(http://i.f1g.fr/media/ext/805x453/www.lefigaro.fr/medias/2013/11/15/PHOc957777a-4dec-11e3-bd02-e4d15a3d1322-805x453.jpg)

(http://i.f1g.fr/media/ext/805x453/www.lefigaro.fr/medias/2013/11/15/PHOca6c4032-4dec-11e3-bd02-e4d15a3d1322-402x453.jpg)

(http://i.f1g.fr/media/ext/805x453/www.lefigaro.fr/medias/2013/11/15/PHOdeff6a9c-4dec-11e3-bd02-e4d15a3d1322-805x453.jpg)

I wonder why these Femen girls take their shirts off.  Maybe to attract attention. They must have a strong reason, judging by what people were wearing it was a cool rainy day.

Lately, the users of the forum have been very wise, even jastreb. That's why I'm putting a few photos of the Louis Vuitton exposition today. You are going to discover some interesting works of art.

On my way to the station of the sablons.
In the line 13
(https://image.ibb.co/jw2Yuf/460611-WP20150502001.jpg)

Waiting for the subway on the line 1
(https://image.ibb.co/iCbMfL/738442-WP20150502004.jpg)

In Neuilly sur Seine, on the way to the foundation.
(https://image.ibb.co/d2V3uf/385921-WP20150502026.jpg)

The boulogne wood
(https://image.ibb.co/ntNNn0/541195-WP20150502010.jpg)

The building of the Louis Vuitton foundation
(https://image.ibb.co/hWGyS0/124154-WP20150502011.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bSqE0L/588243-WP20150502013.jpg)

Clearly, the temporary exposition of the LVF is a place where there are many famous paintings. It’s not a surprise if the LVF organizer is nobody less than the billionaire Bernard Arnault, the richest man in France, and he probably has some good friends. However, the ticket is quite expensive, I guess the foundation must be profitable, and by going here on Saturday afternoon, I didn't choose the right day to come, since I spent hours waiting to enter the foundation or visit some galleries. Since photos inside the galleries were not allowed, the photos you’ll see are not mine.


The walking man by Giacometti

(https://image.ibb.co/nyZz0L/2015-11-05-sculpt-walkingman-e1431338859818.jpg)

The scream By Munch.
This painting is very famous and since 2006 it wasn't allowed to leave Norway lest it could be robbed.
(https://image.ibb.co/cg7GEf/Munch.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dBF6fL/343533thescream.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/mQdyuf/clefs-11-1000x550.jpg)

Picasso â€" head of a woman.
(https://image.ibb.co/eOw1Ef/21570252669-0474706b16-z.jpg)

The Black square by Malevitch (National Russian Museum of St petersburg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nd9UZf/1-malevitch.jpg)

The blue waterlilies by Monet
(https://image.ibb.co/ew7GEf/Blue-water-lilies.jpg)

The dance by Matisse
(https://image.ibb.co/bRurfL/p1020982.jpg)


On the roof, at the 4th floor, a photo of the boulogne wood in the foreground and the area of la défense...
(https://i.ibb.co/3hcCW5R/fondation-louis-vuitton-04.jpg)




Now, you are probably wondering if it was a good exposition?
Well, I was disappointed because there is so much better, like the Museum of Orsay, the Louvre, or the Dali exhibition at the Pompidou centre.
And It’s definitely not worth the price since it cost 15â,¬ to see very few works on display in 2 or 3 rooms. Besides a few famous work of art, the building is almost empty. And don’t be mistaken by those photos. They are not mine because cameras were forbidden.
There is a lot of visitors, and I had to wait for 2 hours before entering the museum.
If you were to visit sth in Paris, maybe you can skip this one and focus on better museums like Orsay.
I also advise you to go to the Park of the Buttes-Chaumont. It is perhaps a little less formal than the other green spaces in Paris, but completely worth the uphill stroll.
You can also see la coulée verte. The old train tracks connecting Bastille and Vincennes were turned into La Coulée Verte: a five-kilometre trail of elevated gardens, the Jardin de Reuilly and tree-lined cyclepaths. All very green; all very pretty. If you kick off at the Bastille end, you can climb up one of the staircases on avenue Daumesnil to get sweeping views of the city.
(https://i.ibb.co/gVGnWc0/Coul-e-verte-Ren-Dumont-2017-2.jpg)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pKowWFBIuY

Tonight, I'm going to talk about Pakistan.
While its capital is Islamabad, Karachi is referred to as the financial capital of Pakistan and accounts for a significant part of its economy.
And while Islamabad is not bigger than Zagreb, Karachi is an agglomeration of 20 million people, one of the most populated behind Tokyo, Jakarta and Seoul.
But while Islamabad is a town which still has a bearable dimension, Karachi has become an enormous town with mounting problems such as pollution, overpopulation or thefts.

Islamabad
(https://i.ibb.co/r00vj0H/Islamabad-original-9259.jpg)

Rawal Lake, near Islamabad
(https://i.ibb.co/YRB4rNQ/Rawal-Lake-640-37630.jpg)

Karachi
(https://i.ibb.co/YDZjnMX/Karachi-from-above.jpg)


That's why some Pakistanis are jealous of the comfort of the inhabitants of Islamabad.
Here is the story of a Karachiite in Islamabad:
"Even the air is cleaner in Islamabad. It’s like they have purchased some high-end environment scrubbers that take all the carbon monoxide out and it replace it with the pine scent that you hang in your car in Karachi. This was the first thing I felt when visiting the capital city recently after entirely too long. A short work-related trip turned into a revelation for me. Getting off the plane into a cool morning breeze that lifts your mood and lightens the very bloody spirit. I hated it. As a Karachiite it is hard for me to trust air I can’t wipe off my face in a black smear. And then there is all the green. The Margalla Hills rising serenely upwards, the sidewalks that are like little nursery’s. My rage began to rise. Why do Islamabadis get to live like this and we don’t? The sight of people walking around casually with cell phones out in public drove me into such a fury I considered stealing their phones and then running them over just to teach them a lesson.

It was the mongoose that won me over. A friend, in an attempt to soothe my ire, took me to a park that overlooked a lake. There was an aviary under construction there, which would house more than just the cacophonic crows and needy eagles we Karachiites have to contend with. It inspired a rant in me that I was enthralling him with, when two mongoose ran past me. Like stretched squirrels they frolicked in the grass and amongst the flowers. Frolicked. The last time anyone frolicked in Karachi, Maya Khan chased them down with a camera crew. I decided then and there that I both love Islamabad and hate it.

I love the city because it shows that when we want to, we can do things right. We can make a city that is beautiful, clean and safe. We can give children places to play and grant opportunities to commune with the natural. We can give you a place to live where the walls are low because no one will jump over them and the roads are wide because the speed cameras will stop you from abusing them. We can do all that and then maintain it too. If I wasn’t such a Karachiite, I would move to Islamabad.

I hate the city too though. I hate Islamabad because it represents the ability to do things right only once and only selfishly. The rest of the country can ripen and rot because no one in power lives there for very long. A city like Karachi can be ignored to the point of criminal negligence because all the attention and money and focus and time would much rather be spent trimming the grass in the capital. We deny the rest of the country safety and security and places for their children to enjoy so that a few can have it way over there. The result is, people in Islamabad don’t steal cell phones. In Karachi, if those speed cameras would have been installed then they would be on sale for half-price in Saddar by the end of the first day.

No wonder our leaders don’t care about our misery. No wonder the president, in his latest address to parliament, made it seem like we are progressing at a rate that would make China jealous. And no wonder the cries of victims go unheard so often and for so long. Every time our elected leaders look out the windows of their Islamabad houses, they see birds and trees, they hear the wind and smell the pine. And they see two mongoose frolicking in the grass like young lovers. They probably think we are making it all up. I hate Islamabad. Why can’t we all have one?"

Quote from: scarface on May 06, 2015, 02:44 PM
Can'y you be clearer, besides the approximate grammar, I don't know about your disagreement is about. Since I'm not Karachiite, it's indeed a copied story, except the comments.

Sorry if I am stupid but, according to the oil chart. Shouldn't we have really much oil that is unused..?

QuoteShouldn't we have really much oil that is unused..

Which chart? the chart of Yemen? It's not a chart about reserves but about production. But It has never been a big oil producer though. And since worldwide oil reserves are difficult to assess, I don't know how to answer your question. But generally speaking, every oil deposit has the same development pattern, a bell curve, so it's quite easy to predict some shortages one day, if not enough oil deposits are discovered each year.
You should probably watch the videos in the survivalist topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOMWzjrRiBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TENdzpC4e8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgOTQ7D_lk
A video to watch about peak oil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKpRLNeWao

Well, I was thinking today win7 could be the last usable OS for firms since 8.1 is bloated and made for phone of for some people like humbert who like tiles while win10 is a trojan horse for CNN news. But we will be obliged to upgrade one day. On my new laptop I uninstalled win8 and put win7, but wifi drivers were not available for it on the hp website, fortunately I found some drivers that were shipped for an older computer with the same broadcom card.
(http://betanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/win-10-9926.jpg)

I'm a bit depressed tonight. Ive had bad news lately, A judge is going to cause me hassle about financial matters. So I'm drinking a good bottle of red wine.
But the most important is my presence here, with the faithful users of the forum. Even if harkaz or Ahmad have not time any more to post messages here, I'm pretty sure they are still there to read the news of the forum. I tested my new optic fiber line too, and it's very fast, I'm going to keep uploading things for you, but I don't know what. Don't know if you liked the x files too.
Ive been a spendthrift lately, I didnt think that I would have to pay for some things that I had forgotten but which seem to concern me. And thinking I could owe some money to a judge for some silly familial matters, plus the electricity bill that exploded and the income taxes coming in august, it's making me really sick, so maybe the forum can turn to god and do a prayer for me.

The simple fact that Windows 8 and 8.1 were written with phones and tablets in mind in no way means it doesn't work well for traditional desktops. Also, let me say once again the start screen is an app launcher, nothing more, nothing less. It is infinitely better than the old start menu. The only valid reason I hear for people sticking to Windows 7 is personal taste. Others I hear are based on misinformation.

How is it you have a legal financial problem when you keep telling us you have no money? Also, I don't know how the law in the EU works, but here in America if a judge orders someone to pay and that person has no money, the judgement is useless. No one is ever jailed for simply owing money.

As for your electric bill, how much are you paying? For me during the summer months it's about $190. Daytime summer temps here are about 38° to 40°C and the A/C doesn't stop running. Winter is about $150 - not much electric but I have to buy gas for heat. Spring and autumn are around $115.

Quote from: usmangujjar on May 09, 2015, 08:26 PM
Sorry for delay. I am looking for better screenshots utility, screenshots from screencapture button then copied to the Windows paint are not in good quality, any idea?

I think the there is no shoutbox option into the SMF system, if it has, than it should be enabled in to the form.

What the forum moderators have acces to the pesonal messages of the other members?
What rights and controls given to the moderators of this forum?

(Its night here, forum time is showing afternoon. I here from many days, see the more stats of the forum and my profile. I have many posts, beside all are useful or not. Forum has already few daily coming and posting members.
I think Boss will close or sell the forum in 2-3 years almost, may humbert will purchase it and assign someone to continue Windows work........
Its time to sleep, I am in drowsiness, but on the forum.
There is no restrictions on the dreams,,,,, 
USMAN:D)

I love the screenshotting tool ShareX ( https://getsharex.com/ ). It's highly customizable, fast and all. Can record videos, screenshots to folders, upload on finnish saving.
Though, its a hazzle, so I mainly use www.Gyazo.com

Usman-> Did you re-install ur PC  with Latest Maherz release?

When it comes to screensavers I use FScapture. You can get it at http://www.faststone.org (http://www.faststone.org). I have a working serial number if you want it.

Long time no see Mr. Harkaz. How's your XP sp4 project going?

SP4 development is almost over: Need to fix a small issue with 16-bit apps (Clean installs only).
There are some reports about sporadic issues but since I cannot reproduce them I'm unable to do something to fix them.

I have been around here occasionally (as guest) just to read scarface's articles. I find them very interesting.

Now I'm more interested in security than deployment and I devote enough of free time to learn about malware analysis, forensics, etc. It's a chaotic field but certainly exciting.

Quote from: harkaz on May 16, 2015, 03:46 PM
SP4 development is almost over: Need to fix a small issue with 16-bit apps (Clean installs only).
There are some reports about sporadic issues but since I cannot reproduce them I'm unable to do something to fix them.

I have been around here occasionally (as guest) just to read scarface's articles. I find them very interesting.

Now I'm more interested in security than deployment and I devote enough of free time to learn about malware analysis, forensics, etc. It's a chaotic field but certainly exciting.

16 bit apps on windows are still problematic. As a matter of fact, try running TCC or Turbo C. I think 16bit apps crash because of some memory leaks. Have yo tried tweaking 16bit apps to run in a separate memory location and AFAIK it solved some issues I faced while using Turbo C on xp.

A site released a ranking of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Some towns of which photos are present in this topic are in this list.
You can discover the ranking here: http://www.toptenfindings.com/top-10-most-beautiful-capitals-in-the-world/

I've final scheduled next week and I will not be available for 15-20 days.

What web site(s) do you use to host your pics?

QuoteWhat web site(s) do you use to host your pics?

This url: http://www.hostingpics.net/

It's very hot today. Usmangujjar is lucky, with 32 degres, paris is currently hotter than islamabad (26).
So Im eating an ice cream at work...
http://i.imgur.com/eFon040.jpg

Quote from: scarface on June 05, 2015, 03:54 PM
It's very hot today. Usmangujjar is lucky, with 32 degres, paris is currently hotter than islamabad (26).
So Im eating an ice cream at work...
http://i.imgur.com/eFon040.jpg

After couple of rain showers its cool here.

Here are a few photos taken from the Eiffel tower.

Here is a view towards the West. In the background, We can see the wood of Boulogne, and the area of la Defense,
(https://i.ibb.co/WVdf5zz/736455defense.jpg)

Here is another photo towards the south, with the champs de mars, and the Montparnasse tower.
(https://i.ibb.co/vv2FwMr/146624montparnasse.jpg)

Here is a view of the Sacre Coeur, from the first floor.
(https://i.ibb.co/x72Shwb/199284sacrecoeur.jpg)

Here is a view towards the north East. In the foreground, we can notice the museum of the quai branly (the red building), and beside the national assembly.
(https://i.ibb.co/FHbXs7n/938542viewtowardsneconcorde.jpg)

Here is a view towards the north west, we can make out the Arc of triumph. At the left, we can see the Hyatt tower, a five star hotel. The ring road is just behind, so the builldings behind it are not in Paris, they are in Neuilly sur Seine. Before, I was walking in front of the red and white buildings behind the arc of triumph, on the photo, to go to work. They are still in Paris but they are marking the boundary between Paris and Levallois Perret, the buildings behind them are already in the suburb.
(https://i.ibb.co/16S4gjc/398386viewtowards-NW.jpg)

@harkaz - Please englighten me. I know the problem in Greece is too complicated too be explained in a few words, but at least try. As I understand it, the Greek government owes money to the EU and can't repay. How did they get into this mess to begin with? Who in your opinion bears the responsibility? As for Ukraine, it seems to me Russia is the one causing all the problems. They forcibly annexed Crimea and they're supporting the rebels. Putin even said he's going to boost Russia's nuclear arsenal. What is he thinking?

@Scarface - I'm shocking that sardine can they call a studio costs 61000â,¬. My garage is probably bigger than that.

QuoteAccordingly, if these places become so expensive that no one can afford them, then the price has to come down or the seller will be stuck with them forever. Do you agree?

In most towns, this reasoning would be valid but not in Ile de France, and particulartly in Paris, where demand for housing is very tense.
There are several reasons which explain the prices, the historical dimension of the town, and the density of jobs up to the close suburb.

Density of jobs.
(http://e.nora.archi.free.fr/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/plan%20sensite%20hbt%20agglo%20paris%20copy.jpg)

If you go to Evry it's more affordable, but if you have to do 1 hour of RER every day at dawn and in the evening. Many people do it, well I prefer paying a bit more and avoiding that, plus the cost of the transport.


It's probably the same thing in downtown Cairo, or in Islamabad. I didn't check, but I'm pretty sure real estate prices in Islamabad are higher than the ones in Karachi.

View to the South East - Zamalek and Cairo
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcyxxmbSnac/UZKwWPRTYZI/AAAAAAAAAfM/ZnvAjmY6AqY/s1600/DD755BAB-C786-49F7-BE6F-394A49698FFF.JPG)

Islamabad
(https://burgerbuoy.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/islamabad-fatima-jinnah-park-feb-2012-01.jpg)




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ThVfcVvAt0

Here in San Antonio so far we're experiencing a cooler than usual summer. There has been much more rain than usual, and so far I have yet to see the temp rise above 33°C. Normally this time of year 38° to 40° is the norm. California, by comparison, is hot as hell with temps reaching 46° in the northern part, away from the ocean.

Scarface - how does it feel inside your tiny apartment when the temp reaches 42°? You must feel like a pizza baking. :)

@Harkaz - That Greece would default and miss its first (and future) payment was a sure as sunrise. The deadline was due and they did not have the money. All we can do now is wait and see what happens. BTW do me a favor - if Drachma notes (paper bills) reach denominations of [for example] 10⁷ or higher, save me one of those notes, I want to buy it from you. I got the idea from a TV interview - one guy who was heavily into Bitcoins had in his wallet a Zimbabwean note for 10¹² (or higher) Zimbabwe dollars.

26C in my hometown today. Expected to get over 32 on thursday/friday.
This is torture for me.. :-\ How do you all survive..?
Currently sitting in my cold basement.. It's really nice after being in the hot sun/shadow but not in the cold, for 12~hours.

@humbert I really hope we don't get to such inflation. It depends, of course, on how many Greeks are willing/capable to work for (almost) nothing to rebuild the economy. Greece has much more assets than Zimbabwe, so it's reasonable to presume that the economy will recover after some time.

Still, my basic scenario for the Greek referendum is that voters will say yes by a small majority.
After that a new government will be formed and try to negotiate the new bailout terms. Since we'll have only 14 days before the ECB bond matures, the new goverment will blindly accept the new measures, which will be much harsher due to the financial collapse caused by capital controls. The banks will not open until negotiations are over.

I believe this will cause civil unrest and a collapse of the government due to violent protests.
Greece will then default to ECB and will be kicked out of the Eurosystem, permanently.

I agree with mr Fuj, it is better to be in the countryside when it's very hot.
Tonight it's 32 degrees here despite the open window, have only slept for 1h.
(http://i.imgur.com/HJbO36w.jpg)

@Scarface - I asked about your "tiny" apartment based on your posts about the size of dwellings in Paris. This is why I was under the impression it wasn't much more than a small box. Honestly it's pretty nice. There's more than enough room for just one person, and the rent you pay is reasonably priced given your location. And yes I'm aware of the fact that many people in underdeveloped countries have to cram like sardines into a small space. It's also true many of these people breed like rabbits. In the example you gave (Phillipines) I'm thinking the Catholic church makes birth control difficult. They have a stranglehold on that country.

I'm not too clear what the Youtube clip you linked is all about. While we're on the subject, if you're on Firefox I strongly urge you to download and install "Youtube All HTML5" and in the settings click "Disable Flash on Youtube". It does what it says and it works great.

@Harkaz - Regarding the referendum in Greece, does "Yes" mean stay in the Eurozone and tough it out, and "NO" means reject the creditors demands and leave the Eurozone? Did Tsipras promise to resign is the "No" wins?

As for the heat, do you guys have air conditioning at home? My question isn't so much based on whether or not you can afford it, but rather on the fact that these heat waves are the exeption and not the norm, so I'm thinking there might be no A/C. Did you at least run out and buy a fan?

@humbert Greferendum is about who has control over Greece, in my opinion. If we vote no we choose that our government has full control and must ignore any requests/decisions made by creditors against our country interests.

This, of course, has many risks but the Greek people may be willing to take them.

Many Greeks of course think about austerity which is wrong.

On the other hand, a yes vote would certainly be marginal and an anti-EU revolt cannot be excluded shortly after the referendum, due to the financial collapse.

Tsipras is nothing more than a populist and can't promise anything for real.

Quote from: harkaz on July 05, 2015, 01:42 AM
@humbert Greferendum is about who has control over Greece, in my opinion. If we vote no we choose that our government has full control and must ignore any requests/decisions made by creditors against our country interests.

This, of course, has many risks but the Greek people may be willing to take them.

Many Greeks of course think about austerity which is wrong.

On the other hand, a yes vote would certainly be marginal and an anti-EU revolt cannot be excluded shortly after the referendum, due to the financial collapse.

Tsipras is nothing more than a populist and can't promise anything for real.

If you're in need of supplies, money or anything really. Tell me and I'll do my best to help out. Assuming that the mail still works..?

Thanks for your offer Shadow.97. The situation will be very difficult here rather soon.

(However, I may not have an Internet connection in a few weeks).

Quote from: harkaz on July 05, 2015, 02:06 AM
Thanks for your offer Shadow.97. The situation will be very difficult here rather soon.

(However, I may not have an Internet connection in a few weeks).

If you need any support, mental or anything. I'll be reachable by phone or anything that you can possibly reach me on. Best of luck brother!

@humbert The Yes/No(ΝÎ'Ι/ΟΧΙ) answer essentially boils down to debt viability. ΝÎ'Ι means that Greeks accept the debt "as is" and no haircut is required. The referendum's question states not veyr clearly: Do you accept the Eurogroup debt viability analysis?. If we choose No marginally, the spotlight will be on the European political leadership to find a solution.

A marginal ΝÎ'Ι vote has the advantage of calming our creditors down and probably enables them to sell a possible debt restructuring to their audience, although the Greek people would have voted that the debt is viable (paranoia). However, Greeks will not accept any further austerity measures under the current political elite.

The only way to get forward: let the politicians fail as badly as possible. If YES/NO percentages are around 50/50, no matter which answer prevails, the political pressure will be huge. Failure is imminent.
It is going to be very painful but parasitism will be hopefully dead, once and for all.

Greek withdrawal from the Eurozone (Grexit) has been approved (?) with a resounding 61%.
Every municipality of Greece has voted no. Greece has turned red:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJK2FGHUwAAxKn8.jpg)

Civil unrest will start really soon.

@Scarface - Global warming means global, i.e., the entire planet. Currently a heat wave exists in Europe, the northwestern USA and maybe Pakistan. By comparison in San Antonio so far this summer the temp has not gone beyond 33°C. Normally this time of year we get 38° t0 40°. Heat waves come and go. Check the 10-day weather forecast for Paris according to the Weather Underground:

(https://i.ibb.co/NZRJmcd/41956220150708.png)

Just look at these numbers! I WISH it were like that here.

@Fuj - I agree with you - when it comes to posts from forum members, quality is far superior to quantity. That's why I like our forum so much.

Yesterday, an agreement has been found between the Eurozone and Greece. I guess harkaz must be relieved, he who was afraid of riots. Well, at least on the short term, Greece should stay in the euro.
But many find it difficult and costly to implement this agreement. According to Delamarche, this is "merely communication" and Germany will not be able to finance Greece much longer: http://bfmbusiness.bfmtv.com/mediaplayer/video/les-points-sur-les-i-olivier-delamarche-et-benaouda-abdeddaim-l-avenir-grec-sera-t-il-enfin-fixe-avec-ce-nouvel-accord-1307-585313.html

Even before the results of the discussions were known, the Greeks are concerned about the possible consequences of the proposed measures, especially in the islands.

The warm smiles to its Dutch customers are misleading; Yorgos is exhausted. In appearance, he is not to be pitied, he who has a beautiful tavern directly overlooking the seafront of the beautiful city of Poros. Barely a two-hour boat away from Athens amphitheater and nestled among volcanic hills, the island is a postcard setting, out of time.

"This is an organized suicide that the government wants to set up. ''
The words are hard, Yorgos has tears in his eyes. He's very concerned about the proposal made to creditors by Alexis Tsipras to increase VAT rates in the catering sector from 13 to 23%.

"5 years ago, I was buying from suppliers a bottle of ouzo at 10 euros. With all parallel taxes that were introduced by various governments since the beginning of austerity, the price of the bottle increased to 18 euros. "

"This is the crisis everywhere, people have increasingly reduced budgets and we must not forget that Greece attracts tourists because life is not expensive. If I increase my prices, they will go elsewhere. "

Yorgos
(https://i.ibb.co/ZXkcFPr/yorgos.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on July 13, 2015, 06:25 PM
Yesterday, an agreement has been found between the Eurozone and Greece. I guess harkaz must be relieved, he who was afraid of riots. Well, at least on the short term, Greece should stay in the euro.

An anti-EU revolt cannot be excluded due to the collapse of the economy. I already hear people shouting "traitors, traitors!" Many of them are educated, affluent people.

I also heard on the news that "Tsipras blinked" and that the agreement he signed was stricter than what 61% of the voters rejected in the recent election. If this is true then some austerity is part of the deal. How long will the Greek people put up with this before we see an explosion?

@Harkaz - Are you in Athens or in another Greek city?

@Scarface - Deviloid is a pr0n torrent site, and a good one at that. So far the best pr0n site I know of is xhamster.com (http://xhamster.com) - if you know a better one let us know.

@humbert I live in Athens; one more overpopulated European city.

Quoteone more overpopulated European city

Tonight, I'm holding a conference to see if harkaz's assertion is right.

I took a few towns known by the users of the forum, and ranked by density.

Towns densely populated:
Manilla: 43 079 /km2
Cairo:  35,020 /km2
Kolkata: 24 760 /km2
Paris: 21 258 /km2
Athens: 17 475 /km
Jakarta: 14 694 /km2

Towns less densely populated
London: 5,490 /km2
Tokyo: 6 151 /km2
Stockholm: 4 893 /km2
Jerusalem: 4 150 /km2
Los Angeles: 3 067 /km2
Roma: 2 236 /km2
San Antonio 1 305 /km2
Islamabad: 744 /km2

We can see that the town of harkaz is indeed in the most densely populated capitals.
However we are going to see that many neighborhood are much more densely populated than these towns, and very few are situated in Europe.

Manhattan, New York
Area: 59.5 km2 (22.96 sq mi)
Population: 1,619,090
Population density: 26,939/km2 (69,771/sq mi)
Because Manhattan has so many office buildings, it swells to about 3.94 million during the day, giving a population density of about 66,000 per square km.
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Manhattan_thumb.jpg)

Manila, Philippines
The most densely populated city in the world.
Area: 38.55 km2 (14.88 sq mi)
Population: 1,652,171
Population density 42,858/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ManilaPhilippines_thumb.jpg)

Migingo Island, Lake Victoria, claimed both by Kenya and Uganda
Area: 0.002 km2 (0.0008 sq mi)
Population: 131
Population density: 65,500/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MigingoIslandLakeVictoriaclaimedbothbyKenyaandUganda.jpg)

Malé, Island, Republic of Maldives
Area: 1.952 km2 (0.754 sq mi)
Population: 92.555
Population density: 47,416/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MalIslanddivisionsHenveiruGalolhuMachchangolhiMaafannuRepublicofMaldives_thumb.jpg)

Tondo district, Manila, Philippines
Area: 9.10 km² (3.52 sq mi)
Population: 630,604
Population density: 69,297 per km²
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/TondodistrictManilaPhilippines_thumb.jpg)

Mathare slums, Nairobi, Kenya
Area: about 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Population: 161,031-300,000
Population density: hard to estimate, probably something between 60,000-100,000/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MathareslumsNairobiKenya_thumb.jpg)

Rocinha favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Area: 0.86 km² (0.33 sq mi)
Population: 69,356
Population density: +80,000 /km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/RocinhafavelaRiodeJaneiroBrazil_thumb.jpg)

Dhaka Kotwali Thana, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Area: 2.07 km2 (0.80 sq mi)
Population: 210,504
Population density: 101,693/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DhakaKotwaliThanaDhakaBangladesh_thumb.jpg)

Mong Kok, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong
According to the Guinness Book of Records Mong kok is the most densely populated place in the world (although using unconfirmed estimates, there are probably even more crowded places
Area: 1.1km2
Population: 143,000
Population density: 130,000/km2
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MongKokKowloonpeninsulaHongKong_thumb.jpg)

Dharavi slums, Mumbai, India
Area: 1.7-2,2 km2
Population: 500,000-1,000,000
Population density: around 300,000/ km2
Dharavi is probably the most densely populated spot in the world.
(http://kickassfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DharavislumsMumbaiIndia_thumb.jpg)

As I watched the news this morning on TV I immediately thought of Harkaz and his prophetic prediction. All kinds of rioting going and people complaining about everything. Everybody's mad at Tsipras for going back on his word and basically doing what the EU wanted. I'm starting to think there will indeed be blood on Greek streets.

@Shadow - If John Dillinger (a famous American 1930's bank robber) were alive today, he wouldn't rob banks - he'd own one. The worlds biggest thieves and looters wear business suits, not regular street clothes.

As for that Rolex in the picture, my Casio can do many things the Rolex can't do, not to even mention that it's much cheaper.

Tonight, I'm going to talk about a completely different subject.
We have seen on the forum that some people didn't know who the Catholics are.
So tonight, I'm going to do a conference to explain who they are.
In fact, Christianity is mainly represented by two branches: Protestantism and Catholicism.

Here is a map which show the Christians in the world.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Christians_in_the_world.png)

Although Protestantism remains the dominant strain of Christianity in the United States, the Protestant tradition is divided into dozens of major denominations, all with unique beliefs, religious practices, and histories.
Contrary to Islam with the Ramadan, in the branches of Christianity, worship is pared down to
the preaching of the Word, maybe a few hymns, and prayer.

Besides God, The central figure of Christianity is Jesus of Nazareth.
Christianity regards Jesus as the awaited Messiah of the Old Testament and refers to him as Jesus Christ.
Virtually all modern scholars of antiquity agree that Jesus existed historically and that he was a Galilean, Jewish rabbi who preached his message orally. He was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate.
He's also said to have accomplished miracles, like walking on water, or resurrecting.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao03aLh6YOE/UnsPFuIqnHI/AAAAAAAAO58/WL6_EmMEh_s/s1600/Resurrected+Jesus.jpg)

Let's see What the main differences between Catholics and Protestants are.
Catholics see in Mary the Immaculate Conception (conceived without sin) and likewise, her son Jesus is the son of God, she wasn't deflowered by Joseph.
Protestants see her as a blessed woman chosen by God as mother of the Messiah, virgin only until the birth of Jesus.
Catholics are subjected to the authority of the pope considered as infallible and the priests do not have the right to marry (since the Gregorian reform in the eleventh century), contrary to Protestants who don't recognize the pope and allow marriage of pastors.

As you correctly stated, "protestant" is essentially a generic term for Christians who don't follow the pope. As you know the revolt began with Martin Luther and has since subdivided itself into hundreds of different denominations with varied beliefs. Islam, just like Christianity, is subdivided. There is the major split between Sunnis and Shiites and many sub-sects within these 2. For example, the Allowites of Syria are Shi'a, but the wahabis of Saudi Arabia are sunnis.

The picture you posted of Jesus was invented and painted by someone during the Middle Ages (I don't recall the name). It came from his imagination since there is no physical description of Jesus anywhere in the Christian Bible.

I should also mention that the belief in the virgin birth of Mary is a belief also shared by Islam. Of course all this was plaigiarized. See the picture below.

(https://image.ibb.co/jRvuH0/561767messiahstory.jpg)

Im currently in Czech Repulic(Prague) Any pictures anyone wants?
WiFi in hotel is at 20mbit downspeed, 10mbit up, 18 MS responcetime.
My overall experience so far is that this is basically a town without enforced laws.
Grafitti, alcohol sales etc on the street. People are active in the evening compared to at home though!
Its way too hot for me to enjoy during the days though..

Quote from: Shadow.97 on August 03, 2015, 11:17 PM
Im currently in Czech Repulic(Prague) Any pictures anyone wants?
WiFi in hotel is at 20mbit downspeed, 10mbit up, 18 MS responcetime.
My overall experience so far is that this is basically a town without enforced laws.
Grafitti, alcohol sales etc on the street. People are active in the evening compared to at home though!
Its way too hot for me to enjoy during the days though..

Are you taking a break???

To shadow97: I've been to Prague too in 2002, where I've seen the St Vitus Cathedral and Charles bridge. If you have photos, put them on the forum.


Today, we have seen that Obama unveiled the final version of his Clean Power Plan, a set of Environmental Protection Agency regulations that, if implemented, would represent the strongest action ever taken by the United States to combat climate change.
(https://i.ibb.co/6HXhbRh/080112-energy-630.jpg)
The plan is divided into three components. One is an E.P.A. regulation that would require a 32 percent overall reduction in greenhouse gas emitted by existing power plants from 2005 levels by 2030. The rule will probably lead to the closing of hundreds of coal-fired power plants.

The second regulation would require power plants built in the future to produce about half the rate of the pollution now produced by current power plants. That rule would effectively ensure that no new coal plants are built in the United States. The plan then assigns every state a target for reducing its emissions and requires them to come up with a draft plan for how to do it by 2016 and a final plan by 2018.

But the plan is contentious, because in this case, the agency has given states the flexibility to do whatever they want to reduce pollution, and the result could radically transform the way the United States gets its energy.
There are opponents too, since attorneys general from states that oppose the plan are coming together in a lawsuit to argue that it represents too broad an interpretation of the Clean Air Act. Their legal challenge is expected to reach the Supreme Court around 2017, which will then have to decide whether to uphold the plan or strike it down.



In the meantime, there are deadly floods in Burma which could be linked with global warming, and the toll is likely to increase, as monsoon rains lash region.

At least 27 people have been killed and more than 150,000 affected by flooding in Burma in recent days with the government declaring the four worst-hit areas in the centre and west of the country as “national disaster-affected regions”.

Scores have also perished in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam following floods and landslides triggered by heavy seasonal rains.

Flooding in Kalay in Burma, which has been declared a disaster zone
(https://i.ibb.co/mCMzKK2/3986.jpg)

I think that when it comes to animals killing humans, the only ones that come close and might at times surpass the mosquito is other humans.

@Scarface: I know you visited Florida, so let me ask - did you visit Everglades National Park? In the Everglades it's normal to see a cloud of mosquitos headed toward you. Obviously there are many more during the rainy season. Forget about mosquito repellent, they laugh at it. Fortunately these mosquitoes don't carry deadly diseases. If they did then living in Miami would be almost impossible unless the Everglades were drained out.

No, I didn't visit the Everglades.
A few photos taken 10 years ago in Naples, during winter.

(https://image.ibb.co/h1Bejf/531049026241.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gSOs4f/15848102119.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/e5d3AL/57197201081.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fUjMx0/52012201210.jpg)

Tonight, there is a conference about the Easter Island. It's an opportunity for those who don't know it to see some beautiful photos of this island.


Erected near the tiny fishing shelter Hanga Roa with colorful boats, the Moais turn their backs to the sea. Easter Island's stone watchers seem to look inquisitively at visitors who come to admire them at sunset. But further, from the top of the quarry where they were carved, the venerable and solemn statues seem to scrutinize the horizon and ponder the future of the Pacific and the world's oceans.

(https://image.ibb.co/mJYRW9/265683172000.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kJgfr9/527997moais.jpg)

Perhaps the petrified spirit of the ancestors is actually watching over this tender green triangle of 163 square kilometers, which is fragile and in isolation from the world. Nearly 3 800 km separate it from the coast of Chile to the east; 4200 km from Tahiti to the west. A daily flight serves Santiago, a weekly flight links Papeete. That's all. As suspended in the marine immensity, Easter Island does not oppose any resistance to wind: neither high cliffs nor walls of trees, nor port, nor scattered constructions. Just the moor which stretches out in the distance up to the blunt summits of volcanoes.

The houses are almost all grouped in Hanga Roa: until 1966, the island, attached to the State of Chile since 1888, was used solely for sheep herding; the people were living in the town. Almost all the 7000 inhabitants still live there. A sign tells them the direction to follow in case of tsunami. The last earthquake to date, that of 16 September, has just caused a few jitters on the Island, while it killed 13 in Chile. But other giant waves in 1960 had knocked over fifteen aligned Tongariki Moais. These colossi of 40-90 tonnes were re-erected in 1992 thanks to generous patrons.

At dawn, on the boats, the fishermen drop their lines into the water weighted with a stone, which can dive up to 80 meters deep. This morning Simon Pakarati holds it with the fingertip like his ancestors and catches two flying fishes. The catch is disappointing. Until recently, one could catch five or six yellow-fin tuna in a long day of work. It is not the case anymore. Swordfish, barracuda, hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks, but also turtles and humpback whales ... large carnivores and migratory fishes which were in the area are becoming increasingly rare.

Chinese Trumpet-fish, a species living in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

(https://image.ibb.co/cKfvPU/173157-Aulostomuschinensis.jpg)

Around Easter Island, the seabed, particularly corals, are healthy.

(https://image.ibb.co/noLUjU/616404coraux.jpg)

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 90 million tonnes of fish and invertebrate in the world are extracted from the water each year by industrial fleets, also killing seals, turtles, birds...
The waters of this remote and isolated land are plundered by Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Russian industrial vessels. To preserve their culture and artisanal fishing, the Easter Islanders demand the creation of a huge marine reserve where we can get no fish, shellfish, or any other resource.

One of the most interesting things about Easter Island is its history - or should I say, lack of clear knowledge thereof. It is believed Easter was initially colonized by Polynesian mariners (the same people who colonized Hawaii). It's also believed the island was once heavily forested. The most interesting mystery is who constructed the Moai and for what reason. An even more interesting puzzle is how these statues were moved and set in place by a culture who didn't even have the wheel.

This mystery reminds me of my visit to Chichen Itzá, the Mayan capital in the Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. The guide took me to the astonomical observatory and showed me its most important windows. He explained the windows pointed to magnetic north and even asked if I had a compass so I could see for myself.  I reminded him the Chinese had been using compasses since time immemorial. He then explained that China was full of magnetite. There is NO magnetite in Yucatan. Not only that, but so far no archeological dig had yet discovered anything even remotely resembling a compass! How, then, did they know about the earth's magnetic field? Nobody knows.

Tonight, you are going to see some unusual photos taken in the area of Fukushima, where a nuclear catastrophe took place a few years ago. Fukushima is a town situated in Japan, in the North of the Island of Honshu.
(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/03/16/t1larg.map.japan.fukushima.daiichi.radius.jpg)

Some abandoned cars, gradually overgrown with vegetation. Those vehicles can't be moved as long as the authorities have not obtained the permission of the owners.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451693.jpg)

The aisle of a supermarket.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451697.jpg)

The gymnasium of a school.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451703.jpg)

A bookshop.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451715.jpg)

A casino.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451719.jpg)

A storage site for nuclear waste stretching as far as one can see.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/14451711.jpg)

You’re right about pollution here. Even today old trucks are still in use that contribute to pollution and I can't blame them because buying a new truck is expensive and bread-earners driving these trucks don't care about pollution but cares about stomach to fill.

Hello, comrades.
It's me again. I was in depression because of internal conflict in my head between my current job and my aspirations. I'll tell about this later... Maybe.
But, now, because this topic turn into discussion about global problems of our world, I want to tell you some news "from other side of iron curtain".

As you know, for previous 2 years Russia was in war at East Ukraine, and now my country join counter-terrorist operation against IS (our fighter/bomber was hit by Turkish missile at November 24).
All of this (annexion of Crimea, war on western border, counter-terrorist operation) may look impressive from outside through TV screen, but from inside all looks much less impressive (just pathetic). Because of depreciation of the ruble prices to most of electronics, cars, any high-tech goods grow more than twice. This concerns not only imported goods, but also goods manufactured in Russia under license from western companies. Even fuel prices grown 25% (can't understand this, my country exports oil and gasoline, this 25% can by explaned only by greed of fuel companies). Because of EU sanctions a lot of food (typically wine and other expensive alcohol, elite cheeses) disappeared from market.
Also, at our television and at russian internet sites kremlin propaganda looking very inconsistently.
First, when Crimea was annexed, they told us about historical rights of Russia to Crimean peninsula, about saving crimean peoples from blood-thirsty nazists (fashists) of Ukraine. (OK, OK, "saving" rich Crimea from poor Ukraine?.. Saving russian submarine base guarded by 2000 soldiers and located at south-east part of Ukraine, from 3.5 nazis from city of Lvov, at far west of Ukraine? Yeah, thruth...)
Then, when war at Ukraine begun, they told us about american and european nazis, who eat children and drink blood, and guide Ukraine army against poor Eastern Ukraine womens and kids. (At this time it was already clear that this is war of corporations, raised artifically for turn sight of people from real problems to problems artifically created).
Now, when Putin said about joining the counter-terrorist operation in Syria, at TV all, as if on cue, forgot about Ukraine (where war, in fact, continues), and turned to Syria. At weather prognosis every day they said about best weather for bombing.
Now all gone crasy with this hitted airplane and Turkey.
All this crazy yapping from TV looks like raw manipulation of public interest. Putinists turn sight of public from real problems in country, which are: colossal corruption, destruction of small and medium business, replacing russian officials with islamic people from Chechen republic and Dagestan to government offices, destructive reformations in army, extincting villages and cities in Siberia and Central Russia, new taxes violating constitution, underground union of police and crime in Moscow. Long haul truckers in St.Petersburg strikes against new road tax (all truckers must now pay tax if they moving through federal roads), in Moscow streetracers fights against police because road patrol now united with organized crime.

All is looks like Putin and his gang can't offer anything good to people, but he don't want leave the power. So, they create or join "small victorious wars". The situation is complicated by the fact that a lot of people supports Putin's politics. Generation which grown after USSR (my generation) much less educated then previous, and easily follows rethoric about "strong and great Russia" from TV. Other people, so called "soviet intellectual" can't say anything than old and stupid anti-russian slogans.

So, I sit in center of this circus with a glass of vodka, and can't understand, where all the situation is going now. I.e., I can say... But this would be too impolite. :P

Daniil -> Thanks for the information you just shared with us. Always remember you have no control over any of this. Don't think about it very much and just live as best you can. I should stress this logic applies just about everywhere, not just in Russia.

Today, I’m going to do an exceptional conference to show you some photos.
Indeed, On Sunday, I went to the museum of Orsay. It was a good opportunity to test my new camera. I bought a high-end one with 16 million pixels, so that the users of the forum will not be disappointed by the shots.

At first, I stepped out of the tube on the champs Elysées and then I went on foot to the museum. There are always weird people in the line 13, but at least it’s a direct access to the champs Elysées. And maybe I was too lazy to take the line 1 afterwards.

Here are a few photos taken on the champs Elysées.

(https://image.ibb.co/dDq3b9/399875champs1.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/k3UPip/330780champs2.jpg)

Les invalides

(https://image.ibb.co/hWszG9/767056lesinvalides.jpg)

The Concorde place
(https://image.ibb.co/jLJEG9/997346concorde.jpg)

On the banks of the Seine, some people are living in barges

(https://image.ibb.co/eACkOp/873100tour.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cWpob9/229155barges.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nLh8b9/299682barges2.jpg)

The museum of Orsay

(https://image.ibb.co/kb0N3p/822560musedorsay.jpg)

This museum is the 10th most visited one in the world, far behind the first one which is... the Louvre. Formerly, the museum of Orsay was a train station, hence its original shape.

(https://image.ibb.co/htGUip/54376820151220171422.jpg)

We are going to begin the visit of the museum. Maybe some people like humbert already know some of the paintings you are going to see. But probably most of you will discover these works of arts.


SYMBOLISM

Symbolism is at the crossroads of modern art. It attempts to describe artificial and fantastic worlds, built on the aesthetic pleasures of color, where the natural is excluded, and replaced by eccentricity and provocation.

For Gustave Doré, born in Strasbourg, France's defeat by Prussia in 1870, and the consequential loss of Alsace-Lorraine, was a great source of distress. Just after the end of the war he produced three monumental works: The Enigma, The Black Eagle of Prussia and The Defence of Paris, all in shades of grey and presented under the general title of Souvenirs of 1870, when the contents of the artist's studio were sold posthumously in 1884.
Of these three paintings, The Enigma is undeniably the most tragic. At the top of a hill, strewn with bodies, there stands a sphinx, a mythical monster with the body of a lion and the head of a human. In the distance, plumes of smoke rise up from a Paris set ablaze by enemy cannon. Under the dark sky, a winged woman, perhaps the embodiment of France seems to be asking the sphinx for answers. The sphinx appears to be compassionate, closer to the sphinx of Egyptian religion, guardian of the underworld, rather than the monster Oedipus came across in Greek mythology.
The Enigma
(https://image.ibb.co/hE7wUU/348126gustavedorlnigme.jpg)

Young Girl and Death by Marianne Stokes
(https://image.ibb.co/nvzob9/46466720151220162821.jpg)

The war, by Henri Rousseau
(https://image.ibb.co/dqmqpU/80480420151220163324001.jpg)

Jules Joseph Lefebvre - The truth
(https://image.ibb.co/d5jzip/148457-Jules-Joseph-Lefebvre-Thetruth.jpg)

One of the sides of the Symbolism style at the end of the 19th century is to represent the femme fatale. The icon of this kind of representations is The idol of perversity by Jean Delville (1891), but Elle by Adolf Mossa (1905) is not so far from it.

Elle by Adolf Mossa
(https://image.ibb.co/hoapip/186538-Adolf-Mossa-Elle.jpg)

As always, we should analyze the elements of the painting, including all the details to try to find an interpretation. The main figure is a female nude lied down over a mountain and with brown hair and big eyes.
Let’s start from the top. There are two crows at both sides of the head as if the hair is a nest, a bird of bad omen, that are protecting three little skulls oriented in three different directions, which could be an allegory of time: past, present and future, the same that the popular Titian painting, but there were heads and here are skulls. Is it the end of times? Probably.
Another interesting and contradictory detail is a golden aura surrounding the head of Elle. But, could be Elle a saint? Not at all, probably this is a blasphemous element.
The pale face, the earrings and the necklace indicate that the woman could belong to aristocracy, maybe Victorian, contemporary with the painter.
The nude body: proportions and gesture reveal that the technique of Mossa is not perfect, he is not painting a proportioned nude body.
We arrive to the bottom, where there is the clue of the interpretation of the painting: the peak is a mountain made by human cadavers, probably male. Respect to the human bodies, Elle is a a giant, she is no doubt the incarnation of an evil monster.
I suggest several possible interpretations: first, Elle is Babylon, the Whore city of Asyria: the maximum incarnation of lust in the Earth. Another interpretation is that Elle is the Beast of Apocalypse, again related with the Christian question. The last suggestion is that Elle is the incarnation of all the evil for men, the woman that devours all men, the Praying Mantis, the supreme femme fatale.

REALISM

Édouard Manet (1832-1883) is the heir of realism. He follows the ideas of Courbet and seeks to suppress academic conventions. He wants to represent the "modern life".

In 1862, Manet offers at Salon, a huge painting: The breakfast on the grass. It presents characters in a country setting. One woman, out of the bath, dries, naked on the grass. This painting caused a scandal! Academics love nude but in mythological scenes. But here the woman is naked without reason. Emile Zola, writer and critic will be the only one to defend Manet. He praises the impressive picture for its real size. For him the forest and the nudity are pretexts to show a new painting, the one with true colors and new shapes.

(https://image.ibb.co/fnDWw9/294670ledjeunersurlherbe.jpg)

Olympia, by Manet
(https://image.ibb.co/juND9U/503351olympia.jpg)

Emile Zola, by Manet
(https://image.ibb.co/dUSrw9/447228-Emile-Zola.jpg)

The fife player by Manet
(https://image.ibb.co/d8Lmw9/75534120151220174033.jpg)


Of all Courbet's hunting and forest scenes, The Battle of the Stags has the greatest breadth in both its physical size and in the spirit that animates it. Regarded for a long time as pandering to public opinion, Courbet's hunting scenes were for many years scorned by art historians. However, by combining landscapes, animal painting and genre scenes, with references to a long pictorial tradition, from the Flemish masters of the 17th century to contemporary English artists, these subjects enabled Courbet to bring his questioning of the hierarchy of the genres to a close and to bring the spirit of history painting into a familiar area.

(https://image.ibb.co/kZwtb9/40429820151220163713.jpg)

A Burial At Ornans by Courbet
(https://image.ibb.co/fUg4ip/59934620151220163826.jpg)

Gustave Courbet - The Etretat cliffs after the storm
(https://image.ibb.co/kL7AOp/848085-Gustave-Courbet-The-Etretatcliffsafterthestorm.jpg)


Reflecting the banner of realism of his adopted circle, Whistler painted this “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1”, also called Portrait of the Artist's Mother  in 1871. It is a reminder if only through its double title, of the stylisation to which Whistler soon submitted the realistic aesthetic of his early years. The portrait's psychological acuity is powerfully conveyed by the deliberately pared down composition. The work, in its linear austerity and chromatic rigour dominated by neutral tones, was a continuation of Whistler's experimentation with prints, to which View of the Thames hanging on the wall is an allusion.
(https://image.ibb.co/ciEkpU/514762-James-Mc-Neill-Whistler-Whistlers-Mother.jpg)



Between the ages of 22 and 26, Edgar Degas completed his training in Italy, where part of his familly lived. Here he painted his father's sister, Laure, with her husband, the baron Bellelli (1812-1864) and her two daughters, Giula and Giovanna.
The Bellelii Family
(https://image.ibb.co/ex2zG9/326117-The-Bellelli-Family.jpg)
The baron was an Italian patriot, banned from Naples, who lived an exile in Florence. His wife is in mourning for her father, Hilaire, who died recently and whose portrait appears on the framed redline painting close to his daughter's face. In 1860, the two granddaughters, Giovanna and Giula, are 7 and 10. The mother is impressively dignified and affirms a slightly severe authority, contrasting with the relative aloofness of the father. This family portrait evokes those of Flemish painters, van Dyck in particular. Masterpiece of Degas's early years, this portrait evokes the family tensions isolating each member of the family. The imposing dimensions, the sober colours, the structured games of open perspectives (doors and mirrors), all converge in strengthening a climate of oppression. All the more so as suggestions of escape appear, such as this curious little dog split by the frame. The almost playful position of the younger daughter alone, crossing her leg under her skirt, contrasts with the heavy atmosphere whereas her elder sister seems already prisoner of adult conventions.

Scene of war in the Middle ages by Degas
(https://image.ibb.co/itKqOp/602585-Edgar-Degas-Sceneof-Warinthe-Middle-Ages.jpg)


The Argenteuil bridge by Claude Monet
(https://image.ibb.co/ezzeG9/609807-Claude-Monet-The-Argenteuilbridge.jpg)

The Shepherdess (Young Girl with a Walking Stick), by Camille Pissaro
(https://image.ibb.co/notOb9/561083-Camille-Pissaro-The-Shepherdess-Young-Girlwitha-Walking-Stick.jpg)




And finally, a very famous painting to close the section of the realist painters.
Dance at le moulin de la Galette by Renoir
(https://image.ibb.co/kL0Eip/392476-Renoir-Danceat-Lemoulindela-Galette.jpg)

NEO IMPRESSIONISM
Neo-Impressionism is an art movement founded by Georges Seurat. Seurat’s greatest masterpiece, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, marked the beginning of this movement when it first made its appearance at an exhibition of the Société des Artistes Indépendants (Salon des Indépendants) in Paris. This style became the dominant form in Belgium by 1889 and even artists like Van Gogh tried their hand at this style.
The Circus is an oil on canvas painting by Georges Seurat. It was his last painting, made in a Neo-Impressionist style in 1890-91, and remained unfinished at his death in March 1891
(https://image.ibb.co/nbc4Yp/fc5dd19174585021cd6fb8f5cad226c1.jpg)


This painting of Maximilien Luce depicts a scene from the time of the Paris Commune. The painter's Neo-Impressionist style of painting, generally more evocative of a beach or other place of pleasure, here reveals the stark reality of civil war.
(https://image.ibb.co/j469zU/917847-Maximilien-Luceastreetin-Parisin-May1871.jpg)


Henri Regnault was born in Paris in 1843 and killed in 1871 in one of the last battles of the Franco-Prussian war. Yet the young man had already made a name for himself in the Paris art scene. After winning the Price of Roma in 1868, he was the first not to spend the three compulsory years in the Italian capital that went with the prize but obtained permission to discover other cultures. He went to Spain, whence he sent to the Salon of 1869 the gigantic painting General Juan Prim, also in the Musee d'Orsay, then briefly to North Africa, bringing back a number of astonishing canvases, flooded with light.
(https://image.ibb.co/cjNtR9/801650-Henri-Regnault-Summaryexecution.jpg)
Taking his inspiration from local legends, he painted this Summary Execution under the Moorish Kings of Grenada in 1870. Against an architectural background based on the Alhambra in Granada and infused with an orange glow, Regnault has painted a scene of decapitation. The low angle and vigorous rising composition give the main character an imposing presence.
s detached attitude and commonplace gesture contrast with the foreground in which the blood dripping down the steps joins the severed head to the body. The colours also take part in this opposition because the executioner's caftan, which picks up the orange tones of the background, contrasts with the victim's green and black clothing.
The painting was acclaimed by the critics and bought by the State from Regnault's heirs, in 1872, to honour the artist's memory in the Musée du Luxembourg, Paris.


Like Rembrandt and Goya, Vincent van Gogh often used himself as a model; he produced over forty-three self-portraits, paintings or drawings in ten years. Like the old masters, he observed himself critically in a mirror. Painting oneself is not an innocuous act: it is a questioning which often leads to an identity crisis.
(https://image.ibb.co/idJ069/92293620151220170814.jpg)

The siesta by Van Gogh
(https://image.ibb.co/fL3dtp/40333620151220170843.jpg)
Portrait of Dr Gachet
(https://image.ibb.co/fTvrDp/78098020151220170759001.jpg)
The Church in Auvers-sur-Oise
(https://image.ibb.co/g4RbeU/66042020151220170742.jpg)



Orientalism
"Orientalism" is widely used in art to refer to the works of the many Western 19th-century artists, who specialized in "Oriental" subjects, often drawing on their travels to Western Asia. Orientialism is argued to be used to make the East seem "less fearsome to the West".

Old man in front of tombs of children by Osman Hamdi Bey, 1903
(https://i.ibb.co/56Szvtk/20151220-164321.jpg)

Pilgrims going to Mecca by Léon Belly
For this work, regarded, from the moment it was presented, to be a masterpiece of Orientalist painting, Belly chose to present an ambitious subject on a canvas of unusually large size. It depicts a long caravan crossing the desert, making its way towards Mecca, Islam's holiest city and place of pilgrimage for all Muslims.
(https://image.ibb.co/i70meU/83631220151220164232.jpg)


Temporary exposition about prostitution

Béraud's paintings often included truth-based humour and mockery of late 19th-century Parisian life, along with frequent appearances of biblical characters in then contemporary situations. Paintings such as Mary Magdalene in the House of the Pharisees aroused controversy when exhibited, because of these themes.
(https://image.ibb.co/gm1ReU/88473120151220170007001.jpg)
in this painting, Jean Beraud shows an excerpt from the Gospel of St Luke: Jesus' visit to the Pharisee Simon during which a "sinful woman" anointed the feet of Jesus with a great perfume after wetting them with her tears and wipping them with her hair. But the scene takes place in 1891, in a bourgeois interior: Renan (center of the table, a towel around his neck) is the guest of honour of a society dinner displaying many Parisian personalities, including the chemist Eugène Chevreul (who died the previous year at 103 years old) with glasses and graying sideburns, and Alexandre Dumas son, leaning against the back of a chair. Jesus Christ is attending this dinner, whose features were immediately identified with the ones of the journalist and socialist activist Albert Duc-Quercy, at whose feet a repentant Magdalen is bowing, which is nobody else than the half-worldly Liane de Pougy who, truly repentant, ended her days at the convent.

At the Moulin Rouge, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
(https://image.ibb.co/kozUzU/33058820151220170255.jpg)


A few photos taken when I returned to the tube station
(https://image.ibb.co/i4qxm9/84587620151220175642.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dgKbDp/47568220151220175753001.jpg)

Hello all, again.

Comяade scarface brings a bunch of interesting photos. I can't say any about exhibition "persona" - showpieces on pictures reminds me an idols of degraded african and south american tribes. Maybe, except the "Man Homo Luminoso". But excibition about Palestine is much more interesting. It reminds me an underground art of East Germany, created at last years of Berlin Wall and shortly after its destruction (very similar motifs). But, a symbolism of soccer ball filled with concrete is unclear for me.

On Saturday 26 March, I went to Lyon.
Humbert, Maher or Usmangujjar may not know this town, which is the third one in France, in size, after Paris and Marseille.
That’s why I took a few photos, from the top of the Fourvière Hill.


Here, we can recognize the Incity tower with a wind mill on its top and the Part-dieu tower.
(https://image.ibb.co/b6tiR9/17853820160326123702.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kZEZYp/70923220160326123707.jpg)

On top of this hill, there is also the basilica of Fourvières.
(https://image.ibb.co/jOtdtp/22779820160326124038.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kf52KU/15331820160326124213.jpg)

For some security reasons, I did not enter the basilica. So I’m giving you a photo taken from Wikipedia.
I never met Jesus Christ, but this man must be very rich, judging by the ornament of his house. I wish I had the same in my flat.
(https://image.ibb.co/nN36eU/Lyon-Notre-Dame-de-Fourvi-res-int-rieur.jpg)

A weird tower
(https://image.ibb.co/eHr3R9/72224220160326124049.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on March 23, 2016, 05:08 PM
There are not many users in these times. Maybe usmangujjar, shadow97 and Rambo are attending classes in their school.

Me too.

Tonight, I’m going to hold a conference to talk about your deadliest enemy. This predator must not be taken lightly. And since summer is approaching, it’s high time I gave you useful advice about how to repulse mosquitoes.

The tiger mosquito is known to be a vector of tropical diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika.
There are two ways to protect against bites: avoiding the proliferation of mosquitoes by preventing their reproductive cycle and ensuring personal protection.

The female mosquito reproduces by laying eggs in stagnant water, between 50 and 300 per clutch.
(http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/7518382.jpg)
This image is shocking but you must know who your enemy is.
The tiger mosquito is strongly affiliated with man and moves little. So it’s likely that the mosquito that bites you was born near your home.
There are mosquitoes  wherever there is water, even in Norway or Canada. But the Egyptian or Algerian Bedouins are lucky, there are no mosquitoes in the Sahara since there is no water. The problem is to find a job in the desert, but for those who would want to move to the desert, they would probably find the Bedouins very nice. I remember when I went to the Tunisian desert 14 years ago, it was very pleasant. Well, it was in February, it was not even too hot.

There are useless products you should avoid:
-The smartphone apps that claim to repel mosquitoes by ultrasound emission are numerous. And yet they are perfectly useless according to various scientific journals.
-Mosquito bracelets that spring up in the supermarket shelves are certainly trendy, but without interest. If the product can be effective, it is only at the level of the wrist area. They will just protect your forearm if you wear it on the wrist and your calf if you place it on your ankle ... It is better to choose to spread sprays on the exposed surfaces of your skin.
-Although very popular, lemongrass under different variations (candles, oil, spray) is not ideal. Its effectiveness is reduced to only a few species, and the tiger mosquito does not belong to them.

The efficient products you should have:
-Economic and almost infallible, the net is the most efficient stuff when you are not moving.
-In the category of repellents, DEET (Diethly toluamide) is considered the most active. As a spray, lotion or gel, it can change the olfactory perceptions of the mosquito to prevent it from biting. Be careful though because it resembles a neurotoxic product.
Please note, repellents do not mix well with sunscreens: they must be applied at least 20 minutes before the repellent.
-More natural than DEET but also very efficient, IR3535 contains no specific contraindications and is reputed also effective against ticks, horseflies, wasps and bees. Its use with young children nevertheless requires to scrupulously respect the precautions.

Finally, be aware that the tiger mosquitoes bite through clothing and are attracted to dark colors. So remember to wear long, large and clear clothes.

In Miami, not surprisingly, mosquitos thrived during the rainy season May-July then again Sept-Oct. During the dry season it wasn't all that bad. Worst of all, since most of them call the Everglades National Park home, their favorite habitats cannot be sprayed. I don't remember a case of anyone getting anything worse than an itchy irritation from a bite - no Malaria, Yellow Fever or anything else.

Quote from: scarface on May 15, 2016, 12:25 PM
I did not answer your question because the answer seemed obvious to me. First there are delivery services in many supermarkets. It's not free but if you are buying a sofa bed it's indeed better not to bring it in the tube. And there are many grocer's everywhere, some of them open on sunday. In fact this is a more delicate problem in some deprived suburbs where there are no shops at all, or in small villages in rural areas where you can't do anything without a car.

The answer should not have been obvious. All my life I've lived in situations where the ONLY way to buy food is to go to the supermarket and buy maybe 10-14 days worth of supplies. This is to prevent the need to go again and again. The only small stores are the convenience stores (usually found where gasoline is sold) - they're more expensive and are less stocked, and are only for emergencies. No supermarket here delivers at any price. Amazon is slowly getting themselves into the grocery business, but they're not in San Antonio yet. They DO deliver.

And of course, without a car forget about bringing home 10-14 days of food.

Tonight, I'm posting a few unusual photos of Paris, taken recently.


(https://image.ibb.co/jRhMB9/408721-Parislesbergesdela-Seinesousleau.jpg)

The "Zouave" on the Pont de l'Alma in Paris, is like a reference for the rising waters of the Seine to the inhabitants of the capital.
(https://image.ibb.co/i5gEW9/3063215853453q11b8002800x533.jpg)

The Statue of Liberty on the Seine in Paris, Wednesday 1 June.
(https://image.ibb.co/j9ehjU/368765lastatuedelalibertesurlaseine.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/b4Etr9/46086758537154b6a5893.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eoaKyp/3788545853273q06b6623800x533.jpg)


After several days of exceptional rainfall, the flood of the Seine reached Friday, 6 meters at the Austerlitz bridge at midday and could go up to 6.50 m in the evening.

  • Impacts are already partly visible in Paris: Flood squares, cellars, parking and some ground-floor, especially in the sixteenth arrondissement.

  • The Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the BNF and the Grand Palace, all located near the Seine, have decided to close their doors facing the river flood.

• Transportation is also disrupted. Several major roads were closed to traffic, while several RER stations and the Paris metro are closed.

• Bad weather affecting the Centre and Ile-de-France are expected to cost at least 600 million euros for insurers, according to Bernard Spitz, President of the French Insurance Association.

I'm still here :)

What I'm wondering is, if you live in Paris why have a car at all? Seems to me it's more of a disturbance than anything else.

to humbert...you're right but what should I do? Sell it? Sometimes it can be useful.
A week ago I went to my car because I wanted to do some shopping in the North East of Paris and I found it with the bumper on the ground. An old man was wandering around my car and some people were saying they had jotted down his license plate...his daughter had taken the road the wrong way and she had teared my bumper while manoeuvring the car. Finally the man gave me some money and I put the bumper back myself.

During this afternoon, once again, I stumbled upon some Syrians near the porte of Clichy, at the exit of the ring road. A girl and some young men were wandering between the cars to beg for money, with the usual cardboard sign showing "famille syrienne".
This time I gave some money to the girl. It's not everyday that someone greets me with a salamalikoum, besides Maher, and tells me "merci" with a weird accent. It was raining and some Syrian women were sheltering from the bad weather under the ring road.
It's hard to tell, but they don't seem to be unhappy. I guess it's not the best way to earn one's living though.
Formerly, most people were working in the countryside but our mechanized societies have destroyed these jobs. Unfortunately, there are no jobs for everyone in the towns. Nowadays, It's a bit sad to see so many people cramming themselves in dire conditions in the big towns.

Here are a few photos taken today, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. It was very hot today, and unfortunately there is no fresh air in the towns which are not situated on the seaside. That's why it can be useful to take a seat near a fountain, or in the shade of trees. Topdog, shadow97 or iih are luckier, they must not be suffering from the hot weather.


In the street
(https://image.ibb.co/ftEjW9/92229420160710162610.jpg)

At Place Colette, ones of the entrances of the gardens of the Palais-Royal (royal palace).
(https://image.ibb.co/eE0V4U/75904420160710162826.jpg)

In the the Palais-Royal gardens
(https://image.ibb.co/jFPJr9/14268420160710161029.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/coGbdp/15529220160710161633.jpg)


The screened entrance court faces the Place du Palais-Royal, opposite the Louvre. The larger inner courtyard, the Cour d'Honneur, has since 1986 contained Daniel Buren's site-specific art piece Les Deux Plateaux, known as "Les Colonnes de Buren" (The columns of Buren).
The 260 striped Colonnes de Buren are made of white Carrara marble from Italy and black marble from the French Pyrénées.
These columns are truncated and of different heights, but they all have 8.7 cm wide stripes.
(https://image.ibb.co/ex1Zyp/28170220160710161303.jpg)

The columns of the former Galerie d'Orléans
(https://image.ibb.co/mSsJPU/12679320160710161608.jpg)

The musuem of the Louvre
(https://image.ibb.co/koVSJp/47316120160710162815.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cGoQ4U/77140820160710163433.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/ebJa4U/45889620160710163410.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to hold an exceptional conference to present some works of art of Pablo Picasso.

Maybe some of you already heard of this famous painter. The collection in the Picasso museum includes more than 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archive pieces. Established in 1985 in the Hôtel salé, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, the museum recently benefitted from an important renovation. I took some photos of the most beautiful paintings in the museum, but Picasso's best known works, such as Guernica or les demoiselles d'Avignon, are not there, they are either in Spain, or in New York at the Museum of Modern Art. I hope that the users of the forum, like shadow.97, usmangujjar, akaubee or Maher will be delighted.





On the way to the museum


(https://image.ibb.co/b4aGB9/3537981bdmagenta.jpg)
At the Boulevard Magenta

(https://image.ibb.co/mLU9W9/9915672bdbeaumarchais.jpg)
At the Boulevard Beaumarchais, with The July Column on the background. It is a monumental column in Paris commemorating the Revolution of 1830. It stands in the center of the Place de la Bastille and celebrates the 'Trois Glorieuses', the "three glorious days of 27, 28 and 29 July 1830 that saw the fall of King Charles X of France and the commencement of the "July Monarchy" of Louis-Philippe, King of the French.


(https://image.ibb.co/bPRjyp/6484824the-Picassomuseum.jpg)
The Picasso museum. Some watchmen were standing guard and they were suspicious since I was taking a photo. I had to keep my mouth shut.
At the entry of the museum, there was another trap. While my Hsbc mastercard allowed me to pay off the fees, the cashier asked me to establish my credentials by asking me my postal code. I hesitated for 2 seconds. Did I have to tell him 75017? (I'm just joking) Finally I said the truth. And the cashier gave me the entrance ticket.

(https://image.ibb.co/gMBHJp/1241295insidethemuseum.jpg)
Inside the museum




Here are the photos I could shoot.

(https://image.ibb.co/k2kf4U/2322466aroundtheblueperiod-Celestina1903by-Pablo-Picasso.jpg)
Celestina, by Picasso

(https://image.ibb.co/m69yPU/4089957selfportraitof-Picasso.jpg)
Self Portrait of Picasso

(https://image.ibb.co/niJBB9/4216748-Jeanneby-Picasso.jpg)
Jeanne by Picasso

(https://image.ibb.co/eUr3PU/6775009-Violinand-Bottleona-Table1915by-Picasso.jpg)
Violin and bottle on a table, by Picasso



(https://image.ibb.co/j8duW9/80447110classicism.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/efUjW9/917191113womenatthefountainby-Picasso.jpg)
Women at the fountain, by Picasso





(https://image.ibb.co/gvCXJp/58352212surrealism.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dGi6dp/65970113facewith2profiles.jpg)
Face with 2 profiles, by Picasso




(https://image.ibb.co/fkOiPU/1800135514.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eXeeyp/20439015portraitof-Marie-Therese.jpg)
Portrait of Marie Therese, 1937, by Picasso



(https://image.ibb.co/eaAmw9/5222774716.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hwVrUU/88519017-Musician.jpg)
Musician, by Picasso



(https://image.ibb.co/mwmLOp/80512018landscape.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cYvVOp/26507419-Landscapeof-Juanles-Pins.jpg)
Landscape of Juan les Pins, by Picasso

(https://image.ibb.co/n6nGw9/1933883520.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cLWWUU/71283121-Thebayof-Cannes1958-Picasso.jpg)
The bay of Cannes, by Picasso

(https://image.ibb.co/id9RUU/76927922-The-Seaatl-Estaque1878by-Paul-Cezanne.jpg)
The sea at l'Estaque, 1876, by Paul Cezanne



(https://image.ibb.co/conkOp/66288223-Espagnolades.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hD16UU/79261024-Portraitofa-Spanish-Dancer1921by-Mir.jpg)
Portrait of a Spanish Dancer, by Juan Miró

(https://image.ibb.co/iVdLpU/28543925-Bullfight-Deathofthe-Toreador1933by-Picasso.jpg)
Bullfight: Death of the toreador, by Picasso.



(https://image.ibb.co/bUUX3p/38700726-Stilllife.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/b2eh3p/9978112627.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cLjMw9/2473274828.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gqPApU/23528129-Large-Still-Lifewitha-Pedestal-Table1933-Picasso.jpg)
Large still life with a pedestal


(https://image.ibb.co/eDi39U/51928030-Goats.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jqLTb9/19555631-Thegoat1950by-Picasso.jpg)
The goat, 1950, by Picasso

On the way back home
(https://image.ibb.co/bTY6w9/74664433-Thereturn.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/n68BUU/45153034thereturn2.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jjuww9/77431135thereturn3.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/g1szG9/58883936thereturn4.jpg)





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmi60Bd4jSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gur6nMbfc4o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLJB4pM9Jj0


(https://image.ibb.co/bZV3b9/53092620160909214948.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on September 10, 2016, 09:38 PM
(https://image.ibb.co/eXeeyp/20439015portraitof-Marie-Therese.jpg)

In school, we have a class known as Art/Picture.
We were forced to draw this image. Noone enjoyed it what I'm aware of.
I never understood why pictures of landscapes, and portraits became so popular. For me, its like a selfie becoming popular and shown across the world for future art classes. Like "Take a picture like this, and become famous!"(not really)
I have a hard time enjoying "popular" art from "back in the days".
Not everyone likes the same things, perhaps when I'm older I will appreciate classical art more.

Do you like classical art, and would you like to know more about it..?
We spent around 2/5ths of our time in pic/art class looking and comparing classical drawings, another 2/5ths, copying, and trying to reproduce the drawings. and 1/5th, doing what we wanted, just draw freehand.

...
Talking about photos.
(https://i.ibb.co/qBL4DfY/NuD50bm.jpg)

Today, I'm going to hold an exceptional conference to present an exposition about Rembrandt.

This exposition was taking place in Paris, Boulevard Haussmann, at the Jacquemart-André museum, near the arch of Triumph.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a Dutch painter and etcher. He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and print makers in European art and the most important in Dutch history. His contributions to art came in a period of great wealth and cultural achievement that historians call the Dutch Golden Age.

The Jacquemart-André museum
(https://image.ibb.co/hoCCzU/569249331.jpg)


On the first floor
(https://image.ibb.co/b2SHYp/522679132.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mQixJp/378087513.jpg)


The Venetian room

Pieta by Francesco Botticini
(https://image.ibb.co/dyp4yp/543716446.jpg)

Virgin and Child with Saints Jerome and Louis of Toulouse by Andrea Mantegna
(https://image.ibb.co/c1sOOp/114676387.jpg)

Virgin and child by Antonello da Saliba
(https://image.ibb.co/nc2JPU/408348308.jpg)



And here is the exposition you have been waiting for: the Rembrandt exposition, on the second floor. Taking photos in this place was forbidden, but let's say I did not do it, it was a friend of mine.

Rembrandt, self-portrait
(https://image.ibb.co/jgVuyp/166667599.jpg)

Balaam and the donkey, Rembrandt
(https://image.ibb.co/jANrdp/4970738110.jpg)

Parable of the rich man, Rembrandt
(https://image.ibb.co/hJANjU/3822433411.jpg)

Presentation in the temple, Rembrandt
(https://image.ibb.co/hhbOr9/8943349512.jpg)

Saskia as Flora, Rembrandt
(https://image.ibb.co/h133r9/7702127213.jpg)

Man in Oriental Costume, Rembrandt
(https://image.ibb.co/cyjRB9/6304593214.jpg)



On the way back home, in the car park, a beautiful car.
(https://image.ibb.co/nOiWdp/27325920161029172002.jpg)

We can make out the Basilica of Sacré Coeur behind the trees.
(https://image.ibb.co/iQSPyp/50259820161029173047.jpg)

Overweight is a problem in Egypt? There are no fat people in that picture, and that despite the fact that there's a McDonalds in the background. :)  The problem is far worse here.

And yes, the Champs Élysées is beautiful. I found a store there selling a pair of shoes for 500 €. I was trying to see where the gold shoelaces were.

This morning, I was walking in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, under a light rain, and I took a few photos; with an old smartphone.
Here you can see Hermel Street and make out the Sacré Coeur in the haze.
(https://image.ibb.co/dypXjU/521256rue-Hermel.jpg)

Here, on Marcadet street.
(https://image.ibb.co/dAAopU/651943rue-Marcadet.jpg)

Quote from: humbert on November 07, 2016, 03:51 AM
Overweight is a problem in Egypt? There are no fat people in that picture, and that despite the fact that there's a McDonalds in the background.  :)  The problem is far worse here.

And yes, the Champ Elyseés is beautiful. I found a store there selling a pair of shoes for 500â,¬. I was trying to see where the gold shoelaces were.

You and I have completely different views of fat  ::) I see several.

Quote from: Shadow.97 on November 14, 2016, 12:37 AM
You and I have completely different views of fat  ::) I see several.

It's true that everyone's definition of "fat" is different. To give you a rough idea, a fat woman is 1.50m tall and weighs 75kg or higher, a fat man would be 1.75m and 90kg. Weights and heights increase or decrease proportionally.

This is by no means exact.

Today, I'm going to give you some news of Israel.

It is a pretty little discovery that has just been unveiled on Wednesday November 23 by the Authority of Antiquities of Israel, the public body responsible for sites and archaeological excavations in the country. A seated figure, the chin in his right hand, his left hand resting on a knee, in a posture that evokes irresistibly the Thinker of Auguste Rodin. The mysterious man with huge round eyes is only 18 centimeters high and is an integral part of a terracotta carafe found in October on the very last day of excavations in the town of Yehud, not far from Tel Aviv , Prior to the construction of a building.


The object is over 3,800 years old. According to Gilad Itach, the person in charge of the excavation and quoted by the Times of Israel, it would seem that "a pottery characteristic of the period was first prepared, and that this unique statue was subsequently added", of which no other copy Is known. "The level of precision and detail achieved in the creation of this nearly 4,000-year-old sculpture is extremely impressive," said the Israeli archaeologist. The carafe collar served as the base to form the upper part of the figure, after which the arms, legs and face were added to the sculpture. "

(https://i.ibb.co/w4sSsG3/3-768x433.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/SQTDtc7/7-768x1024.jpg)

IN PICTURES: See Paris clouded in smog as air pollution spikes

Paris authorities were forced to impose traffic restrictions in Paris and its close suburb, and make public transport free on Tuesday, due to a spike in air pollution.
The air pollution in Paris is predicted to worsen on Wednesday, with authorities barring many drivers from using their cars and making public transport free for the second day in a row.
You'll be able to ride public transport in the Paris region for free on Wednesday as the pollution spike continues.
Authorities in Paris have also decided to restrict vehicle use on Wednesday by imposing alternating traffic in the capital and its surrounding suburbs.

This photo taken on December 5 2016 tells the story.
(https://i.ibb.co/fY5bYqQ/tour-eiffel-pollution-main-m.jpg)

Regarding the pollution in Paris, give it a few more days before the weather clears. I've seen it many times before in other cities. It's usually due to a temperature inversion that pretty blocks winds that would normally blow the smog away. You'll be back to normal soon.

As you know, I live quite close to Mexico. I've traveled there many times, both in a car and by air, and visited many cities and towns. I've never had a problem, nor have I seen any violence anywhere. No one has even given me a dirty look.

What you read in the new media very often should be taken with a grain of salt.

To humbert: well, I can assure you I saw neither any beggar nor violence in Naples too, in the ghetto of rich where the brother of my stepmother is living. I don't doubt you have not seen anything, this is no evidence nothing is happening. Even the Syrian regime is broadcasting some propaganda to encourage tourists to visit, a few kilometers away from the fighting. Usually, the media are putting the dust under the carpet, that's why I'm posting some messages so that you can know what's happening in other countries.

A few photos taken today in the cemetery of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

(https://image.ibb.co/dMPuop/524708491.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cq2x8p/189712662.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bUpG19/506265843.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFOe5sGnQK0

(https://image.ibb.co/cFC8EU/780838204.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on December 17, 2016, 12:44 AM
A few photos taken today in the cemetery of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

I think I've been there. Isn't that the place where Jim Morisson and Oscar Wilde are buried?

No. Actually, both of them are buried at the Père Lachaise, the largest cemetery in Paris.

Today, I’m holding a second conference about rising sea levels in the United States.


In the United States, the rising waters threaten the East Coast.
A new study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals the extreme vulnerability of the Atlantic seaboard.

Commissioned in 2015 under the Obama administration, the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report on sea-level rise was discreetly published Tuesday, January 24 on the agency's website, with little fanfare. It is, however, of singular importance: it shows that the American coasts, particularly on the Atlantic seaboard, are among the most vulnerable in the world to the rise of the oceans.

According to the calculations of the NOAA researchers, a probable scenario would correspond to a rise of 2.5 meters along these coasts by the end of the current century. This is an upward estimate of about 60 centimeters from the last analogous report, which only dates back to 2012.

Why are the North Atlantic shores so vulnerable? "Across the North Atlantic coast, north of Virginia, but also in the western Gulf of Mexico, there is a phenomenon of subsidence of the earth's crust which adds to the rise of the ocean" says William Sweet. This land-sinking effect is due to the exploitation of groundwater, but also to other geophysical phenomena unrelated to human activity. All in all, since the land is sinking and the ocean is swelling, the erosion and shifting of the coastline are all the faster.

The town of Annapolis
(https://image.ibb.co/mN1w19/231918_Annapolis.jpg)

An average global sea elevation of about 1.5 meters is envisaged by the 2100 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in the case of the current trend of greenhouse gas emissions. But a sea level rise of 1.3 to 1.5 meters would be unmanageable for many port cities. Many of them are already investing heavily in mitigating the effects of high tides, which are already penetrating into city centers. In Annapolis, for example, there were fewer than 10 days of flooding per year between 1950 and 1975. Since the beginning of 2010, the city has been experiencing this disruption between forty and sixty days a year.

Here are a few photos, taken by myself today. I guess no comments are needed, you can get enough clues in each picture to know where the scene takes place.
(https://image.ibb.co/ejm1Jp/29633920170211151233.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fxO94U/63023320170211151344.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bLt94U/27509020170211151354.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dnekB9/51592520170211151600.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eixSPU/95505120170211152652.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iEnxr9/28099220170211152716.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/c3KAB9/42648920170211152758001.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dgRCPU/15190320170211181449.jpg)

How did you make a hole in your window for the tube that removes hot air from the A/C's condenser? Also, does your A/C have a tube to remove the water to a bucket or does it just turn off when the internal tank gets full?

There will still be plenty of energy sources 20 years from now and further into the future, so don't worry.

The pics are pretty nice. Paris is very green this time of year, obviously due to the abundance of sunlight. I've been noticing the heat wave in Europe. I'm thinking it may be due to a weather condition where warm winds from the Sahara desert blow over the continent. Madrid is really bad, temps there are expected to be 38°-40°C in the next few days.

I wonder why some many tourist trips from this hemisphere to Europe are conducted in the summer. Who in their right mind would travel this time of year and put up with this heat?

As for our Muslim friends and the weather, it's unlikely some will heed your advice. They believe hell is hotter than the Middle East in the summer with no water during the day. For Maher it's a little easier, Qalqilya isn't too hot at this time.

Here are a few photos taken yesterday.


A stroll in the Luxembourg Garden, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
It was created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France, for a new residence she constructed, the Luxembourg Palace. The garden today is owned by the French Senate.
(https://image.ibb.co/de9fdp/38552320170720190113.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mWidW9/39497420170720190310.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fs2GJp/84382920170720190739.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hfcKop/50018120170720190831.jpg)

The Place de l'Odéon, a semicircular plaza in the Odéon quarter in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
(https://image.ibb.co/jzuog9/20604120170720191325.jpg)

The Café Procope, in rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 6th arrondissement, is called the oldest café-restaurant of Paris in continuous operation.
It was opened in 1686 by the Sicilian chef Procopio Cutò.
Throughout the 18th century, the brasserie Procope was the meeting place of the intellectual establishment, and of the news writers of the scandal-gossip trade, whose remarks at Procope were repeated in the police reports. Not all the Encyclopédistes drank forty cups of coffee a day like Voltaire, who mixed his with chocolate, but they all met at Café Procope, as did Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones and Thomas Jefferson.
Marie Antoinette and Napoleon are known to have frequented the restaurant. 
Apparently, there are some tourists coming from Malaysia or Japan in front of it.
Note that a mere coffee at the Procope costs 6 € versus 1,5€ in a classic café (I had a cup of coffee there with my father in 2014 or 2015).
(https://image.ibb.co/jRp7PU/96611620170720191947.jpg)

The Boulevard Saint-Germain
(https://image.ibb.co/ds9Dyp/70577520170720192449.jpg)

The statue of Danton.
(https://image.ibb.co/jFBhr9/65647620170720192644.jpg)

I'm seeing the streets are full of people. For some reason most tours to Europe are available mostly during the summer months. This is ludicrous! I would NEVER visit Europe in the summer. It is tourist-infested and the heat is just too much for me. Sure, here in San Antonio it's about 38° during the day, but that's no problem because my house if fully air-conditioned.

This morning, I went for a stroll in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. I wanted to share a few photos with you. I know that some of you don’t have opportunities to travel abroad, that’s why you are lucky to see these photos. At least you don’t need to come here any more. Maybe you would be disappointed: there are too many tourists anyway, and visiting a museum has become an ordeal, sometimes you have to wait for at least one hour.


Les Invalides, a complex of buildings, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building's original purpose. The buildings house the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the Dôme des Invalides, a large church with the tombs of some of France's war heroes, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte.
(https://image.ibb.co/hJrn8p/77817020170729134250.jpg)

The place des invalides, the Army museum on the left and the eiffel tower in the background.
(https://image.ibb.co/cvmWZU/56314420170729141500.jpg)

In the rue de Sevres, in the 7th arrondissement. It seems that a women is withdrawing cash, and she will probably give it to the tramp lying beside her.
(https://image.ibb.co/iSfQuU/79459820170729133150.jpg)

Hi, guys! It's me again. I was away from the forum for a long time, working a lot for earning money.
Fresh news from Russia - since tomorrow any VPN and anonymizers here will be denied. I have not read this new law yet, but everything looks like our government want to create a Great Russian Firewall, like a chineese one.

Daniil â†'  And you still believe Putin is not a Stalinist?

Quote from: Vasudev on July 31, 2017, 06:29 PM
Good to see you back.

Same as me. ;D

Quote from: humbert on July 31, 2017, 09:18 PM
Daniil â†'  And you still believe Putin is not a Stalinist?

You say "stalinist", but what do you mean? In russian "stalinist" means "official who raised to power when Stalin rules USSR", nothing else. For Putin better word woud be a "dictator", "Fuhrer". And in present I see a lot of facts, that modern russian politics more close to pre-WWII german nazism, but not to soviet socialism built by Stalin.

Hitler was supported and financed by monopolies - Putin too.
Hitler and Third Reich nazi manipulated the people by lie and disinformation - modern russian government do the same.
Third Reich nazi supports obscurantism - our official guys too!

I.e., "fuhrer" is the best word for Putin today.

Quote from: Daniil on August 01, 2017, 02:52 PM
You say "stalinist", but what do you mean? In russian "stalinist" means "official who raised to power when Stalin rules USSR", nothing else. For Putin better word woud be a "dictator", "Fuhrer". And in present I see a lot of facts, that modern russian politics more close to pre-WWII german nazism, but not to soviet socialism built by Stalin.

That's a good question. Here when we say "Stalinist" we usually mean someone who is ruthless as was and follows his same policies. China's Mao is a perfect example. Not only was he a ruthless dictator but he also imposed Staln's nonsensical collectivization policies. You are correct in that "Stalinist" is not the perfect term, "fürher" (or dictator) better.

Tonight, I'm holding a second conference to talk about the current exhibition in the Centre Pompidou: In collaboration with London's Tate Britain and the Metropolitan Museum of New York, the Centre Pompidou is presenting the most comprehensive retrospective ever devoted to the work of David Hockney.

The exhibition celebrates the artist's 80th birthday, retracing his entire career through more than 160 works (paintings, photographs, engravings, video installations, drawings and printed works), including his most iconic paintings (swimming pools, double portraits and monumental landscapes) and some of his most recent creations.

Here are few photos of the exhibition which was presenting more than 160 photographs, paintings, videos, books and famous works by the artist, including the swimming pool that represents the meeting of a swimmer and an artist.
(https://image.ibb.co/kRbUop/295903img8684.jpg)

This image, which at first sight does not suggest anything, hides in fact the disarray of the artist, who is facing a dilemma between "art and life".
(https://image.ibb.co/j0tyg9/763081img97443.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dDtW19/126005img97481.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bNnr19/812653img8694.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/ioMJg9/421838img97461.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on September 19, 2017, 10:13 PM
In the isolation ward, he is placed in a cell of ten square meters and permanently guarded - eight people take turns to ensure his constant supervision. He is entitled to two one hour-long walks in the morning and evening, and, as the law permits, to a Quran and a prayer mat to practice his religion.
The cell of Abdeslam being equipped with an opaque window, he did not see the light of day. At the parlors - only allowed with his immediate family - a window of separation cut him off from his visitors.

As we all know, the death penalty was abolished in Europe. Sometimes I think execution is more merciful than having to live the rest of your life under these conditions. Think it it - sooner or later he's going to die anyway. Why not save himself all those years of being locked up like that?

All 4 of these children were taken from their mother who doesn't have custody and fled out of the county with them.
July 4th they left from Lost Angeles airport and their final destination was Paris France.
We do not know the whereabouts they may be now. Could be anywher in the world.
(https://intersnap.com/Missing-Kona-Kids.jpg)
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KonasKids/

I have not seen them. At least I don't think so. No wonder they fled a country like the United States though.

Quote from: scarface on December 25, 2017, 11:58 PM
I have not seen them. At least I don't think so. No wonder they fled a country like the United States though.

If it were possible I'd love to move to Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Finland. Yet despite this thing here aren't as bad as the news media would lead you to believe. Here I live in peace have pretty much everything I need. If you don't go looking for trouble, chances are you won't find any.

Today, I took a few photos. I know that aa1234779 and Usman are looking at them with great attention.
Note that lately I deleted a few old messages that were obsolete.

Avenue Wagram, near the arch of triumph
(https://image.ibb.co/g6T2pS/20180501_112304.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cZpHpS/20180501_114628.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/ng7Fb7/20180501_114702.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fiX93n/20180501_113212.jpg)

Avenue de la Grande Armée
(https://image.ibb.co/jzU6in/20180501_113954.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/krdXOn/20180501_114000.jpg)

Avenue Foch
(https://image.ibb.co/hCrmin/20180501_114210.jpg)

Today, I'm posting a few photos on the forum, taken in the centre of Paris this afternoon, in the 1st and 2nd arrondissement. The weather was fine, unusually warm for the season and I knew that humbert and aa1234779 were waiting for new photos. I'm sure they will indulge in a little glass of beer while looking at them carefully.

Near the Opera Garnier
(https://image.ibb.co/nhwqao/20180518_141117.jpg)

Rue du 4 Septembre
(https://image.ibb.co/gpm1gT/20180518_141300.jpg)

Place Gaillon
(https://image.ibb.co/hW5No8/20180518_144249.jpg)

Rue Monsigny
(https://image.ibb.co/eoZyT8/20180518_144350.jpg)

Rue des petits champs
(https://image.ibb.co/fwswFo/20180518_144705.jpg)

Place des victoires
(https://image.ibb.co/cKsco8/20180518_153652.jpg)

Rue Molière
(https://image.ibb.co/i3uAao/20180518_145511.jpg)

A tramp (not Donald apparently)
(https://image.ibb.co/jqDdvo/20180518_145519.jpg)

Avenue de l'Opera
(https://image.ibb.co/fZO6gT/20180518_145823.jpg)

a bit later, in the 11th arrondissement
(https://image.ibb.co/b9MFao/20180518_161620.jpg)

On the boulevard Voltaire
(https://image.ibb.co/fONz1T/20180518_161440.jpg)

A young "hottie"
(https://image.ibb.co/ifi088/20180518_161350.jpg)

Apparently a demonstration for the Tamils of Sri Lanka...
(https://image.ibb.co/nLW91T/20180518_162842.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mikQao/20180518_162927.jpg)

Nice photos and beautiful scenery.. The city of light has many sights to see, apparently..

I'm drinking Arabic coffee while enjoying your photos, no beer for me, although sometimes I drink Budweiser NA.

Tonight, maybe there will be new photos, if I'm still able to upload them.
You know, I'm a bit like aa1234779. "No beer for me". After all it's so gross. Instead, At the monoprix of the avenue de l'opera, I bought a bottle of Riesling. It's much better. The price is not the same either. With that I'm eating a pizza with black truffles. A real feast. I wish Maher, aa1234779 and some users of the forum were here.
(https://image.ibb.co/g9ckRT/20180519_194832.jpg)

Here are a few photos, taken this afternoon.

The rue Vivienne
(https://image.ibb.co/gShART/20180519_153735.jpg)

In a bar
(https://image.ibb.co/nfbn6T/20180519_155231.jpg)

Rue du 4 septembre
(https://image.ibb.co/i7rR0o/20180519_154536.jpg)

The opera Garnier
(https://image.ibb.co/ipCART/20180519_160947.jpg)

The galleries Lafayette. I parked my car in the parking underneath.
(https://image.ibb.co/npPDfo/20180519_161911.jpg)

Once again some girls waiting for me and Vasudev.
(https://image.ibb.co/kCdTD8/20180519_162104.jpg)

The avenue de l'opera
(https://image.ibb.co/d6Q3fo/20180519_163143.jpg)

There is a storm in here. I don't know if it's a good or bad omen.
This morning, I had the bad idea to take my car to go to the 11th arrondissement. I have a bank account over there. I wanted to transfer my account to another branch. But they told me to go to the new bank. I went there for nothing. And it took me an hour only to find a parking space. When I saw a lot of policemen blocking the access of the bvd Voltaire, for a moment I thought there had been another attack in the bataclan. In fact there was a demonstration at place of Republic.
I wish I was able to go to Palestine with humbert and Maher. Well, at least I'm leaving a big town. Maybe aa1234779 finds that the photos are beautiful. But it's also a modern and superficial society. And above all, it's based on oil. Without oil, the supermarkets would be empty. There would be no food, at least not enough. It's probably also the case where humbert, iih or aa1234779 are living. But is it the case in Palestine? I've seen images of Qalqilya and we can see people with Goats, there are olive trees around the town. I mean the people who live over there don't need complex logistics to eat every day. Actually, I'm not sure I'd want to share my bed with a billy goat, but certainly, if you have goats or chickens they can be useful.
If you can, maybe you should go to a small town to be more autonomous. By 2025 we'll probably have big problems with oil.

Quote from: scarface on May 22, 2018, 05:52 PM
This morning, I had the bad idea to take my car to go to the 11th arrondissement. I have a bank account over there. I wanted to transfer my account to another branch. But they told me to go to the new bank. I went there for nothing. And it took me an hour only to find a parking space.

That's odd. I don't know how the French (or European Union) banking system works, but here we have no such problem. Bank accounts here are "branchless". I have my account at Wells Fargo. I can to go any Wells Fargo branch in the entire country for services, it makes no difference at all.

Quote from: scarface on May 22, 2018, 05:52 PM
I wish I was able to go to Palestine with humbert and Maher. Well, at least I'm leaving a big town. Maybe aa1234779 finds that the photos are beautiful. But it's also a modern and superficial society.

I've always wondered what it would be like to travel to Qalqilya and meet Maher personally. I think the best way is to fly to Amman and enter the West Bank by road. From what I've been hearing, traveling to Tel Aviv is risky. Risky in the sense that Israeli authorities would probably question my reason for traveling and possibly have me detained and eventually deported. I've heard many horror stories. I don't think I'd ever fly into Tel Aviv, nor ever visit Israel for that matter.

Quote from: humbert on May 28, 2018, 07:23 AM
That's odd. I don't know how the French (or European Union) banking system works, but here we have no such problem. Bank accounts here are "branchless". I have my account at Wells Fargo. I can to go any Wells Fargo branch in the entire country for services, it makes no difference at all.

I've always wondered what it would be like to travel to Qalqilya and meet Maher personally. I think the best way is to fly to Amman and enter the West Bank by road. From what I've been hearing, traveling to Tel Aviv is risky. Risky in the sense that Israeli authorities would probably question my reason for traveling and possibly have me detained and eventually deported. I've heard many horror stories. I don't think I'd ever fly into Tel Aviv, nor ever visit Israel for that matter.

Well, it depends on the bank. For HSBC it's true, not for Credit Agricole. By the way, a few years ago, Credit agricole hired Connery (connerie) for an ad about Green Banking. But it's mainly greenwahsing as it's still involved in many projects that pollute the environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypjKxGCgO8E

As for Palestine, well, to go there Jordan is probably the easiest way. I heard a story where a man from Italy was expelled because he wanted to cross the border for his humanitarian organization. If you want to cross the Israeli Palestinian border, you can say you are a tourist willing to visit Bethlehem. Or maybe can say you want to go to visit a Jewish friend but you need the right trousers in your suitcase (from the movie "Rabbi Jacob"):
(http://mradio.fr/media/news/thumb/870x489_ubgyuwxfmlxxmse69muf5q0f0bc.jpg)

Today, I'm going to hold a conference about the current exposition of a Tyrannosaurus in Paris
This summer, the Musée national d'Histoire naturelle is going back in time and giving its visitors the opportunity to dive into the Cretaceous period, to discover one of its greatest preserved symbols. Trix, a female Tyrannosaurus rex who is 67 million years old, 12.5 meters long, 4 meters high, and approximately weighed 8 tons during her life, awaits visitors in the nave of the "Gallerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie".
The photos were taken yesterday.


(https://image.ibb.co/nQgt4d/20180616_135916.jpg)
At the place of Concorde


(https://image.ibb.co/f0OUcy/20180616_141417.jpg)
in front of the National Museum of Natural History, near the boulevard St Germain


(https://image.ibb.co/nc0mPd/20180616_142042.jpg)
The garden of the plants


(https://image.ibb.co/iK5EAJ/20180616_142109.jpg)
A Turiasaurus femur


(https://image.ibb.co/cvNcVJ/20180616_142319.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/df7pcy/20180616_142120.jpg)
the National Museum of Natural History


(https://image.ibb.co/gJUfjd/20180616_142711.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fAoHVJ/20180616_142805.jpg)
Inside the museum


(https://image.ibb.co/ivwhxy/20180616_143025.jpg)
an Edmontosorus skeleton


(https://image.ibb.co/heOHVJ/20180616_143129.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/km70jd/20180616_143216.jpg)
The Tyrannosaurus
Discovered in 2013 in Montana, USA, Trix is the second most complete T-Rex in the world. The original intact skull makes this specimen particularly remarkable.


(https://image.ibb.co/nEGt4d/20180616_143322.jpg)



(https://image.ibb.co/grncVJ/20180616_144921.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nRqLjd/20180616_144934.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dNw4AJ/20180616_145418.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/id6RPd/20180616_150601.jpg)
a few photos taken outside

Here are a few photos taken today, in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. Why I went there? because there is a post office open after 6 o'clock (the only one in France till midnight actually) and I had miscellaneous things to do before.

(https://image.ibb.co/dcjUrV/20180623-174215.jpg)
In the background, you can see the Pompidou center.

(https://image.ibb.co/hBh2dA/20180623-182734.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cCdayA/20180623-182743.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iiV5yA/20180623-182822.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nmMsBV/20180623-174138.jpg)
Here we can see a street artist. But they are very numerous, and I guess only the best talents retain their jobs. If aa1234779 is looking for such a job in the Arabic peninsula, I'm sure there are opportunities for the top-notch artists, orbiting among the most intensely original and inventive ones.

Rue de Turbigo, 2nd arrondissement.
(https://image.ibb.co/hHE9Qq/20180623-181212.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mjhXBV/20180623-181223.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fVbpQq/20180623-181246.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/j9fG5q/20180623-181345.jpg)

On the way home, rue de Rivoli and then place of Concorde.
(https://image.ibb.co/epYVWV/20180623-184620.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eAmQWV/20180623-185029.jpg)

Usmangujjar and vasudev may notice I certainly could have taken a more direct route to come back (for example bvd Bonne Nouvelle - bvd Haussmann and then rue de Clichy to reach place de Clichy...).


Note that if some of you want to move to a big town, don't forget that "the bigger the town, the more vulnerable it is". aa1234779 might be wondering if it's an old quote of Bin Laden, not at all, it's Jancovici, a scientist, who says that. For him, the implementation of the "grand Paris" with new metro stations is totally anachronistic.
That's what he says in this conference, in French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC0IiJnuB2U
Here is one in English (shadow.97 may deem it as depressing, the subject is interesting, but at least Jancovici is taking it with his own sense of humour): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGt4XwBbCvA

Today, new photos are available. I know that aa1234779 and some users of the forum are looking closely at the pictures available on the forum.


At the place of Opera, in the 9th arrondissement, some photos taken on 30 June 2018.

As you can see on the photos, there are many tourists at the Opera place. The Galleries Lafayette and the Apple store are in the vicinity.
(If you have time and if you want to use Macos, and you can't afford an expensive mcbook...just follow this tutorial: https://techsviewer.com/install-macos-sierra-vmware-windows/)

Many tourists spend their money here.
(https://image.ibb.co/npE9Qq/20180630-145910.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gavr5q/20180630-150043.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nAf2BV/20180630-150121.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gYEOJA/20180630-150150.jpg)

A few years ago, in 2014, I ate some seafood at the restaurant Leon de Bruxelles, Boulevard des Italiens, near this place. Some will tell you I'm selfish, but no, I'm rather "shellfish". The photo with the Mango shop is taken on this Boulevard.

(https://image.ibb.co/eS2AyA/20180630-150910.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/ip6EQq/20180630-150925.jpg)

we can also see the Rue de Rome and the Saint Lazare Station (with the infantry of Macron).
A bit later we can see the brand new glass prison (courthouse) from the Rue de Rome.
4 years ago, I used to live a few hundred meters away from here, near the train track.

(https://image.ibb.co/cwOErV/20180630-153505.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mi1QWV/20180630-153607.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bYEtkq/20180630-153845.jpg)

I remember that Daniil was glad to meet "Momo and Koko", 2 bonsais in my previous apartment.
(https://image.ibb.co/f8pJHJ/cIIU7gj.jpg)




In January 2018, I took these photos in the 13th arrondissement. If humbert and usmangujjar are wondering where it is:

(https://i.ibb.co/N20dfk6/1442994650-arrondissements-paris.jpg)

Some photos taken on 1 July 2018, in the vicinity of Porte d'Italie, in the 13th arrondissement, and in the Butte aux Cailles neighborhood.

(https://image.ibb.co/bziWQq/20180701-131229.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eRNQkq/20180701-132816.jpg)


Apparently an artist forgot his work of art on top of a building.
(https://image.ibb.co/dcdWQq/20180701-132740.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kbdvJA/20180701-132753.jpg)

This photo was taken bvd Blanqui with a Sunday market.
(https://image.ibb.co/hX3edA/20180701-133812.jpg)

Then we enter the area of the Butte aux Cailles. This neighbourhood is distinguishable from the rest of the 13th arrondissement with its small building and private mansions.
(https://image.ibb.co/eSN85q/20180701-134125.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mTR1Qq/20180701-134344.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hF00JA/20180701-134532.jpg)

In this photo you can see a Byzantyne church which was built between 1894 and 1912 in a place where there used to be a little wooden chapel. It was constructed by the architect Prosper Bobin, with the financial help of the Lombard family, best known as the Meunier family, owner of the Meunier chocolate factory. The façade, inspired by the "Saint-Trophime d'Arles" church, opens on a portal, framed by little roman chapiter columns decorated with flowers. Initially called Sainte-Anne-de-la-Maison-Blanche, it is only in 2001 that the name will change to Saint-Anne-de-la-Butte-aux-Cailles.
(https://image.ibb.co/mGGt5q/20180701-135442.jpg)

A photo of an autolib, the electric car service provided since 2011. But the service disappeared in August 2018, since the accumulated losses are huge and nobody wants to pay.
(https://image.ibb.co/mefLkq/20180701-135538.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cfn0kq/20180701-135942.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gGS0kq/20180701-140114.jpg)

A few monumental frescoes

C215, in the boulevard Vincent Auriol
(https://image.ibb.co/fKGzdA/C215-141-bd-Vincent-Auriol-Paris-13-fresque-r-alis-e-en-avril-2013.jpg)

Inti, in the rue Lahire
(https://image.ibb.co/hsnuBV/Inti-rue-Lahire-Paris-13-2.jpg)

Maher and Aner, in the rue Jeanne d'Arc.
(https://image.ibb.co/i6Y1rV/Maher-et-Aner-50-rue-Jeanne-d-Arc-Pais-13-2.jpg)

Tomorrow, maybe there will be a new conference with some photos.


Note that I was wondering if the administrator is not ill. It's ages since I've not seen him on the forum. Maybe one year, probably much more. Perhaps some users of the forum who speak English or Arabic could try to call him in Palestine, I'm sure you have his phone number. You could ask him about the registration problem on the forum. Otherwise Bpefreddie will remain the last registered user for a long time. However it doesn't seem to affect the regular users who keep coming on the forum.

Tonight, a conference about the museum of the army, also known as Les invalides, which is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.


The invalides entrance.
(https://image.ibb.co/i0GoWo/20180506_122700.jpg)


Portrait of count de La Marck.
(https://image.ibb.co/c19Wj8/20180506_123651.jpg)


Some guns and battle-axes. Most were made in Saint Etienne. Saint Etienne was well known as a center of swords and knives manufacturing beginning in the Middle Ages. In 1665, a Royal Arms Depot was created in Paris to store military weapons made in Saint Etienne. The Royal Arms Manufacture was created in 1764 under the supervision of the General Inspector of the Royal Arms Manufacture of Charleville. 12,000 weapons were being produced each year when the French Revolution began. The city was renamed Armsville during the revolutionary period and production increased to arm the Revolutionary Army. 
(https://image.ibb.co/daoVcT/20180506_123814.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/iTMSP8/20180506_123828.jpg)


Cavalry armor of the Régiment Royal-Allemand cavalerie, a regiment in the French Royal army composed of German-speakers.
(https://image.ibb.co/coHHP8/20180506_123909.jpg)


Officer from the Esterhazy Hussars regiment. Created in 1764 by Count Valentin-Ladislas Esterhazy (1740-1805), this regiment was originally comprised of 3 squadrons, each having been taken from the Bercheny, Chamborant and Nassau Hussars regiment.
(https://image.ibb.co/iEA448/20180506_123958.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/nbx3Wo/20180506_124107.jpg)


The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745, was a major engagement of the War of the Austrian Succession, fought between the forces of the Pragmatic Allies - comprising mainly Dutch, British, and Hanoverian troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland - and a French army under Maurice de Saxe, commander of King Louis XV's forces in the Low Countries. The battle was one of the most important in the war and considered the masterpiece of Saxe, serving France; Louis XV, and his son, the Dauphin, were present at the battle.
(https://image.ibb.co/hNZp48/20180506_124216.jpg)


King Louis XV campaigning
(https://image.ibb.co/nkD5cT/20180506_124230.jpg)


Louis François Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, 3rd Duke of Richelieu (1696 - 1788), was a French soldier, diplomat and statesman. He joined the army and participated in three major wars. He eventually rose to the rank of Marshal of France.
(https://image.ibb.co/gMcgHT/20180506_124317.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/hDrxro/20180506_124700.jpg)


Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes  (1719 - 1787) was a French statesman and diplomat. He served as Foreign Minister from 1774 during the reign of Louis XVI, notably during the American War of Independence.
(https://image.ibb.co/k9wDWo/20180506_124817.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/ewAU48/20180506_124837.jpg)


Marquis de La Fayette
(https://image.ibb.co/eGiABo/20180506_124936.jpg)


Some guns that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805.
(https://image.ibb.co/i4CyxT/20180506_125116.jpg)


Bag that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte.
(https://image.ibb.co/b8JGj8/20180506_125141.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/hMq7ro/20180506_125151.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/j34NP8/20180506_125322.jpg)


Napoleon I on his Imperial Throne, 1806
(https://image.ibb.co/dYb8xT/20180506_125408.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/jMSgHT/20180506_125439.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/dM6K48/20180506_125526.jpg)


Le Vizir, Napoleon 1's first horse, stuffed and on display at the Invalides.
(https://image.ibb.co/gCP6j8/20180506_125949.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/f63cro/20180506_130113.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/iS1SP8/20180506_130412.jpg)


The Battle of Solferino  on 24 June 1859 resulted in the victory of the allied French Army under Napoleon III and Sardinian Army under Victor Emmanuel II (together known as the Franco-Sardinian Alliance) against the Austrian Army under Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was the last major battle in world history where all the armies were under the personal command of their monarchs.
(https://image.ibb.co/edSdWo/20180506_131021.jpg)


German negotiators enter belfort on 16 February, 1871 - 1884, Alphonse de Neuville.
The Siege of Belfort (3 November 1870 - 18 February 1871) was a 103-day military assault and blockade of the city of Belfort, France by Prussian forces during the Franco-Prussian War. The French garrison held out until the January 1871 armistice between France and the German Empire obligated French forces to abandon the stronghold in February 1871.
(https://image.ibb.co/jj5bHT/20180506_131311.jpg)


Alexandre Le Grand, Hannibal and Jules Cesar.
(https://image.ibb.co/hrQMj8/20180506_131638.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/nC65Bo/20180506_131845.jpg)


General Napoleon Bonaparte at the Bridge of Arcole. By Antoine-Jean Gros.
(https://image.ibb.co/b8zLcT/20180506_131942.jpg)


Scale Model of the Battle of the bridge of Arcole or Battle of Arcola (15 - 17 November 1796) This battle was fought between French and Austrian forces 25 kilometres southeast of Verona during the War of the First Coalition, a part of the French Revolutionary Wars.
The battle saw a bold maneuver by Napoleon Bonaparte's French Army of Italy to outflank the Austrian army led by Baron József Alvinczi and cut off its line of retreat. The French victory proved to be a highly significant event during the third Austrian attempt to lift the Siege of Mantua.
The French army was far outnumbered by the Austrian forces. But Napoleon Bonaparte decided to lead his troops over the bridge of Arcole: He ran to the bridge to make another effort (the first time Augereau failed and later Napoleon would say "The  marshal had long since ceased to be a soldier; his courage, his first virtues, had raised him very high out of the crowd"), then seized a flag, brought back his troops, rushed toward the enemy between the bullets and screamed "soldiers, follow your general !"
For three days the positions of Arcole were subjected to a bloody struggle; but at last the skill of the maneuvers of Bonaparte prevailed, and the Austrian general withdrew in a disorderly fashion to Montebello after losing twelve thousand soldiers and six thousand prisoners.
(https://image.ibb.co/cpt2ro/20180506_132034.jpg)


Some letters of Napoleon Bonaparte.
(https://image.ibb.co/cTE8Wo/20180506_132201.jpg)


The Battle of Borodino, known as Bataille de la Moskova was a battle fought on 7 September 1812 in the Napoleonic Wars during the French invasion of Russia. The fighting involved around 250,000 troops and left at least 70,000 casualties, making Borodino the deadliest day of the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon's Grande Armée launched an attack against the Imperial Russian Army, driving it back from its initial positions but failing to gain a decisive victory. Both armies were exhausted after the battle and the Russians withdrew from the field the following day. Borodino represented the last Russian effort at stopping the French advance on Moscow, which fell a week later. However, the French had no clear way of forcing Tsar Alexander to capitulate because the Russian army was not decisively defeated, resulting in the ultimate defeat of the French invasion following the retreat from Moscow in October.
(https://image.ibb.co/hVw0cT/20180506_132243.jpg)


The Battle of the Pyramids, also known as the Battle of Embabeh, was a major engagement fought on 21st July 1798 during the French Invasion of Egypt. The French army, under Napoleon Bonaparte, scored a decisive victory against the forces of the local Mamluk rulers, wiping out almost the entire Egyptian army. It was the battle where Napoleon employed one of his significant contributions to military tactics, the divisional square. Actually a rectangle, the deployment of the French brigades into these massive formations repeatedly threw back multiple cavalry charges by the Egyptians.
(https://image.ibb.co/ef0hro/20180506_132619.jpg)


The Russian Campaign by Swebach.
The Russian campaign that began in June 1812 and ended in mid-December was - in spite of the troops committed to it- a catastrophe for the Grande Armée, which confronted both huge logistical problems as well as the resistance and patriotism of Russian troops. In January 1814, carried by the success of the German campaign, coalition troops penetrated into France. The campaign would prove to be fierce but short. On March 31, Alexander I entered Paris, which was a prelude to Napoleon's abdication on April 6.
(https://image.ibb.co/den1j8/20180506_132922.jpg)


The Battle of Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar (21 October 1805) was a naval engagement fought by the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies during the War of the Third Coalition (August - December 1805) of the Napoleonic Wars (1803 -1815). Twenty-seven British ships of the line led by Admiral Lord Nelson defeated thirty-three French and Spanish ships of the line under French Admiral Villeneuve. The battle took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Spain, just west of Cape Trafalgar. The Franco-Spanish fleet lost twenty-two ships, and the British lost none.
The Redoutable at Trafalgar - 1806. A painting of Louis-Philippe Crépin.
(https://i.ibb.co/SK5yqD5/Redoutable-At-The-Battle-Of-Trafalgar.jpg)



(https://image.ibb.co/ktpgj8/20180506_133251.jpg)



The Dome houses Napoleon's Tomb as well as Vauban's mausoleum, the graves of Napoleon II (also known as "The Eaglet"), Joseph and Jérôme Bonaparte (the brothers of Napoleon 1), the Generals Bertrand and Duroc, and the famous Marshals Foch and Lyautey.
(https://image.ibb.co/n1GYxT/20180506_134718.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/ndCHP8/20180506_134947.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/cd3VcT/20180506_142502.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/k3gGHT/20180506_142703.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/ju1u48/20180506_143400.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/e2Mu48/20180506_144005.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/hfqyWo/20180506_150412.jpg)

A photo of the Gare de Lyon in Paris, taken from the taverne karlsbrau where I was drinking a glass of grenadine.
(https://image.ibb.co/mEWSP8/20180506_153137.jpg)

Today, I'm posting a few photos taken in the Louvre, taken on July 14, 2018 (national celebrating the storming of the Bastille)


Place des Victoires, near Le Louvre.
(https://image.ibb.co/gWcvro/20180714_115540.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/kuPmxT/20180714_115958.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/gqoqP8/20180714_120228.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gjcTBo/20180714_120345.jpg)

Rue Saint Honoré
(https://image.ibb.co/krKaro/20180714_120441.jpg)

Some Algerian Pastries
(https://image.ibb.co/iSHvro/20180714_120520.jpg)

In front of Le Louvre. Apparently, a welcoming committee is waiting for me.
(https://image.ibb.co/hf2jj8/20180714_120845.jpg)

On the Rue de Rivoli.
(https://image.ibb.co/c31MWo/20180714_121310.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/b4bYcT/20180714_121334.jpg)

In front of the pyramid of the Louvre
(https://image.ibb.co/eLboBo/20180714_121624.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cHzKHT/20180714_121931.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jbroBo/20180714_121940.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mhc6xT/20180714_122122.jpg)



Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The monument consists of a statue of a winged female figure "the messenger goddess Victory" and a base in the shape of the prow of a ship, standing on a low pedestal. 220-185 BC
(https://image.ibb.co/hGa6Wo/Nike_of_Smaothrace_with_Boat.jpg)

Delacroix - Liberty Leading the People
(https://image.ibb.co/bF1rxT/Delacroix_Liberty_Leading_the_People.jpg)

Delacroix - Scene of the massacre at Chios Greek families awaiting death or slavery framed
(https://image.ibb.co/mw2ycT/Delacroix_Scene_of_the_massacre_at_Chios_Greek_families_awaiting_death_or_slavery_framed.jpg)

Delacroix - The Death of Sardanapalus
(https://image.ibb.co/kqSmWo/Delacroix_The_Death_of_Sardanapalus.jpg)


Musée du louvre, room 77
(https://image.ibb.co/gqwDBo/Mus_e_du_Louvre_Salle_77.jpg)

Michelangelo - Rebellious Slave with walker
(https://image.ibb.co/kZtFP8/Michelangelo_Rebellious_Slave_with_walker.jpg)

Ingres - La Grande Odalisque.jpg
(https://image.ibb.co/d1th48/Ingres_La_Grande_Odalisque_1814.jpg)

David - The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons
(https://image.ibb.co/dZEaro/David_The_Lictors_Returning_to_Brutus_the_Bodies_of_His_Sons.jpg)

David - The Intervention of the Sabine Women on gallery wall
(https://image.ibb.co/hXZVP8/David_The_Intervention_of_the_Sabine_Women_on_gallery_wall.jpg)

David - Oath of the Horatii
(https://image.ibb.co/hFqgWo/David_Oath_of_the_Horatii.jpg)

Théodore Géricault - The Raft of the Medusa
(https://image.ibb.co/jKuBxT/Th_odore_G_RICAULT_The_Raft_of_the_Medusa.jpg)

Pieta of Villeneuve les Avignon
(https://image.ibb.co/ciLOBo/Piet_of_Villeneuve_l_s_Avignon.jpg)

Rubens - Arrival or Disembarkation of Marie de Medici at Marseilles
(https://image.ibb.co/iOMrxT/Rubens_Arrival_or_Disembarkation_of_Marie_de_Medici_at_Marseilles.jpg)

Panel with sphinxes  - Achaemenid Persian Dynasty, 510 BC
(https://image.ibb.co/mxG248/Panel_with_sphinxes_Achaemenid_Persian_Dynasty_510_B_C.jpg)

Frieze of Griffins - Persia, 510 BC
(https://image.ibb.co/iaiFP8/Frieze_of_Griffins_Persia_510_B_C.jpg)

Frieze of archers - Persia, 510 BC
(https://image.ibb.co/fN0JcT/Frieze_of_Archers_Persia_c_510_B_C.jpg)

View of Capital of a column from the audience hall of the palace of Darius 510 BC.
(https://image.ibb.co/dH1DBo/View_of_Capital_of_a_column_from_the_audience_hall_of_the_palace_of_Darius_I_510_B_C.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iUpYBo/View_of_Capital_of_a_column_from_the_audience_hall_of_the_palace_of_Darius_I_510_B_C2.jpg)


Winged human headed bull (lamassu or shedu) -  Neo Assyrian Period, reign of Sargon II, 721-705 BC
(https://image.ibb.co/iowrxT/Winged_human_headed_bull_lamassu_or_shedu_Neo_Assyrian_Period_reign_of_Sargon_II_721_705_B_C.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/gm6fro/Winged_human_headed_bull_lamassu_or_shedu_Neo_Assyrian_Period_reign_of_Sargon_II_721_705_B_C2.jpg)

A few months ago, I deleted many messages in this topic. But actually some of them were quite good. Here is one of them. I will repost some old messages if it turns out they were deleted "accidentally".

Today, I’m going to present the most ferocious predator for man. This predator is extremely vicious, because it is attacking at night, and the victim is attacked without its knowing it, in most cases.
I’m going to give you a few tips, so that you can guess which predator is being referred to. I will also give you advice so that you can be prepared to deal with it.
Unfortunately, with climate change, some dangerous species of this predator are migrating northward.


Is it the shark?
(https://image.ibb.co/dLceKT/shark.jpg)


No.




Is it Al-Qaeda?


No.





Is it Mister baboon?
(https://image.ibb.co/c79RzT/baboon.jpg)


No.



You have probably guessed anyway since I already talked about it. This predator is the mosquito. Its sting is not directly lethal, but the mosquito is responsible for the transmission of a whole bunch of diseases, notably dengue and yellow fever, West nile virus, paludism, zika virus, malaria, chikungunya...
(https://image.ibb.co/g7RZm8/Mosquito_537x303.jpg)
Each year as many as 750 000 people are dying because of these diseases, in the world. That’s why it’s important to be very cautious. Don’t leave stagnant water around your house for example, or buy a mosquito net, if needed.

Today, I'm going to hold a special conference to talk about the water war in the USA.


The years go by and the records follow one another, and it seems nothing  is able to stop climate change. On a global scale, 2017 was one of the hottest three years in modern history, ranking, according to the data used, in the second or third place on the podium.

But the global overheating is all the more remarkable because, this time, it does not stem form the El Niño phenomenon, this natural cycle of warming of the Pacific waters which, every three to seven years, pulls the temperatures up, and the influence of which had been strongly felt in 2015 and 2016. The twelve months of 2017 thus rise to the rank of the most torrid year without El Niño since the beginning of the surveys, at the end of the XIXe century.

A boat in the dry pond of Theewaterskloof (South Africa), in 2017
(https://image.ibb.co/iYZUMK/boat.jpg)


The wars of the water in the United States


In the middle of the desert, the green lawns of Saint George, Utah.
To power the town of southern Utah in full expansion, the authorities want to pump, using a pipeline of 220 km, Lake Powell water, already half empty due to drought.

Sand Hollow golf near Hurricane, Utah, July 26
(https://image.ibb.co/mDWn8z/sand_hollow.jpg)

The locals used to say that this place is paradise nine months a year, but there are three months of hell. At the end of June, on the road from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, it's hell - the 42-degree temperature only dropped a little when the smoke of a gigantic forest fire overshadowed the sun . The crops are irrigated in the old way, by sprinkling water. Finally, we arrive at the subdivision of Sand Hollow, fifteen kilometers from St. George. A golf course - in fact two, one of eighteen holes and one of nine -, and chic houses.

Sandy Shepperd, 70, arrived in Sand Hollow three years ago. He had his house built for 400,000 dollars (350,000 euros). During summer, he takes refuge in the cooler mountains, but the rest of the year he plays golf in the desert. Nothing very ecological, even if the desert vegetation has been planted to reduce the surface of the "green": the water is not even recycled. The golf is fed by the "natural leaks" of an adjacent tank, which allowed to create a small nautical base. Sandy Shepperd loves his new life and enjoys the company of newcomers. "We're not just with Mormons, like in St. George or Salt Lake City," he says.

Thousands arrive in southwestern Utah, cheaper than California, and more temperate than the north of the state, with severe winters. In 1970, there were only 13,000 in this oasis crossed by the Virgin River, which looks more like a stream than a river . They are now 170,000 in Saint George, in this tree-lined city where young people are gathering in Mexican restaurants, and will probably be 500,000 in 2060.



Okeechobee, the lake that stifles Florida

Dams, pollution, salinity: the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades has been jeopardized to ensure the development of Florida.

(https://image.ibb.co/ez8vve/florida.jpg)
At the beginning of the 20th century, a drainage system and canals were organized to dry the Florida marshes. The control of the lake has made it possible to secure the economic development of this state

Lovers of Florida never go there. To get there, one must go for an hour inland, from Palm Beach, the Atlantic seaside resort for billionaires where US President Donald Trump owns his Mar-a-Lago golf course. Or drive for two hours, amid endless sugar cane plantations, leaving the Everglades National Park, the largest swamp in the United States, teeming with alligators, mosquitoes and herons near Miami.

Okeechobee Lake is the key to Florida's ecological system. The future of heavenly beaches, seabed and especially the natural wealth of the Everglades -a World Heritage Site by Unesco- depend on it . The vast expanse of fresh water is the essential source of nutrition for this fragile ecosystem.

When we finally reach it, Okeechobee is not visible, surrounded by a huge dyke. Fishermen are busy, but the serenity is misleading. There is something wrong: we discover a herd of manatees, aquatic mammals that in Florida normally live in salt water. Above all, the waters are seriously polluted.

The fish are gone

Steve Davis, a scientist with the Everglades Foundation, hopes that nuisances related to the lake will soon be resolved. On July 10, the White House authorized the construction of an artificial lake south of Lake Okeechobee. The goal: to clean up its waters and serve as a reservoir for the Everglades during the dry season. Republican state governor Rick Scott praised Twitter for approval of "this project we are fighting for". The file is now on the Congress table. This work  would be a posthumous consecration for George Barley who launched the Everglades Foundation.





Tonight, I'll probably hold another conference. You will discover the Arab world institute and the area of La Défense.

I finally left Paris this morning. If you have a similar project, ie leaving a big town, you can certainly talk about your own projects.
we have many users living in capitals and their opinion is valuable (Im thinking about usman in Islamabad, humbert in san antonio, iih in jakarta, vadudev in bangalore, harkaz in Athens)

I will hold a conference with photos later

http://imgur.com/a/OsiLGUi

http://imgur.com/a/JQpDU8B

Tonight, I'm holding a new conference with many photos. Note that I'll add some comments during the week end.


Some photos taken in 2016-2017.

In the 17th arrondissement, place du docteur Felix Lobligeois, where I was living in 2013 and 2014. Until recently, I was living near Metro Guy moquet, still in the 17th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/CbPtK7f/20171022-163020.jpg)

near the Martin Luther King park
(https://i.ibb.co/c2gf6Rd/20171022-163833.jpg)

In la Défense...
(https://i.ibb.co/J5x3kKt/20161125-151353.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/q0hS4fz/20161125-151525.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/tYKrjvY/20161125-151709.jpg)

in 2011, I worked in the grey tower on the right.
(https://i.ibb.co/MP4JC5W/20161125-153812.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/kZvS89/54304482.jpg)

Some photos taken a few days ago.

In the 11th arrondissement. I lived in the vicinity between 2011 and 2013...

(https://i.ibb.co/h9S2ptq/20180808-123827.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/C8rL1m1/20180808-123831.jpg)

With the rout of facebook and his loss of 15 billion in one day, it seems that Mark Zuckerberg couldn't afford a night at the low budget hotel Formule 1 of porte de Saint Ouen.


On the St Germain boulevard, 6th arrondissement
(https://i.ibb.co/nL90450/20180806-120118.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/K97GDqp/20180806-120158.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hMsB71J/20180806-120629.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/YhBs6NJ/20180806-120310.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/drv2zV1/20180806-120304.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/k4cHHQb/20180806-120612.jpg)

On the rue de l'ancienne comédie in the 6th arrondissement
(https://i.ibb.co/6DP9dd6/20180806-115508.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/DzjhQNR/20180806-115435.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/59b18zc/20180806-115443.jpg)

The Café Procope, in rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 6th arrondissement, is called the oldest restaurant of Paris in continuous operation. It was opened in 1686 by the Sicilian chef Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, with a slyly subversive name adopted from the historian Procopius, whose Secret History, the Anekdota, long known of, had been discovered in the Vatican Library and published for the first time ever in 1623: it told the scandals of Emperor Justinian, his consort and his court.

(https://i.ibb.co/xCBD7YQ/20180806-115703.jpg)

Throughout the 18th century, the brasserie Procope was the meeting place of the intellectual establishment, and of the nouvellistes of the scandal-gossip trade, whose remarks at Procope were repeated in the police reports. Not all the Encyclopédistes drank forty cups of coffee a day like Voltaire, who mixed his with chocolate, but they all met at Procope, as did Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones and Thomas Jefferson.

(https://i.ibb.co/w4mVYfY/20180806-115747.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jHqBTkK/20180806-115925.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/dLh2R2W/20180806-115930.jpg)

A view of Paris, from Saint Cloud.On the foreground, you can see Boulogne Billancourt.
(https://image.ibb.co/cyLrkp/View_on_Boulogne_Billancourt_from_Parc_de_Saint_Cloud.jpg)

A view of Saint Etienne.
(https://image.ibb.co/iNaDy9/st_etienne.jpg)

In my opinion, without oil, it will be difficult to live in the largest urban areas in the world. And maybe it won't be possible to live in big towns altogether. undoubtely, Saint Etienne is less glamorous than Paris. But I chose Saint Etienne for many reasons: the relative cheapness of the real Estate (last year I visited a flat in Courbevoie with an oustanding view on la Défense, and near the line 1...250 000â,¬ for 30 square meters. I made an offer, but an investor bought 2 flats in the same building, so the owner chose the "investor" - That's not important because for that price you can get 200 square meters in Saint Etienne). On the photo you can also see some fields around the town. It means that food will be easily available in case of oil crisis. It's not the case in Paris. Some recent studies showed that the Ile de France region could only provide 2 million inhabitants with food (It means that most of the food of the Parisians come from other regions). It's true in many countries who are heavily dependent on imports too, like Egypt, UK, the states of the Persian Gulf...
As far as climate change is concerned, I'm aware that the situation of Saint Etienne is not ideal (winters of cold and summers tend to be quite hot). However the heatwaves are less intense than in Lyon for a simple reason. Indeed, there are only 2 towns in Europe with a population above 100 thousand at an altitude of more than 500 meters: Madrid and...St Etienne.
I noticed that many users on the forum live in big towns, notably in Asia. That's the case for Vasudev (bangalore), usman (islamabad), iih (jakarta)...who live in urban areas with more than 10 million inhabitants (or nearly). And I think that the others, like humbert, Maher, Ahmad...live in big towns too. I advise them to be aware of the benefits and the drawbacks of living in such towns and if you don't need it for your job, maybe you can go elsewhere.

(https://image.ibb.co/cMEWhT/babouin.jpg)

It's interesting to know how the town you moved to looks like..

Please share some photos you take of the beautiful sites you see.

Quote from: aa1234779 on August 13, 2018, 02:59 PM
It's interesting to know how the town you moved to looks like..

Please share some photos you take of the beautiful sites you see.

Well, Finally I've been to Saint Etienne for the first time a few days ago. I already knew Lyon and Grenoble but I had never been there.
I've not been disappointed, that's what I was expecting...For the photos, well, to put it bluntly, I'm wondering if it won't disfigure the forum.
Actually, the problem is not the buildings or the surroundings, but the people in the street. Saint Etienne is a bit poor, that's why the real estate is cheap. I've been to a bar and there were drunkards. You wouldn't see that in Paris.

I already found a 70 square meters flat, in a park (there is even a Jacuzzi shower). It's very quiet. There is a parking space, of course.
In this neoghborhood, it seems there was mostly old people. It's not the population of Bagnolet in Seint St Denis, for sure.
It's in Saint Etienne, but not in the center (I didn't like what I visited downtown). For 500â,¬ per month!
There is a little drawback though: there is no optic fiber connection available over there(at least not yet), while it can be available in the city center. I'll try to keep uploading interesting contents for the users of the forum though.
For such a flat, I would have paid at least 2000â,¬ per month in Paris. I don't know if you remember the photo of momo and koko with the eiffel tower in the background, in a discussion with Daniil, in 2013 or 2014.
I had an outstanding view on the Eiffel tower (on the photo it was smaller than in reality). It was rue Legendre, in the 17th. I was paying 800â,¬ per month (for 22 m²).

I've just checked and I was right about the price...for 2000â,¬ you have sth around 60 m² in the 17th in Paris, usually in the ground floor (in ground floor, forget the view on the Eiffel tower, and in winter the rooms are very dark). In the upper floors, it's more expensive.
For example this one, for 2100â,¬...60m² in ground floor. And rue lemercier is not particularly chic. If Maher or aa1234779 are looking for a lease in the 8th, 9th or 6th...it would be even more expensive.
https://www.leboncoin.fr/locations/1456101989.htm/
With a sunny view of a wooded park, same size, it's 2300 €
https://www.leboncoin.fr/locations/1454979204.htm/

Actually, 3 years ago I could have bought sth in Paris. But I was certain that prices would drop. At least I didn't think they would go up And in 3 years they rose by at least 10%. In Saint Etienne, prices were already low 3 years ago. And they kept falling. To give you an indication of the prices, Lyon is twice less expensive, and St Etienne is roughly 10 times less expensive than Paris. Anyway, and I can be wrong, I think there is now a real estate bubble in certain towns (NY, Toronto, San Francisco, London, Geneva, Paris...). I could buy sth in Saint Etienne, but I'm going to verify if I can stay in this town. What's more the problem with Saint Etienne is not about buying sth, but about selling the real estate. It can take months.

If you save 1500 euros on rent where you are, it's definitely great and you can do something amazing with the money you save up, at least buy Gold or some other safe/low-risk investment. That is, of course, if you make the same salary or more than you made in Paris.

May Allah's generosity shower you.

p.s. The photos are going to look great. Don't worry just post them, I miss seeing small towns, aged buildings, parks, cemeteries.. you name it.. It will not shame you in any way.  ;D

Tonight, some new photos are available on the forum.


Those ones were taken in 2016 in the 1st arrondissement.

Rue St Anne
(https://i.ibb.co/yqYDKXk/20160810-122503.jpg)


Place Louvois
(https://i.ibb.co/fk1g26r/20160810-122914.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XtTyz4n/20160810-125057.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/3B6vL1v/20160810-130256.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jLL5L5N/20160810-130435.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Cm1Q0h0/20160810-130813.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/F36c9T4/20160810-130913.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/BBXwNj0/20160810-131202.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/5YpmwvL/20160810-131259.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/cyR87XK/20160810-131321.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/X3WDHJM/20160810-131459.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/QQXGKCw/20160810-131952.jpg)



Here you will find some photos of the Institute of the Arab world, situated in the 5th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/mHM1yvx/20180729-152633.jpg)

On top of the building
(https://i.ibb.co/pZRn7tQ/20180729-153704.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/PYgjT9m/20180729-153732.jpg)

Some funerary steles with faces, from the Dubroff family collection. Yemen, 1st century BC.
(https://i.ibb.co/db1Nq2V/20180729-154358.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Pjr9ryb/20180729-154443.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/KLxXqC1/20180729-154456.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/M2WWcCd/20180729-154703.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/xmkVD6Y/20180729-154838.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/GC3hGZf/20180729-154856.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/rmxzvrQ/20180729-155530.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Nsp8MhW/20180729-155545.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6b2QNPX/20180729-155740.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ngv5y77/20180729-160046.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/vvVLdtC/20180729-160328.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Bw9TFk2/20180729-160639.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/zHt2f5h/20180729-160643.jpg)


Rue Duret, 16th arrondissement
(https://i.ibb.co/RDnq1k7/20180729-165138.jpg)

Maybe some of you read the message presenting the skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus: http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29242#msg29242 (http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29242#msg29242)
In this case you will be interested in this conference about the "feathered revolution": How dinosaurs became birds ?

After agonizing over it for 20 years, Darwin finally published his theory of evolution, On The Origin Of Species, in 1859. But it was Darwin's "bulldog", Thomas Henry Huxley, who braced to defend the theory. To do so, Huxley desperately needed fossil evidence of a "missing link" to show how animals had transitioned from one species to another - evidence that Darwin himself admitted was sadly lacking.

Just two years later in Bavaria, the Jurassic-aged limestone deposits yielded a near-perfect fossil of Archaeopteryx. It had blade-like serrated teeth and many other features across the skeleton and skull that showed it was a carnivorous dinosaur. But the crow-sized specimen was covered in the impressions of bird-like feathers. For Huxley, this was the transitional form he was seeking: a dinosaur on its way to becoming a bird. The Germans referred to it as Urvogel, the first bird (its scientific name is derived from the Greek words, ancient feathers).
It was a coup for Huxley. It was also the beginning of the feather revolution.

Archaeopteryx's halo of feathery impressions may have been a 19th century game changer, but feathers were only just starting to overturn the evolutionary paradigm of the day.
Fast forward 137 years, and new discoveries of fossils with quills are continuing to rewrite the textbooks, not just on bird origins but across the entire dinosaur family tree.
The attempt by paleontologists to retrace the path of bird evolution makes for a rollicking tale full of sudden twists and turns. For starters, Archaeopteryx did not settle the matter of bird origins. In the early years of the 20th century, Huxley's proposition that birds descended from carnivorous dinosaurs, specifically the suborder known as theropods, fell out of favour.
One problem with the theory was that the skeletons of theropods were missing a crucial part of bird anatomy - the wishbone (furcula). It acts like a spring to assist flight and is made from the fusion of two collarbones. So for the first half of the 20th century, the search was on for a non-dinosaur ancestor to the birds.

(https://i.ibb.co/85MjQ7p/140618-Dinobirds-0294ca.jpg)
A velociraptor

The next twist in the tale of bird evolution was added by American paleontologist John Ostrom. He resurrected Huxley's theory by showing numerous similarities between the skeletons of Deinonychus, a theropod from the Montana Badlands, and Archaeopteryx. Ostrom was able to show that Deinonychus and other theropods did actually have a furcula; it had previously been mistaken for an extra pair of ventral ribs. Even more exciting was the fact that this fusion of the two collarbones had clearly occurred in the theropods well in advance of the evolution of flight capability.

But it was feathers that provided the final incontrovertible evidence that birds evolved from dinosaurs. In the early 1990's researchers began recovering extraordinary fossils of a wide range of creatures from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods (150 million to 100 million years ago).
They came from Liaoning province in northern China, and, unlike most fossils, their soft tissues were still preserved.
In 1996 the Liaoning deposits surrendered their first feathered dinosaur, the 1.5 meter long theropod dinosaur, Sinosauropteryx. While it had no wings, it was covered in a feathery fuzz.
Since then, a spectacular array of small, feathered dinosaurs have been recovered from Liaoning and a few other sites around the world, which plot every conceivable evolutionary step from small fuzz-covered, meat-eating theropods through to fully feathered and winged birds.
This transition is not so much a linear path as a dense maze, with many paths leading to dead ends.

(https://i.ibb.co/pZLgmPH/140618-Dinobirds-03-r94ca.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jfh1PGQ/140618-Dinobirds-05-r94ca.jpg)

For 130 years, we thought we understood the broad architecture of the dinosaur family tree. British paleontologist Harry Seeley pointed out in 1887 that dinosaurs could be divided into two groups based on whether their hips were lizard-like (where the pubis points forward) or bird-like (where the pubis points back). Confusingly, it was members of the lizard-hipped rather than bird-hipped variety that gave rise to birds.

The lizard-hipped saurischians were in turn divided between the long-necked plant-eating sauropods, such as Brachiosaurus, and the meat-eating theropods.
The bird-hipped ornithischians included a huge variety of plant-eating dinosaurs that could be divided into three smaller groups: the armoured dinosaurs including Stegosaurus, the bird-footed ornithopods such as Iguanodon and the horned dinosaurs like Triceratops.

Bottom line: Brachiosaurus and Tyrannosaurus were relatively close cousins. Iguanodon, Stegosaurus and Triceratops were more distantly related.
Palaeontologists were quite happy with this binary arrangement until 2017, when another British palaeontologist, Matthew Baron from Cambridge University, completely redrew the family tree.

Baron looked at 74 species of exceedingly rare early dinosaurs from the first half of the Age of Dinosaurs. By analysing a very large set of characters from all over the skeletons, he was able to tease out how the early branches divided right down at the base of the tree.
His first finding pushed back the origin of dinosaurs by around five million years to about 247 million years ago. The second completely rewrote dinosaurian prehistory. Instead of a neat, early split between the lizard-hipped and bird-hipped branches, Baron found an even earlier split that placed the lizard-hipped theropods onto the same branch as the bird-hipped group.

So now Tyrannosaurus is nestled in with Triceratops.

This new and, at present, controversial arrangement of dinosaur relationships lay hidden in a soup of confusing lumps and bumps on bones; there was no single feature that you could point to and say "dinosaur X belongs on this branch or that".
Except, perhaps, feathers.
Feathers and their hairy antecedents have been found on many theropod dinosaurs and also on several different bird-hipped dinosaurs. But they have never been found among the sauropods. So the new group of dinosaurs consisting of the theropods and the bird-hipped dinosaurs (which has been named the ornithoscelidans) may be defined by the presence of feathers or feather-like structures covering some portion of the animal.
So feathers may be telling us a lot more about the structure of the dinosaur's family tree than simply "here are the birds". They may actually be the defining feature of one of the most fundamental splits in the dinosaur tree that occurred very early in their evolution.

The revolution is still underway and many of the preliminary conclusions presented here are far from settled and confirmed. There is still a lot of work to be done, more species to find and classify.

(https://i.ibb.co/NtFsGnJ/140618-Dinobirds-0694ca.jpg)
Incontrovertible evidence: the Sinosauropteryx fossil, discovered in Liaoning province in 1996, revealed a dinosaur covered in downy fuzz.

a few days ago aa1234779 was asking for new photos. And I know that he is looking at them with great attention. Maybe some other users are looking at them too.


Here we have two photos taken place des ursules in St Etienne.

On the foreground, those young people seem to be outsiders, drinking beers and smoking. We can't see it here, but half of the shops are closed, even in the center of the town. Saint Etienne is a town that was devastated by the closure of coal mines. And it's still the case. Since 1970, it lost 25% of its population. Now the population has stabilized at about 170 000.
I was looking for some Chinese spring rolls, but I've been unable to find this kind of shop in the center of the town. Where I was living in the 17th arrondissement I was spoilt for choices when it came to dining.
But unlike Paris which is cloudy most of the time, the weather was fine and we have a sunny day.
(https://image.ibb.co/fo1pue/20180904_144047.jpg)

Some young asian girls. I must say there are more Muslim people in the streets, and Maher would be surprised because there are many kebab shops. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of "junk food". On the wall, a weird graffiti.
(https://image.ibb.co/ijTKue/20180904_144052.jpg)



Note that I found a code to use the internet connection of the neighbor.

Here is another photo, taken in a park in St etienne. The environment is restful. We don't hear the sounds of the birds but there are a few pigeons. The Parisian frenzy doesn't seem to exist here, but the noises of the cars are spoiling this subtle harmony.
https://i.imgur.com/7bnI7KA.jpg

I hope aa1234779 and usman are enjoying the photos.

A few days ago, Hundreds of thousands of climate change protestors gathered at some 850 events across 90 countries - and seven continents - in what is one of the biggest ever days of global action highlighting the issue.
They are marching in cities from Kathmandu to Copenhagen, Lagos to Lisbon, Bogota to Berlin. They are asking politicians to do something to curb climate change.

Here are a few photos.

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/3500/2330/1000/666/60/0/66219d3_DBG352_AUSTRALIA-CLIMATE-PROTESTS_0908_11.JPG)
Here in Sydney, Australia

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/09/0/0/5209/3473/1000/667/60/0/7871fdf_ZgDQAIyQwqdgRSB6KIq3eD95.jpg)
Members of The Forgotten Solution NGO, disguised as trees, demonstrate in front of the San Francisco City Hall on September 8th.

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/4500/3000/1000/667/60/0/c1cf1e5_0582dc9afb06476496118a75b25fb124-0582dc9afb06476496118a75b25fb124-0.jpg)
In Brussels, a rally organized in front of the European Parliament Saturday gathered about a thousand people according to the organizers

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/4944/3264/1000/660/60/0/2c8e348_afd1a58b04384626930c38749d2705e7-afd1a58b04384626930c38749d2705e7-0.jpg)
Events took place even in Marseille, where 2,500 people marched according to the organizers, and 700 according to the police.

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/5472/3648/1000/667/60/0/b25ed2a_69bcd92fc3f341e1b9068a4b778b548d-69bcd92fc3f341e1b9068a4b778b548d-0.jpg)
In Paris, 20 thousand people met and responded to a call for mobilization launched on social networks. Maybe some of you recognized the building in the background (it's Notre dame Cathedral).

(https://img.lemde.fr/2015/11/14/0/0/4256/2832/1000/665/60/0/1ceac46_5727796-01-06.jpg)
In Nairobi

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/4686/3124/1000/667/60/0/6c2ab2b_5302948-01-06.jpg)
In Bangkok, nearly 200 protesters gathered in front of the UN regional headquarters, where a preparatory meeting for the upcoming COP24 climate summit, scheduled for Poland in three months, was organized until Sunday.

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/09/0/0/6720/4480/1000/667/60/0/0873a80_uaKAgk9ztbOxQLA4oq9U7vHM.jpg)
Thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of San Francisco, including indigenous advocates.

(https://img.lemde.fr/2018/09/08/0/0/3957/2597/1000/656/60/0/7451cc3_5303733-01-06.jpg)
This day of action, here in Kathmandu, Nepal, is supposed to culminate with a big demonstration in San Francisco, where will be held from September 12 the World Summit of cities and companies for the climate, organized by the governor of California in answer to Trump's anti-ecological policy.


(https://image.ibb.co/bXGuPp/bb2.jpg)

Here are a fem photos for the users of the forum. I know that aa1234779 is waiting for them.

From the observatory park of Meudon
(https://image.ibb.co/ddHMC9/11122017_Parc_de_l_observatoire_de_Meudon.jpg)

Paris on 14 July 2018
(https://image.ibb.co/g6LrC9/07142018_Feu_d_artifice_14_juillet_2018.jpg)

La défense from Saint Cloud
(https://image.ibb.co/mCPZX9/09222017_La_D_fense_depuis_le_Rond_de_la_Balustrade.jpg)

A view from Issy les Moulineaux
(https://image.ibb.co/iUEwep/02042017_Vue_sur_la_D_fense_depuis_Issy_les_Moulineaux.jpg)

Lyon by night
(https://image.ibb.co/n1sUX9/12202017_The_night_in_Lyon.jpg)

San Francisco early in the morning
(https://image.ibb.co/gHQV5U/10242017_San_Francisco_early_in_the_morning.jpg)



If you can, avoid those big towns, which ar heavily dependent on oil. Smaller towns usually require less energy and less complex logistics.


The following are some pictures taken in Qalqilya Zoo (not taken by me). This zoo is a bit unique since the zoo is more or less without living animals. The majority of animals had died from fright and lack of proper care as a result of continuous incursions into the town by the Israeli Defence Force. The zookeeper was forced to become taxidermist but with little experience this often resulted in tragi-comic results.

(https://image.ibb.co/nknGep/267014.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/g4jJs9/268405.gif)

In the East of Palestine, people are using camels instead of cars.
(https://pre00.deviantart.net/bfba/th/pre/i/2015/112/a/e/camel_at_palestine__2_with_greenery_background_by_gneral-d5wxqqu.jpg)

scar, have you taken these pictures with a camera, phone or something else?
The light in the pictures is usually quite good.

I thought of uploading some pictures.
Where do you host them?

Quote from: Shadow.97 on September 14, 2018, 02:01 PM
scar, have you taken these pictures with a camera, phone or something else?
The light in the pictures is usually quite good.

I thought of uploading some pictures.
Where do you host them?

Actually none of these photos were taken by me. It was the guy who was working next to me who took them, with a camera. My phone has a 16M pixels camera, and yet the results would have been sensibly more blurred. That's why I practically never took photos of landscapes. You can see that in this topic.
One day he brought his camera and he had a lens like this...https://preview.ibb.co/gbBHKp/LD0004628401_2.jpg

Quote from: scarface on September 14, 2018, 01:44 PM
The following are some pictures taken in Qalqilya Zoo (not taken by me). This zoo is a bit unique since the zoo is more or less without living animals. The majority of animals had died from fright and lack of proper care as a result of continuous incursions into the town by the Israeli Defence Force.

Lack of proper care makes sense. According to Maher, the statement about continuous incursions into Qalqilya by the IDF is inaccurate. He tells me that rarely do people who live in Qalqilya ever see Israeli soldiers. If they come it's very brief (e.g., to take away a suspected terrorist) and they're gone almost immediately. All police work is done by the Palestinian police. This is essentially the agreement signed some 20 years ago by Yassir Arafat and Yitzak Rabin.

Quote from: humbert on September 16, 2018, 07:03 AM
Lack of proper care makes sense. According to Maher, the statement about continuous incursions into Qalqilya by the IDF is inaccurate. He tells me that rarely do people who live in Qalqilya ever see Israeli soldiers. If they come it's very brief (e.g., to take away a suspected terrorist) and they're gone almost immediately. All police work is done by the Palestinian police. This is essentially the agreement signed some 20 years ago by Yassir Arafat and Yitzak Rabin.

You are certainly right. In the first picture, we can see a kind of Lion. Had he been alive, the Israeli forces would have been scared. In the second picture, it seems it's a monkey, but it does not look like mr baboon. The Arabic description must be giving clues.


Today, I'm going to hold an exceptional conference titled: Ecological transition: how to do it?

How to lead a more sustainable life? This question generates a lot of debate about what people can do to fight climate change. In many cases, the answers are directed at individuals, asking them to adopt more responsible behavior, such as buying locally, insulating their homes or taking their bike instead of the car ... "But these individual responses raise the question of their effectiveness in changing behavior that needs to be systemic, "says Kris de Decker on Low-Tech Magazine.
There are three types of public policies to combat climate change: decarbonisation policies (encouragement of renewable energy sources, electric cars, etc.), energy efficiency (improvement of the energy ratio of appliances, vehicles, buildings ...) and behavioral change (promoting more sustainable behaviors). The first two aim to make existing consumption patterns less resource-intensive, but all too often relying only on technical innovation, they forget social support, which explains why they have not led to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions or energy demand. Progress in energy efficiency does not take into account new consumption patterns and the rebound effect.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LGYfcPblIkc/maxresdefault.jpg)

Similarly, the development of renewable energies has not led to decarbonisation of energy infrastructure because energy demand is increasing faster than the development of renewable energy sources. For Kris de Decker, this highlights the need to focus more on social change. If we want efficient energy efficiency and decarbonisation policies to be effective, they must be combined with social innovation: hence the importance of behavior change policies!
If the instruments of behavior change are numerous, they are mostly carrots or sticks, when it is not a sermon. But these instruments (economic incentives, norms and regulations, information ...) are based on a vision of individuals as rational beings: people would engage in a pro-environmental behavior for self-interested reasons (because it's nice or they can save money) or for normative reasons (because others do). But many actions generate a conflict between these two visions: the pro-environmental behavior is often considered less profitable, less pleasant or longer, hence sometimes a mismatch between what people think and what people actually do . To respond to this, we can reduce the cost of pro-environmental actions or increase the cost of actions which are harmful to the planet. Or, strengthen normative behavior.

Still, the results of these behavior change policies have so far been rather limited and disappointing.

The problem, writes Kris de Decker, is that these behavior change policies are based on the recognition that what people do is essentially a question of individual choice. But, the fact that most people eat meat, drive cars or are connected to the electricity grid is not just a question of choice: people are actually locked into unsustainable lifestyles. What they do is conditioned, facilitated and constrained by social norms, public policies, infrastructures, technologies, market, culture ... As an individual, we can for example buy a bike, but we can not not develop bike infrastructures. If the Danes or Dutch use the bike more than others, it's not so much because they are more environmentally conscious than others, it's because they have excellent bike infrastructures, because it is socially acceptable to ride a bike and because motorists are very respectful of bicycles, especially since the motorist is always considered responsible in the event of an accident, even if it is the cyclist who made a mistake. Without this support infrastructure, we can see that it is more difficult to get a large number of people to ride a bike. Similarly, individuals do not have the possibility to modify the speeds of the Internet or reduce the energy supply of the power plant on which they depend. "If individuals can make individual pro-environmental choices based on their values and attitudes, and inspire others ... they have no opportunity to act on structures that facilitate or limit their options."

The Guardian environmental journalist George Monbiot recalls in one of his forums that we will not save the Earth by adopting better consumption patterns, such as replacing our disposable plastic cups with disposable cups. "Of course, we should try to minimize our own impacts, but we can not deal with climate change and the resource crisis simply by taking responsibility for what we consume." Disposable coffee cups made of corn starch perpetuate the problem rather than solve it. For him too, "Defending the planet means changing the world".

In Hong Kong, after Typhoon Mangkhut hit, on 16 September 2018.

(https://www.ouest-france.fr/sites/default/files/styles/image-640/public/2018/09/16/en-images-le-super-typhon-manghkut-seme-le-chaos-hong-kong_4.jpg?itok=c446XjWb)

(https://www.ouest-france.fr/sites/default/files/styles/image-640/public/2018/09/16/en-images-le-super-typhon-manghkut-seme-le-chaos-hong-kong_2.jpg?itok=vwztukWD)

(https://www.ouest-france.fr/sites/default/files/styles/image-640/public/2018/09/16/en-images-le-super-typhon-manghkut-seme-le-chaos-hong-kong_5.jpg?itok=8A46TQbc)

Today, I took some photos.

(https://image.ibb.co/jMiirp/20180927_115806.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hnUCj9/20180927_115730.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eGnUxU/20180927_123708.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mt71SU/20180927_161450.jpg)

Maybe some of you know this town. Is it qalqilya? is it Cairo? Is it New Delhi? if you know the answer you can leave your comments.

Here are a few other photos for the users of the forum.


Some of you probably guessed it with the previous photos. The town where the photos were taken is Lyon. It was quite easy to find it with the Part-Dieu and Oxygene towers photos.
It's 3 times bigger than Saint Etienne and roughly 4 times smaller than Paris.


(https://image.ibb.co/eb2s49/20180928_152422.jpg)
It was quite hot for a late September.


(https://image.ibb.co/i46frp/20180928_122715.jpg)
The commercial center of La-Part-Dieu, which is beside the Part-Dieu tower. In my opinion the latter is a bit useless since it consists essentially of office spaces.
This place seems a bit overcrowded.


(https://image.ibb.co/eOPTcU/20180928_153217.jpg)
Some toys. The castle of Mickey is a bit expensive. Maybe usman or shadow.97 used to play with some legos.


(https://image.ibb.co/k3TArp/20180928_122312.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/bY3hnU/20180928_154001.jpg)
Visibly a former trader of Goldman sacks selling some works of art.
Note that he has a strong beer on the right of the picture, It's probably the future of work that we can see here, with more flexibility given to the employee and an increased resort to telework where the employee can work from home. Should aa1234779 want to work with a beer beside him in his country, I guess he would have to ask the permission to his prince.
I know that Aa1234779 is always carefully looking at the photos I upload on the forum and he may have noticed that I didn't take many photos of Saint Etienne. Well, to be honest Saint Etienne is a "run-down" city and it's not as beautiful as Lyon. Despite the low price of the real estate here, I don't plan to buy anything here because I'm not sure I'll stay here for a very long time. Since it lost one third of its population due to the coal mines closure, you have the impression that something is amiss. Unlike Paris, you can see many signs that read "for rent" or "for sale"...But it's also pleasant to leave in a place which is less noisy and where there are not as many traffic jams as in Paris. As Sartre said, "l'enfer c'est les autres".


I don't plan to buy in Lyon either since the real estate is quite expensive over there. And Lyon is particularly hit by climate change.
As temperatures are rising around the globe, a report from the European Data Journalism Network analyzed the temperature evolution over 117 years. No doubt, a global warming is happening, and Lyon is a city of France that is particularly affected. Thus, if in the twentieth century, the average annual temperature was 10.4 degrees, since the 2000s, it is now 11.5 degrees, an increase of 1.1 degrees. The trend started in the late 80s and does not take into account the heat islands that accentuate the situation a little more. Therefore, with these values, Lyon ranks 232nd out of 558 among the cities where the warming is the strongest. In France, it ranks first in cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants, ahead of Paris and Marseille where the rise is 1 degree. For smaller cities, Avignon is ahead with + 1.2 degree. Brest is the least affected city with only + 0.3 degree.
Days of heat wave more numerous

The study also teaches us that hot days with average temperatures above 24 degrees continue to progress. In Lyon, they were 3.6 during the twentieth century. Since the 2000s, the study notes 11.5. Similarly, the days when the average temperature is less than -1 degree are rarer, with 17.5 days in the twentieth century, and 12.7 days per year since 2000. Finally, at the European level, the most affected city remains Kiruna in Sweden with a rise of +3.4 degrees between the twentieth century and the 2000s.

Note that the site http://www.hostingpics.net/ is currently closing. It's not possible to upload photos any more on this site, and some photos are being deleted. Over the last few years I used to upload photos using it, therefore some photos of this topic were deleted. I'll try to put them back.

Quote from: scarface on September 30, 2018, 08:12 PM
Note that the site http://www.hostingpics.net/ is currently closing. It's not possible to upload photos any more on this site, and some photos are being deleted. Over the last few years I used to upload photos using it, therefore some photos of this topic were deleted. I'll try to put them back.

What site do you recommend to replace hostingpics? I assume you'd know, you're the expert on this  :)

Quote from: humbert on October 03, 2018, 05:57 AM
What site do you recommend to replace hostingpics? I assume you'd know, you're the expert on this  :)

You can try this: https://imgbb.com/
This is the site I've used to host the latest photos of the forum. I've been using it for a few months actually, when I was still in Paris, since the news of the closure of hosingpics was already known. In May 2018, I was using it.
Before this date, the photos have disappeared. http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29124#msg29124
But I knew it and kept a copy of the messages. I'll update them later.
https://imgbb.com/


You know, I wish I was with aa1234779, Maher, humbert usman, Vasudev and some users of the forum in Palestine or in Islamabad. I'm a bit depressed actually. In Paris I used to go out at night to walk or less frequently buy a soda (since I avoid the greasy and sugary American junk food. In my neighborhoods some Indian grocery stores were open till 1am, Indians are hard working people but it's hard to understand them). In Saint Etienne I don't go out. The town gives me the creeps. By day, you see a lot of lowlifes with caps. And since most shops close at 8pm, I guess the streets must be empty in the evening.
I remember a girl named Drenica who was an interesting coworker, and she told me she knew Saint Etienne but she wouldn't go back there for anything in the world. She warned me but my decision was already taken. Maybe I made a mistake. I have the impression there are essentially school boys, unemployed people, or old people here. The others have gone.
But there are a few advantages too. I'm living in a big flat. It's calm. There is a park underneath the building. Mr baboon is not living in the old spruces and fir-trees though. I didn't see him. It's probably too cold.


Note the windows 10 redstone 5 will be released soon, probably next week.

Quote from: scarface on October 04, 2018, 12:38 AM
You can try this: https://imgbb.com/

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a look.

Quote from: scarface on October 04, 2018, 12:38 AM
You know, I wish I was with aa1234779, Maher, humbert usman, Vasudev and some users of the forum in Palestine or in Islamabad.

That would be nice. Don't forgot about inviting Vasudev.

Quote from: scarface on October 04, 2018, 12:38 AM
Indians are hard working people but it's hard to understand them).

They are indeed hard-working, decent people. There are quite a few here in San Antonio. What is it about them that you don't understand? Those that are Hindus mostly keep their beliefs to themselves.

Quote from: scarface on October 04, 2018, 12:38 AM
But there are a few advantages too. I'm living in a big flat. It's calm. There is a park underneath the building.

You're still living in Paris? Do you have a car? I don't see why you'd need one in Paris. If anything the car is more a disturbance than anything else. I wish here in America I had the luxury of NOT having to own a car. In the last week I paid almost $700 in repair bills and the car is still acting up. I don't have $20,000 to get a new one.

Quote from: humbert on October 05, 2018, 06:43 AM
You're still living in Paris? Do you have a car? I don't see why you'd need one in Paris. If anything the car is more a disturbance than anything else. I wish here in America I had the luxury of NOT having to own a car. In the last week I paid almost $700 in repair bills and the car is still acting up. I don't have $20,000 to get a new one.

No I don't. I'm in Saint Etienne, a godforsaken place 50 km west of Lyon. And you're right, I didn't need a car in Paris. Like you I paid 400â,¬ lately to repair my car 2 times. A few weeks ago I went to Lyon and my steering wheel became hard. I could hardly do a parallel park. And a few days later, the ignition coil died. And I need this car since I don't live downtown. There are buses but it takes more time. Actually I have 20k but I keep my car. I don't know if I'll still be there in 1 year or 2.

Quote from: scarface on October 07, 2018, 01:50 AM
No I don't. I'm in Saint Etienne, a godforsaken place 50 km west of Lyon.

What's so bad about Saint Etienne? Seem to me you're better off there than in Paris, which is crowded and notoriously expensive. Did you at least manage to get yourself a better place to live? As I recall you were living in a closet or something.

You have roughly 16,000â,¬ sitting in a savings account? Congratulations! You're doing something right. I was under the impression you were having trouble at work, not to mention living in Paris which is not cheap.

Quote from: humbert on October 09, 2018, 05:46 AM
What's so bad about Saint Etienne?

When you arrive here for the 1st (from Paris), it's a shock, because the people look poor, -it's not just an impression- and because you are always wondering if you really want to stay.
Until recently I didn't want to leave Paris. And it wasn't due to financial problems. I left because I was fed up. Because Paris is noisy. And because I wanted to see something else after 10 years spent in the 16th arrondissement, in the 11th arrondissement and in the 17th arrondissement. Actually I’m earning less money here and my rent is more expensive.
In fact, the rental yield in Saint Etienne is excellent. And very bad in Paris. Because the price of the real estate is high in Paris and low in Saint Etienne (by comparison, since the prices kept decreasing in Saint Etienne till recently). It means that it's not really interesting to buy sth in Paris to rent it (by comparison with Saint Etienne), where you can obtain a 3% yield, vs a 10% yield in Saint Etienne. But there is another pb with Saint Etienne. If you are renting your flat, it's good. But you are not sure to rent it, because there is a lot of goods for sale or lease. And to sell it, it can take months. And for the tenant, it's not a bargain (for me). Compared to Paris, you can rent sth 3 or 4 times bigger for the same price (and that you can probably buy at a third of the price). Therefore if you are sure to stay it's interesting to buy. That's not my case.
But my flat is way bigger, I could welcome you, and maybe aa1234779 too. If you want to work in France, you can tell me. More money in the household, I don’t say no. And for the papers, well, I could marry you or aa1234779, one at a time (since polygamy is not allowed, a man can’t have several husbands I guess). I’m not into gay stuff, but if it can be interesting for you and me. At least financially. And I’m pretty sure that you and aa1234779 have a great potential.
Well, I’m not living in a castle, and for more users, like Vasudev, panzer24 and shadow.97 it would be more difficult, I would have to put a mattress in my car (but there is no noise at night in the park, in which I have a parking space).
But I don't know if I found here what I'm looking for.
More seriously, if I’d like to go to Palestine one day with humbert and Maher, it’s to live in a place where there is no money, where we can practice barters with villagers. Of course I’m talking about the Palestinian outback, near the dead sea. Most people are farmers over there, and they don’t need money, just a few goats. And they are happy. Nowadays, in the capitalist societies, most people are not happy anymore. Many jobs have become useless, and unproductive, there have been studies about it, because 80% work in the services sector, some transport people or goods, others are sitting in front of a computer all day like me, others are studying law, but in fine there is no more real production. It actually boils down to the meaning of the work.

In Paris I was living roughly one hundred meters from the rue de la Jonquière. It was a bustling neighborhood, with Indian groceries and Chinese restaurants open till Midnight or 1am, even if it was even more busy near the place of Clichy.
I was a bit abashed when I read this piece of news:
On September 27, at 11:00 pm, rue de la Jonquière, in the Guy Moquet district (17th arrondissement), a 26-year-old, suicidal man, under medical treatment, jumped from the 6th floor of his building. The victim did not crash down but impaled on a pole.
Two videos - his fall and the one where he died in the hospital - have leaked on social networks.

The images are violent and dramatic. They should not have illegally leave the Prefecture of Police and the hospital to be sent on social networks.
Last Wednesday, the Paris prosecutor opened an investigation, entrusted to the IGPN. "This investigation has been opened for breach of professional secrecy," said a judicial source.

Note that once again, some photos that were deleted with the closure of hostingpics.net have been re-uploaded and can be viewed on the forum. Hopefully all the photos will be back by the end of the week.

Also, note that some excellent versions of windows 7 and win10, with the October updates, will be uploaded during the week end.

Note that a report of brave Elise Lucet was released a few days ago about the scandalous conditions of work in the Italian tanneries, where only Senegalese workers want to work.
The video is available here, in French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IRtRnV92AM
Note that the journalists sustained bodily injury in Italy.
Today LVMH and Kering shares, listed in the cac40, dropped by 10%. 
I know that the users of the forum are particularly smart. I told you that you should boycott all the American products, and particularly the junk food. But if you are smarter, you should boycott all the products of the Luxury brands such as LVMH and Kering too.
And if you are a Chinese tourist maybe you can save your money instead of buying some craps. At Porte de Clignancourt you can buy a backpack for 10â,¬  instead of a Vuitton handbag that will cost 800â,¬. And with the money saved you can eat at the mcdonalds of the Champs Elysées for one year (at least you will go back to China with a big belly). Of course, the Senegale would lose their jobs, and Bernard Arnault would beg for money at the porte of Clichy, but for the former I guess they can only find sth better.

Here are a few photos for the users of the forum, taken today in the Business district of the 3rd arrondissement of Lyon.
Lyon is smaller than Marseille, but unlike Marseille, which has no suburb, its suburb is significant and therefore it is bigger in term of agglomeration, with more than 1 million.
I spent most of my time in Lyon this week. And I will work most of the time in Lyon in November. Maybe some photos of museum will be available later.
I hope aa1234779 and Vasudev are satisfied.

In the commercial center of la part dieu, one of the biggest of Europe, (a little smaller than les Quatre temps in la défense)
(https://image.ibb.co/mYKGO0/20181017-122844.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cXMSwL/20181017-122900.jpg)

A new game called Starlink. For 3 years old (according to the saleswoman). Looked like starfox for n64, but it was not as good.
(https://image.ibb.co/b0Wrqf/20181018-124800.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/cezYLf/20181018-121604.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hkGVi0/20181018-160405.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/n5iAi0/20181018-160339.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/dfdhwL/20181018-160251.jpg)

At the train station
(https://image.ibb.co/n1ENwL/20181018-160538.jpg)
If aa1234779 is looking at the vagrant and the dog, wondering which one is working, I guess it is the dog.
I hope we won't end up like that one day but after all, instead of our useless jobs, who is right, who is wrong? The vagrant or the tuxedo-clad moron?
In 30 years, without oil, the prince of oil will be like that you know.

(https://image.ibb.co/itecVf/20181018-160738.jpg)

In the train station for those who want to charge their phone, it's necessary to pedal.
(https://image.ibb.co/fRxmO0/20181018-160952.jpg)

Here is a photo taken in Paris a few days ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/kK3L5VP/s2-reutersmedia-net.jpg)

Maher is probably wondering if it's Mr baboon taking photos in the 8th arrondissement. it's not the case.
And aa1234779 must have noticed the predatory grin, a characteristic of humbert when he entered the mcdonalds of the Champs Elysées, looking for raw meat. But that's not him either.
Actually the photo was taken in the menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, in the 5th arrondissement. You know this place, since the photos of the T-rex were taken here (http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29242#msg29242).
The orangutan family of the establishment has just grown with Java, who was born eight days ago. The last birth of an orang-utan was in 2005, said Wednesday, October 24 the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN).
The orangutans from Borneo are an endangered species.

What is an arrondissement? Is that like a neighborhood or something?

yes it is. You can find arrondissements in Montreal, Paris, Lyon...


Note that new photos will be available tonight.

I uploaded some old photos in this message. Note that tomorrow other photos will be available.
http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29267#msg29267

Tonight, I'm holding a conference to show you a few photos of Saint Etienne.

A long time ago, humbert told us that he had been to the Champs Elysées (and its mcdonald), but chances are he has never visited Saint Etienne. And maybe he never will. So I’m sure that the users of the forum will be delighted to see those photos. And if they can, they should upload their own photos too, but in their country it might be forbidden.

Those ones were taken a few days ago...
Rue du 11 Novembre.
As you can see there are few cars. This is one of the city’s main streets, and yet there are many closed shops. But there is an interesting architecture.
(https://image.ibb.co/m48mwV/20181026-125310.jpg)


Rue de la marne. The buildings look dilapited, but oddly enough flats are often quite big and comfy.
In Paris it was the opposite, the façades are regularly renovated, but many flats are tiny and poorly insulated.
(https://image.ibb.co/i9yaqq/20181026-124822.jpg)


A shopping arcade. At least what is left of it. Only one shop is still open.
(https://image.ibb.co/eobZiA/20181026-123639.jpg)


A few photos taken today.
It’s snowing. It was a catastrophe for me because my car and my tyres are not capable of coping with this weather. Actually, there is a steep hill on my way to work, and with a
relatively powerful sedan using slick tyres, if you have to stop the car, the wheels of the vehicles are spinning when you move again.
(https://image.ibb.co/ner6wV/20181029-104342.jpg)


a few hours later.
(https://image.ibb.co/hXdmwV/20181029-123920.jpg)



(https://image.ibb.co/c8Z3RV/pig.png)

if humbert is looking at the photos of the forum, he must be wondering 2 things.
- if the last photo is a selfie of me (since he met Maher he knows it's not him).
-and why I'm living in such a gloomy town.

Well, the last photo is not me...it's Sammy, some of you certainly realized that.
As for the town, I guess I should have come here before to take a decision. I didn't realize it would be so hard to live here.
During a lunch break at noon, it's not easy to find some good food, in a place that is not bustling with noisy students, and that is selling quality food, not kebab or burgers.
Since I don't eat kebab, aa1234779 must be thinking that I don't like Arabic food. Actually, It's not the case, I love couscous, and the kebab is not Arabic, even if the root of the word comes from the Proto-Afroasiatic word "kab" which means to roast. Indeed, the only thing Arabic about kebab, is the etymology. The kebab dish was first seen in Achaemenid Persia and later, Classical Greece. And the kebab we have in France comes from Germany, the Doner Kebab, invented by a Turkish immigrant. But it's a bit fat. The outer surface is gradually cooked and sliced off, and typically served as a sandwich in pita or flatbread with salad and chipped potatoes. In india for example, they have a more refined product with the galouti kebab, with Roomali Roti and vegetables. It's probably half as caloric as the Doner kebab.


I already told humbert that I wanted to go to Palestine with the users of the forum. Actually I think it's not a good idea.
Maybe I would be disappointed. After all, this country is still a bit tormented, and I don't think many users would want to come.
Since most users of the forum come from Asia, and that many are Muslim, it would be interesting to find a beautiful town in a Muslim country of Asia.
In my opinion Islamabad certainly fits this description. If we opened a restaurant other there, I already imagine Maher preparing the Palestinian couscous, scarface serving the French picodon, and Vasudev recommending the chicken tikka masala

a couscous
(https://image.ibb.co/enEu3L/i68325-couscous-et-sa-sauce.jpg)

a picodon (it's not a French saucisson, it's a wheel of cheese. Picodon is a goats-milk cheese made in the region around the Rhine in southern France.
(https://i.ibb.co/vdM2Q7V/Picodon.webp)

A chicken tikka masala
(https://image.ibb.co/gotFA0/Best-Chicken-Tikka-Masala-IMAGE-2.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on October 30, 2018, 11:47 PM
- if the last photo is a selfie of me (since he met Maher he knows it's not him).

I haven't met Maher personally. In fact I've never been to the Middle East.

Quote from: scarface on October 30, 2018, 11:47 PM
-and why I'm living in such a gloomy town.

What's so bad about St. Etienne? Based on your input it's certainly better than Paris.

Quote from: scarface on October 30, 2018, 11:47 PM
I already told humbert that I wanted to go to Palestine with the users of the forum. Actually I think it's not a good idea.
Maybe I would be disappointed. After all, this country is still a bit tormented, and I don't think many users would want to come.

It if were possible for the users of the forum to travel to Palestine, it might be a good after all provided we do things right. First we would have to fly to Amman. Tel-Aviv airport authorities are very problematic. I know a few horror stories. Based on the information I have, coming in by road (bus) from Jordan is easier. In fact, Maher is a Jordanian citizen and could easily meet us in Amman and guide us to Qalqilya. I suppose my only concern would be citizens of Arab countries, or maybe Pakistan.

Quote from: scarface on October 30, 2018, 11:47 PM
Since most users of the forum come from Asia, and that many are Muslim, it would be interesting to find a beautiful town in a Muslim country of Asia.

If you want Asian cities that are primarily Muslim, don't forget to check out Kaula Lumpur and Jakarta.

Quote from: humbert on October 31, 2018, 05:59 AM
I haven't met Maher personally. In fact I've never been to the Middle East.

What's so bad about St. Etienne? Based on your input it's certainly better than Paris.

It if were possible for the users of the forum to travel to Palestine, it might be a good after all provided we do things right. First we would have to fly to Amman. Tel-Aviv airport authorities are very problematic. I know a few horror stories. Based on the information I have, coming in by road (bus) from Jordan is easier. In fact, Maher is a Jordanian citizen and could easily meet us in Amman and guide us to Qalqilya. I suppose my only concern would be citizens of Arab countries, or maybe Pakistan.

If you want Asian cities that are primarily Muslim, don't forget to check out Kaula Lumpur and Jakarta.

If you are talking about Palestine it's the near East. If you are talking about Jordan, it's the middle East.
Here is a map to understand that.
(http://e.maxicours.com/img/4/2/7/3/427321.jpg)
Jordan is probably an excellent choice if we are planning to leave the capitalist world and work in a farm.
And as far as Palestine is concerned I know everything you are saying.
In my opinion most people in Pakistan are understanding, particularly in Islamabad. And they are smart too, we remember our friend usman.
There are a few Islamists who are currently protesting against the release of Asia Bibi, but I guess they have no other concern than to "add to the sum of human pleasures," as Brillat-Savarin so wonderfully put it.

In Saint Etienne there are many impoverished areas. I'm avoiding some bars or some supermarkets, notably in the south of the town. There are thugs in some streets at night.
If you compare the photos of Lyon and St Etienne, you probably see a slight difference. There are advantages too, for example if you are looking for a parking spot, it's not very hard to find one, even in the center of the town on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't that easy in Paris.

Well, I don't know Kuala Lumpur but I'm not sure I'd like to live in Jakarta, which is a very big town. Lately, it was ranked as one of the most stressful cities in the world.
https://coconuts.co/jakarta/news/jakarta-ranked-one-stressful-cities-world-global-study/





A few days ago, students from prestigious schools published a manifesto alerting political and economic decision makers on the climate emergency.
Maybe shadow.97 or humbert are one of them.

They want to include in "their daily life and their job" an "environmental ambition to end the deadlock”. More than 20,000 students from all over France and beyond signed the "Student Manifesto for an Ecological Awakening" which launches an urgent appeal to take action to save the planet.

Launched and written by high school students, who will have leading responsibilities in the years to come - Polytechnique, HEC Paris, AgroParisTech, CentraleSupélec and ENS Ulm - it has gradually expanded to include university students in France. But also beyond, in Belgium, Canada or the United Kingdom.

Support is starting to come in, especially from the former environment and housing minister, Cécile Duflot.

Asked this Thursday on France info, students at the initiative of the project also announced receiving support from Al Gore, presidential candidate in the United States in the year 2000 and champion of ecology.

"As we get closer to our first job, we realize that the system we are part of is leading us to jobs that are often incompatible with the fruit of our reflections and confines us to daily contradictions. but we can not act alone: we can overcome these contradictions only with the active involvement of economic and political decision-makers, whose sole objective must be to serve the general interest in a sustainable way, "say the editors of the manifesto, put online a few days after the alarming report of the IPCC. In the latter, published in early October, the UN climate experts estimate that without change, global warming could reach 1.5 degrees in 2030. This will have catastrophic consequences on the ecosystem of the planet.

Individualism is pointed out.
"We, future workers, are ready to question our comfort zone so that society changes deeply," they write. Choosing a job in relation to one’s convictions, an employer who takes environmental commitments ... Implicitly, future professionals, promised for some to responsibilities, want to shake things up by convincing companies to change their behavior. "Companies must agree to put ecological logic at the heart of their organization and their activities."

Finally, they draw up a list of green ideas and encourage the signatories to commit to some, if not all of them. This includes the reduction of animal protein consumption, the abandonment of aircraft and single-use products, the reduction of heating by 1 ° in winter or the associative commitment.

Quote from: scarface on November 02, 2018, 11:31 PM
If you are talking about Palestine it's the near East. If you are talking about Jordan, it's the middle East.
Here is a map to understand that.

"Middle East" is a generic term applied to the area shown on your map not including Iran and Afghanistan. These countries are referred to as "Southwest Asia". At least that's how it is in this country. The term "near East" is never used. I suppose different cartographers have different names for areas on their maps.

Quote from: scarface on November 02, 2018, 11:31 PM
Well, I don't know Kuala Lumpur but I'm not sure I'd like to live in Jakarta, which is a very big town. Lately, it was ranked as one of the most stressful cities in the world.

As far as I know Kuala Lumpur is pretty modern. I suppose the best place in that area of the world is probably Singapore.

Here is an old message that was deleted. This message is a bit weird but maybe some of you will read it with interest.
Maybe there is a lot of tramps or poor people in your country. And If you go to Paris you'll see some tramps. A lot of tramps. Here you can get acquainted with a few of them.

If some people don’t like some of my messages they can ask me to remove them, they probably know I like to remove unneeded messages.
In fact, Most of us prefer ignoring those people. But at least it’s important to know that they exist. Sometimes we think that these people only exist in very poor countries, like Bangladesh, but it’s wrong. In Europe or in the US they are also very numerous. In the train stations of New York, they are so numerous that the town is hiding them behind sheets. As for France, there is a disease called Japanese syndrome which affects Japanese tourists, some of them becoming depressed after discovering during their journey that bums are numerous in Paris. According to estimates, One third of the 150000 Homeless persons in France are living in the Parisian agglomeration, of whom between 20000 and 30000 are living in Paris. They are younger than in the rest of France and 1/3 is working. Besides, 3,5 million people are badly housed and 85000 are living in makeshift houses in France. More than half of the overall number of tramps are originally from foreign countries and the number of homeless people increased by 50% in 10 years.

Jimmy the tramp is sleeping every evening in this phone booth. He’s in the street since 1985.
(https://image.ibb.co/dM1zyL/437284362.png)

Henri has been living under the tunnel of the Etoile, a road section under the arch of triumph, for 4 years.
(https://image.ibb.co/jTSHk0/206175883.png)

Henri in and out of his shelter, to search in trash cans for food.
(https://image.ibb.co/d3y7k0/501499685.png)

This homeless person was found dead of cold, under the bridge Charles de Gaulles in the 12th arrondissement.
(https://image.ibb.co/gC5L50/856842534.png)

Portrait of a homeless person nicknamed “papa”, who has been sleeping in the station of the RER nation for years.
(https://image.ibb.co/cKS050/636860446.png)

A homeless person nicknamed Jesus, who has been sleeping for years in the subway, and who is well known by the social services of the RATP.
(https://image.ibb.co/iJFEXf/433102488.png)

Here are a few photos...taken yesterday in Lyon.



(https://image.ibb.co/hUkss0/20181113-161632.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nJs5C0/20181113-161558.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fQpDzf/20181113-161409.jpg)

During the week end, new photos will be availabe.
The message with the Vuitton foundation will be updated with some exceptional photos too.
Maher, usmangujjar and aa1234779 must be wondering if there will be new movies or new games on the forum. Maybe.

Those who are reading the finance topic must be thinking I was right. I told you to avoid Bitcoin and snapchat. in both cases they lost 2 third of their value since the beginning of the year. I told you to avoid valueless securities, that you will sell for a token amount.
And the markets are likely to keep crumbling.

Tonight, I'm going to tell you why you shouldn't take your car tonight if you are in France.

Nowadays, we can see protests in many countries, and for various reasons. In Pakistan, some Islamists took to the streets because Asia Bibi was drinking the water of the wrong well. Apparently the water, or the well, or probably both of them, belonged to the Muslims. It sparked weeks, if not years, of demonstrations.
Today, some similar demonstrations took place in France. The word revolt seems more appropriate. I would even use the French word "Jacquerie", used to depict the peasant uprisings, especially during the revolution of 1789. I wanted to buy a pizza tonight and I knew this would be difficult to go out with all those demonstrators blocking the road. I've not been disappointed. The roundabout near the cours Fauriel in Saint Etienne was totally blocked. And I still have a matriculation with the number 75, being a foreigner would make things more difficult. To go back, and avoid the filtering road block, well, I just took the same road...on the wrong side of the road for about 50 meters.
humbert and panzer24 must be wondering why demonstrators were blocking the traffic. Actually they are protesting against higher fuel prices, and demand a better tax justice.
If you want to know more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/17/one-killed-16-injured-yellow-jackets-protests-rising-fuel-prices/

A car forces a dam as protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers’ protest against higher fuel prices, block a road in Donges.
(https://image.ibb.co/d0o35L/264fb12-GGGMAHE05-FRANCE-POLITICS-FUEL-BLOCKADES-1117-11.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsMsUaMWkAAa4Bv.jpg)

Here are a few unusual photos...


A camel that had escaped from a circus was found wandering on a road in Essonne. It was captured by the firefighters of the department.
(https://image.ibb.co/fRPBuf/474448-C2r-XHSf-XUAAY0jo.jpg)

shadow.97 or Murtlap must be wondering: Is it monsieur baboon? It looks like him, but there is no doubt, he has put on too much weight. Vasudev must be thinking, bullshit! it’s an elephant.
So what is it? Learning again how to walk in a swimming pool: it’s a revolutionary treatment for an elephant tested for the first time in Thailand.
(https://image.ibb.co/hfot70/238689elephant.jpg)

A golden pheasant from Hangzhou safari park in China bore a remarkable resemblance to a certain US president elect.
(https://image.ibb.co/hOEN0L/810788golden.jpg)

A cat had its fur trimmed to look like a “stegosaurus spine” at a pet shop in Taiwan.
(https://image.ibb.co/c1QefL/480207cat.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to hold a conference about the demonstration that took place today on the champs Elysées against Apple.



The launch of an Apple store on the Champs Elysees in Paris was greeted Sunday by a protest against the US multinational's controversial fiscal practices.

Activists from the tax campaign group Attac gathered on the famous boulevard, wearing coloured wigs and party hats, throwing confetti and chanting: "Apple, pay your taxes!"

The group had staged a sit-in at Apple's flagship Paris store in December 2017, and in February a French court declined to approve a ban on such actions following a request by the US computer giant.

"We have come to celebrate in our own way the inauguration of Apple's Champs Elysees store, to remind people that Apple is one of the biggest tax evaders in the world," Attac spokeswoman Aurelie Trouve told AFP at the protest, which featured a brass band.

Apple, the first US company to attain one trillion dollars in market capitalisation, grew in part owing "to the fact that it extorts billions of euros from citizens, notably European and French, through fiscal evasion of its profits, first in Ireland and now in Jersey," the spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile security personnel allowed customers to enter the new store to a boisterous welcome by Apple employees.

Attac -- the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Citizens Action -- criticises French President Emmanuel Macron for failing to tackle multinational tax practices.

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has pushed for a Europe-wide tax policy on computer giants such as Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple but Ireland, which attracts such companies, is opposed while EU heavyweight Germany has voiced only lukewarm support for the French initiative.

Attac staged a sit-in at Apple's flagship Paris store in December 2017, and the US giant lost a legal bid to ban further such protests

(https://image.ibb.co/e3rKVL/app3.png)

(https://image.ibb.co/gd9OqL/app2.png)

(https://image.ibb.co/cqg3qL/app.png)

Here are some old photos that were once available on the forum.
I know that humbert, Daniil, aa1234779 and some users on the forum are looking at them.


Those ones were taken in December 2015 in the 18th arrondissement...

(https://image.ibb.co/j7pkqL/61472920151226160417.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/bMv3c0/90158720151226160402.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/n2Cujf/16406920151226160734.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iZ2c4f/36008320151226160850.jpg)




And those ones were taken on August, 10 2016 in the 1st arrondissement

(https://image.ibb.co/nFmZH0/53271420160810122126.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/hSauH0/13721920160810122539.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fP89jf/57380920160810123907.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fWhfqL/31383120160810125057.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/iaPbVL/95812720160810130256.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/fQOgx0/45212920160810130415.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/imR6VL/53647520160810130435.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mmXfqL/93980320160810130749.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/b0eAqL/31468620160810130813.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/eCwC4f/82528920160810131202.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/mwxPH0/91111120160810131259.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jRDgx0/84512920160810131432002.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/jTzh4f/35583320160810131952.jpg)

(https://image.ibb.co/nx2DAL/91591720160810132042.jpg)

I hope that humbert, usman and shadow.97 are fine.
Today I'm in Lyon and it's a bit cold.
https://ibb.co/CmnWZgz

Quote from: scarface on November 28, 2018, 01:07 PM
I hope that humbert, usman and shadow.97 are fine.
Today I'm in Lyon and it's a bit cold.

I'm fine. A little cooler than usual here but OK. In fact, I'd give anything to live in a place where I would never again have to use air conditioning. I've had the misfortune of living in warm climates most of my life.

Incidentally, I would absolutely love to be able to buy that small car you took a picture of. Sadly it's not available for sale here. Most of these Americans prefer these huge pick up trucks or SUV's, especially here in Texas.

Quote from: humbert on November 30, 2018, 05:17 AM
I'm fine. A little cooler than usual here but OK. In fact, I'd give anything to live in a place where I would never again have to use air conditioning. I've had the misfortune of living in warm climates most of my life.

Incidentally, I would absolutely love to be able to buy that small car you took a picture of. Sadly it's not available for sale here. Most of these Americans prefer these huge pick up trucks or SUV's, especially here in Texas.

So you are like me, you don't like when it's cold and you don't like when it's too hot either. Then Paris or Saint Etienne are not for you, there is a cold and damp climate in winter, and more and more often there are heatwaves in summer. But maybe you should insulate your house and make it home energy-efficient. In France there are subsidies for thermal insulation work, it's probably the case in the US with a President who cares about its citizen and the environment. For example you need to have stores or shutters that you can close when it's hot.


Now we are going to examine the photo below. And no, It's not the roundabout of happiness in Raqqa.
Actually, This evening, I took this photo, near the commercial center of Monthieu, in Saint Etienne. It closed on Saturday, when the shopkeepers saw a pack of Barbarians with yellow jackets heading towards them. We don't know where these people with yellow vests come from, and apparently some of them are sleeping on this roundabout to defend their ideas, even if temperatures will go below 0ºC this night. Maybe they come from Sweden or Russia, they are not afraid of the cold.
Currently, they are probably eating some saucisson and drinking some mulled wine. And they are waiting some brave people, some leaders like you humbert, to carry through the political revolution and build a more equitable world. And yet, should the leaders of the forum meet them, and I'm thinking about shadow.97, Vasudev, akaubee, shhnedo, iih or Maher, I'm afraid it would result in a cultural shock.
I'm wondering whether aa1234779 is laughing after reading this, or if he finds this pathetic. I don't know myself what to think about the situation.
(https://i.ibb.co/K2WJWXJ/20181210-183827.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4r9AWRsVxE

Quote from: scarface on December 10, 2018, 09:29 PM
So you are like me, you don't like when it's cold and you don't like when it's too hot either. Then Paris or Saint Etienne are not for you, there is a cold and damp climate in winter, and more and more often there are heatwaves in summer. But maybe you should insulate your house and make it home energy-efficient. In France there are subsidies for thermal insulation work, it's probably the case in the US with a President who cares about its citizen and the environment. For example you need to have stores or shutters that you can close when it's hot.

I don't mind the cold, in fact I actually like it. What I can't take is the detestable heat. Unfortunately I've been cursed with having to live in hot climates all my life. I would love to move to Canada if it were possible.

There are still tax credits for energy saving things such as insulation and solar panels. The only problem is that these things aren't cheap. Also I don't make enough money to be benefited by the tax credits.

Tonight, a few interesting photos published in January are available on the forum.

(https://i.ibb.co/NNPD9km/bull.jpg)
These men participate in the festival "Jallikattu", a Hindu religious tradition, also known as Manju Virattu (bull hunting). Celebrated in the south of India, this practice takes place in the state of Tamil Nadu, during the Ponga festival.
Some human participants have to attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.

(https://i.ibb.co/LvfGHwW/monkey.jpg)
A team of Chinese scientists have announced that they have cloned five monkeys, copies of a single specimen whose genes had been modified to make it sick: an initiative that could help medical research. This type of biomedical advances, however, often causes controversy, especially in China.

(https://i.ibb.co/TTHjR2d/Athens.jpg)
Incidents broke out in Athens with more than 20 injured, mostly police officers, during a demonstration that brought together between 60,000 and 100,000 people against the agreement on the new name of Macedonia, which the Greek parliament must ratify shortly. Scuffles took place between the police and about thirty hooded young people, who managed to throw projectiles while trying to force the entrance of the Parliament. Riot police retaliated by firing tear gas, which resulted in the dispersal of many demonstrators.

(https://i.ibb.co/Z8qh3HT/Guaido.jpg)
Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-controlled Venezuelan parliament, proclaimed himself the country's interim "president," and was immediately recognized by the United States and its allies in the region. The Venezuelan army, the unwavering support of Socialist President Nicolas Maduro, rejected the self-proclamation of Juan Guaido.

I am currently in Paris, and I hope that the users of the forum are fine.
http://imgur.com/a/toxvPt5

Quote from: scarface on January 27, 2019, 06:43 PM
I am currently in Paris, and I hope that the users of the forum are fine.
http://imgur.com/a/toxvPt5

I'm fine thank you. I hope everyone else is also doing good.
Paris is beautiful as always. Have fun.

I went to St Etienne in August and it's the first time I come back. Im not here for touristic reasons...
I must tell you that I'd rather be in India with Vasudev, or in Texas, playng tennis with humbert and you. Im already fed up with St Etienne. it is what I call a "trou de merde". I went there because my family was in the south. Maybe I knew sth was going to happen. But I have no reason to stay over there any longer. You could come if you want. Maybe you'd be a bit  cold with a djellaba but Im sure you could teach me interesting things.

Quote from: scarface on January 27, 2019, 10:18 PM
I went to St Etienne in August and it's the first time I come back. Im not here for touristic reasons...
I must tell you that I'd rather be in India with Vasudev, or in Texas, playng tennis with humbert and you. Im already fed up with St Etienne. it is what I call a "trou de merde". I went there because my family was in the south. Maybe I knew sth was going to happen. But I have no reason to stay over there any longer. You could come if you want. Maybe you'd be a bit  cold with a djellaba but Im sure you could teach me interesting things.

I'd be honored to meet you one day rather to learn from you, whether in the "City of Lights" or elsewhere, just as I would like to meet our host maher, our good friends, humbert, vasudev, the absent Ahmed, and everyone in the avatars you made.
I know France could be an easy bet if I sought asylum there, but I'd rather be elsewhere if I would need to move to Europe.
(rango) ;D

Hey aa1234779 I'm glad to see you again. Please answer a question for me. Why do so many Muslim men have beards? Both you and Maher have one. Is it an Arab thing or is it somewhere in the Qur'an? If either of these is the case, then by any chance do you know why Adel al-Jubeir (the Saudi regime's foreign minister) doesn't have a beard, nor even a moustache?

As you know, Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in terms of population. I've never been there, but in the pictures I've seen very few Indonesians have beards.

Just curious.

I took a few photos for the users of the forum.


A few days ago in Paris, on the Bvd Poissonnière. aa1234779 probably noticed Le Grand Rex.
(https://i.ibb.co/82HF1Dg/20190128-124136.jpg)

Yesterday in Saint Etienne, a photo taken from my balcony. In the Haze you can't even see the other buildings.
(https://i.ibb.co/wQrwKkq/20190201-171406.jpg)

Today in Saint Etienne, another photo taken on the cours Fauriel.
(https://i.ibb.co/2PcfHpd/20190202-151603.jpg)
For usman or Vasudev who have probably never seen snow, this picture might be a bit surprising. Actually, since Saint Etienne is situated 600 meters above sea level (the highest "big town" of Europe with Madrid), snow is not that rare here.
But it doesn't mean there is no climate change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKYt6fWob8

Quote from: humbert on February 01, 2019, 05:48 AM
Hey aa1234779 I'm glad to see you again.

You too. Thanks.
Sorry it took me a long time to answer, I saw your good question, but haven't had the time as I'm busy a lot.
I apologize in advance if you find any of the following gross or disgusting.  ;D

Quote
Please answer a question for me. Why do so many Muslim men have beards? Both you and Maher have one.

It's because the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) declared it a "tradition of Fitrah" (instinct or human nature), he commanded Muslims to "Trim the mustaches, and save the beards" (my loose translation)
In fact, the traditions of Fitrah include clipping the fingernails weekly, shaving the pubic area to the belly button and pulling (or shaving) armpit hair at least once every 40 days.

As to explaining the wisdom I know behind this:
1-It's the tradition of Allah's Prophets & Messengers who obey his command to do so.
2-Mustaches can get in the way of food, and food could get stuck on them.
3-Beards are masculine  8) . No disrespect to those that shave. He described beards as "beautifying males".
4-Pubic hair & armpit hair are located in moist areas that promote fungus that wreaks if left unshaved.
5-Fingernails if left not clipped usually accumulate dirt, food on the right hand, and maybe feces on the left if one purifies after excretion by the hand with water. (Anti-bacterial soap to clean the hands is recommended nowadays, back then, they only had dirt & water).
6-Pulling armpit hair has been proven by experiences of multiple people I know, that it decreases odors. It has something to do with the sweat glands most probably. It's hard for people not used to it such as myself.
7-
8-

I'm sure there are other legitimate reasons for these "traditions of instinct" that others have figured out.

As for myself, I repent to Allah the Merciful that I can't keep my beard long for personal reasons.
In previous recordings, when I was yet trapped in the Kingdom of Injustice, I intentionally shaved all facial hair (except for eyebrows & eyelashes  ;D) so that I don't get stereotyped. I even spoke a local dialect of the Jeddah region, nothing near proper Arabic.

QuoteIs it an Arab thing or is it somewhere in the Qur'an?

The Arab Spring 8 years ago, right after Tunisia's revolution, is when I got shaved.
Now, I'd like to stay on the short beard until the day comes that a Muslim growing his beard is no different than any other human male growing one. I hate people being scared of me. Even though, most of the people I advocate justice & freedom for, other than Lujain & the mistreated sisters, are the oppressed non-extreme religious scholars & reformers who all have beards.

As to the Quran, the only mention of a beard I know, is Prophet Moses questioning his brother Prophet Haroon (Aaron) peace be upon them, holding him by the head & beard, for what the Jewish tribes committed in Sinai of worshiping the calf in Moses' absence, made out of the gold they took from the Coptic people, by a suspicious character..

Chapter 20 Ta'Ha
(92) [Moses] said, "O Aaron, what prevented you, when you saw them going astray,
(93) From following me? Then have you disobeyed my order?"
(94) [Aaron] said, "O son of my mother, do not seize [me] by my beard or by my head. Indeed, I feared that you would say, 'You caused division among the Children of Israel, and you did not observe [or await] my word.' "

QuoteIf either of these is the case, then by any chance do you know why Adel al-Jubeir (the Saudi regime's foreign minister) doesn't have a beard, nor even a moustache?

It's his style since '96 when I first saw him in the US as a spokesperson for the embassy there and has nothing to do with religion. I don't know if a person doing the diplomatic dirty work for a regime like the Saudis has anything to do with Islam or does he even practice it. God only knows and he judges our hearts. As the Prophet said "Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts and accomplishments". Kind hearts that hate injustice are appreciated by Allah.
Does Al-Jubair have one? I won't be the judge of that.

Quote
As you know, Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in terms of population. I've never been there, but in the pictures I've seen very few Indonesians have beards.

Just curious.

Indonesian people whom I hold dear as they are precious brothers and sisters in Islam & humanity, have become more & more practicing of Islam individually, and hopefully one day as a sovereign nation.
Many people there are growing their beards and women dressing properly according to Sharia.
As to facial hair, Southeast Asian men in-general are not known to be very hairy due to common genetics in the region, which is something the All-knowing, Most-Wise chose for them, just as he chose for some people to have darker or whiter skin, being tall or short, and such.

Now, humbert must be pondering "If Muslim tradition sees growing a beard & trimming the mustache as Prophetic commands, a certain religious group living in the American northeast has that exactly in common"

I wonder who?  ;D

Peace

Here are 2 photos...


(https://i.ibb.co/PQwm6Zp/20171118-165658.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/NtgwS7m/20170823-153022.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A33pGnpak9g

aa1234779 -> Thanks for the detailed explanation regarding beards and other ways of grooming in Islam.

What I still don't understand is: is it mandatory or simply a suggestion? That is, do Muslims believe they'll end up in hell if they shave, not clip their nails, etc?

Your explanation regarding Indonesians make sense, but what about the Saudi regime's foreign minister? If he were a high official in the goverment of (for example) Egypt, it would make sense because many Egyptians aren't strict in their observance of Islam. But the foreign minister of ultra-strict, Wahabi Saudi Arabia?? I would think even a minimal deviation from strict Islam would be regarded as a major offense - even more so by a member of MBS's cabinet.

Maybe some of you remember that I took a few photos last year in the Park of St Cloud.

(https://i.ibb.co/Tgrg3F3/130809-La-Defense.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/f0yXfLY/16422517.jpg)

Vasudev is probably wondering if it's mr baboon on the left. Actually, it's my father and me. A few months later, he helped me move to Saint Etienne.
But I won't stay in Saint Etienne, because I could get a promotion to earn more money. My job would have been be axed here anyway (maybe there is not enough economic activity in St Etienne since Vanessa Paradis left after the shooting of the movie White wedding ?).
And in all likelihood, I will probably have to go back to the city of light of aa1234779 in a few months. Well, It's a paradox. Sb helped me flee this town, and I have to go back there.

Today I went to the Kiwanis wine show in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, and I took a few photos. Actually I had been invited so I could taste some good wine.

Kiwanis is an international service club founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, and is found in more than 80 nations and geographic areas. Kiwanis clubs raise funds for poor children in the United States, Europe, Sudan, Eritrea, Palestine...

I bought an excellent wine, a Saint Chinian from Languedoc, and a pork filet mignon with oregano.
Little usmangujjar must be thinking that all these are not very halal. As for shadow.97, he might be thinking all this is not very Catholic either.

(https://i.ibb.co/ZxNw58Q/20190223-162652.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/fpvBX66/20190223-162709.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/3M264NV/20190223-162825.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/KFGFCBZ/20190223-165407.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jDdpw97/20190223-165725.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Vm3zPyy/20190223-165747.jpg)

Today, I’m going to hold an exceptional conference about Saint Etienne.

I needed a café so I went to the center of the town. Practically everything is closed on Sunday, and, to my regret, I had to take a café in a greasy spoon near the place of hotel de ville called Subway.
Other there I recalled that I needed to take photos for the users of the forum. They don’t know Saint Etienne because in the media they always show the same things: the burps of baby Trump, the yellow vests on the champs Elysées, or the bearded lumberjacks of Baghouz. So here are a few unusual photos taken today.

(https://i.ibb.co/9rTqbZ7/20190324-153707.jpg)
the place of the hotel de ville

(https://i.ibb.co/CMX8Nk2/20190324-152644.jpg)
rue blanqui

(https://i.ibb.co/4YS8s9M/20190324-153726.jpg)
place Dorian

(https://i.ibb.co/hWqsp3d/20190324-153931.jpg)
rue Francois Gillet

(https://i.ibb.co/sjq3qTJ/20190324-154235.jpg)
Avenue de la libération

(https://i.ibb.co/bN3FzW9/20190324-154700.jpg)
Rue de la république (you can see my car)

(https://i.ibb.co/3zsYpH7/20190324-154800.jpg)
In Saint Etienne, many shops are closed because the town is rather poor.

(https://i.ibb.co/p1XQWRV/20190324-154748.jpg)
An antique shop

Today, I've been to the Casino Monthieu, Rue de la Montant in Saint Etienne ( I was at the Casino Grocery Pickup service), and I noticed another jacquerie taking place other there. Undoubtedly, capitalism is on its last legs.

(https://i.ibb.co/vsc1NLd/20190330-131209.jpg)


Note that Windows 10 x64 Pro lite 19h1 is being uploaded and will be available tonight.
Besides, a game about the French revolution could be available tomorrow on the forum. It's perfect if you don't know historic figures such as Danton or Robespierre.

Tonight, I'm going to hold a conference to present the long-awaited squid with green beans recipe with shallot and white wine sauce.

here is a picture of the squid.
Look how beautiful they are. I wish aa1234779, Maher, Vasudev and shadow.97 had been there. My father couldn't believe I'm mastering such a difficult dish either, he who died of lung cancer a few months ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/KhgFtpT/20190328-193304.jpg)

First and foremost, pull out the tentacles from the main body. Cut just below the eye and discard the innards. Discard the beak and then trim the long tentacles level with the rest.
Pinch the two fins together, thread thumb underneath and pull them away from the body, along with the membrane and discard.
Pull out the shell or 'quill' and then remove the innards using the back of a knife.
Cut the squid open, and scrape any more innards out and discard. Cut into slices, or score the squid and cut into pieces. It’s important to wash them because a kind of ink is oozing.
(https://i.ibb.co/2vf2kyB/20190328-195411.jpg)

You can now cook the squid. Frying is a popular method - squid pieces just need to be cooked for 30-40 seconds on a very high heat. Serve immediately.
(https://i.ibb.co/qrHFb06/20190328-201045.jpg)

Now we are going to make the sauce and cook the beans.

Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.
(https://i.ibb.co/wwJS0G2/20190328-202330.jpg)

At serving time, heat the butter in a pan, add an excellent white wine and the shallots for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.
Reduce until only 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of liquid remain. Whisk in the butter and simmer until emulsified.
(https://i.ibb.co/yScFSdW/20190328-203315.jpg)

For the wine, I chose some sauternes. This wine is a bit expensive, but no other wine is subtler than Sauternes… Recognizable among all with its golden look, it is unique thanks to many characteristics. Sauternes is different through its localization, quite far from most of the Bordeaux appellations. Located on the South of Graves region, its area is bound by Garonne valley on East and Landes forest on West).
Then add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly.
(https://i.ibb.co/fCc5wPh/20190328-203448.jpg)

Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with the squid.
(https://i.ibb.co/wgT30K9/20190328-204012.jpg)

In this topic, some photos of the Louvre are available. And if you have been to the Louvre this week end, you probably noticed the courtyard collage celebrating the pyramid’s 30th anniversary that created an optical illusion.

The French artist JR and 400 volunteers had put the final touches to the huge collage on Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Louvre’s glass pyramid.
But the whimsical collage in the courtyard of France’s Louvre art gallery had a short shelf life after a swarm of tourists and art lovers left it in shreds.
On Saturday he tweeted a photo of the 17,000 sq metre (183,000 sq ft) work which, from a certain angle, made the pyramid appear to extend deep into a quarry of white rock, and invited the public to come take a look.
(https://i.ibb.co/HpG7vm5/D25-KBHCWo-AAd-J54.jpg)

Come they did, and by Sunday the fragile 2,000-odd sheets of paper were torn to pieces, returning the site to its natural state in what could almost be called a work of public performance art. However, some art lovers were not amused, with comments on Twitter such as “really disappointing bad experience today for the Louvre pyramid’s 30th anniversary” and “JR’s art piece was more fleeting than foreseen”.
The artist was more philosophical. “The images, like life, are ephemeral,” he tweeted. “Once pasted, the art piece lives on its own. The sun dries the light glue and with every step, people tear pieces of the fragile paper. The process is all about participation of volunteers, visitors, and souvenir hunters.”
(https://i.ibb.co/L9yK4WY/D27k-JAQWk-AAd-0-B.jpg)

Here are a few photos taken today in St Etienne.


The planetarium. It was open but as you can see the visitors are not numerous.
(https://i.ibb.co/3MXNwc0/20190425-142241.jpg)


A view of St Etienne.
(https://i.ibb.co/8dM0h0n/20190425-150931.jpg)


In the park of Europe, under the rain. It was pleasant to be alone in the park to go jogging. Unlike the park of Vincennes or the Boulogne woods, you won't see prostitutes in here.
(https://i.ibb.co/tLgyJBZ/20190425-175726.jpg)


Note that I stumbled upon a video of a little-known town. It's not St Etienne, you would see potholes on the roads otherwise. Over there, poverty is virtually non existent.
Humbert will probably recognize Sunset Boulevard, but it's not Los Angeles either. Actually, the real estate is generally quite affordable in this town (10 times cheaper than Los Angeles). What's more beggars are very numerous in LA.
I've probably aroused the curiosity of Vasudev and shadow.97. Is it Paris? No, you would see hordes of migrants and tents on the road sides otherwise.
Note that there are very few tourists in this town and in the country in which it's located. They are so rare that the authorities take them for spies sometimes, but I'm not talking about North Korea.
Here is the video about this town.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ja8syV4iL8

This morning I went to a bar, called Le Lutetia, rue des docteurs Charcot. The last time I've been to a bar with my father it was here, in August 2018. He died of lung cancer a few months ago. At first I really tought it was a rough pub. And yet I come back for a cup of coffee sometimes. Vasudev might be thinking that it's a bar for the "untouchables". But unlike Paris the people in St Etienne are nice and less individualistic. This one is over crowded on Sundays, because there are not many bars in here. In Paris there are many (too many?) bars, and I guess some might be struggling to earn a living.

(https://i.ibb.co/12SjcjW/20190505-114918.jpg)

Today, I was in Lyon.

I took a photo in the Radisson blu hotel. Located within the top section of the Part-Dieu Tower, the Radisson Blu hotel in Lyon boasts breathtaking views of the city center and the Alps. On the right, it's not the Eiffel tower and the sacré coeur that you can see. If aa1234779 is wondering what it is, it is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom is attributed the salvation of the city of Lyon from the bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643.
(https://i.ibb.co/sChSgFM/20190507-160548.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/VH1Bzg9/20190507-160251.jpg)
Note that I'm planning to leave the forum. There are unique users here, like Vasudev, the Indian scientist, aa1234779, the good Jihadist, brave shadow.97, little usmangujjar, humbert, the american playboy...
But I don't fell like deleting tons of spams everyday if there is no more administrator. I'm not sure I'll find such users on the forum notebookreview or somewhere else though.

It's sad that russian bots have invaded all of cyberspace, not only US elections.
@scarface I ask you not to leave. Your posts & everyone else's are something I enjoy everyday.

This Ramadan might be tough.
At least if you stay you can have your say about it & we enjoy reading that.

Note that I added another photo above.

Quote from: aa1234779 on May 08, 2019, 12:02 AM
@scarface I ask you not to leave. Your posts & everyone else's are something I enjoy everyday.

This Ramadan might be tough.

Well, you can already get a copy of the forum. But I think there is no great forum or alternative on the web indeed. Actually, Nomaher is one of the rare forums where you can post any program or game without problems.

Notebookreview is about reviews on hardware, but who needs that here? We need something exceptional, not only discussions. btw, As far as smartphones are concerned, note that for me the best one at the moment is the Honor 8A. Maybe it's not as good as an iphone X, but the iphone X is at least 4 times as expensive as the Honor 8A. Note that I still that the old samsung s6 in the meantime. Newer samsung have a shorter autonomy time, the S6 is probably the best smartphone of the last few years. Note that most photos of the forum are taken with it. I'm not sure that the Honor 8A can take photos with the same quality.

As for the Radaman, well, maybe it was meant to be tough? Note that the choice is mine to do it or not since I consider that I'm Catholic and Muslim, even though I'm not practicing. If I don't want to eat, then I'll do it. And if you are wondering if I'm Sunni or Shiite, I decided to be both. Considering the size of the repacks of the forum, you must be thinking that it's a second miracle. Well, actually, if we assume that Muhammad and Ali both left Bethlehem to go to Mecca, if one follow Muhammad, then one follow Ali, you probably agree with this. Therefore, it might not be hard to follow both of them.

Note: I was planning to go to India, but in fact I'm going to look for a closer destination (Maybe it will be cheaper. And it will pollute less too). So I was wondering: Where is the place to go today? Unquestionably, I think it's Cairo. Hopefully, I will go there by the end of the year. If you are already there, I can meet you of course. Some exclusive photos will be taken.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJH-cM3glhc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M4YOS01r0I

Today, I took 2 new photos, here they are.

The first one was taken from my balcony, you can glimpse the town of Saint Etienne between the trees.
(https://i.ibb.co/KsCtNq8/20190511-164454.jpg)

Here you can see Momo and Koko. My father used to take care of them but they seem a bit ill now. Since my apartment is orientated toward the North, they can hardly catch the sun rays.
You can make out a little can of 1664. Despite the Ramadan I'm drinking a beer you see. I tried to do it 2 days ago and it was difficult. Today, I decided to leave Allah alone and please Jesus again.
(https://i.ibb.co/x1ZJgWZ/20190511-164721.jpg)

Tonight, I shot new photos in St Etienne. I know that aa1234779 and usman are looking at them carefully.


Near place Anatole France, in St Etienne. If you want to buy a flat, there is a phone number. It's probably one of the most beautiful places of St Etienne, with its park.
In front of the little supermarket, there are several tramps... Don't worry: they are not users of the forum, they don't speak English, let alone French.
To put it bluntly, if I was staying in St Etienne, I would buy a flat, probably in the residence with park, in the outskirts of St Etienne, where I'm currently living. The streets are calm, there are few cars in the center of the town (in comparison, the trafic noise makes it unbearable to live near the main boulevards in Paris).
(https://i.ibb.co/SvSq5rP/20190529-202024.jpg)


The pizza Cosy of St Etienne. The last time I ate at the restaurant with my father, it was here, in August 2018. Well, at this time, it was my first day in St Etienne, and even though I was pleasantly surprised by the architecture of the town, it was already bustling with poor people in the streets. I know that some of you are living in countries where there is no poverty, and I'm thinking of India, Pakistan, Palestine or the US. These photos show a shocking scale of poverty, I hope shadow.97 and usman will not be depressed.
(https://i.ibb.co/SRp7Mfn/20190529-202008.jpg)



(http://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/82/97/29/20180104/ob_9a8bfc_place-a-france-vue-d-ensemble.jpg)
(http://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/82/97/29/20180104/ob_6254fc_fontaine-place-badouillere.jpg)
Place Anatole France, located on the main street, was named "Badouillère" until 1925.
From the 1840s, the district of Badouillère became the showcase of the elites of St Etienne. And soon after its creation, from 1860, the square was surrounded by opulent buildings, like the Mimard Palace. In 1867, the place is re-developed, with the installation of a basin, a fountain and a rose garden; and in 1882, there were 71 trees.


It also hosted a time, from 1915, a replica of the statue of Liberty Bartholdi (see photo below), which is now visible instead Jules Ferry (Center two).



Rue du 11 Novembre.
(https://i.ibb.co/RcjNL3f/20190528-125924.jpg)


Rue Elise Gervais
(https://i.ibb.co/k2Z3Zyn/20190529-204516.jpg)


Place Jean Moulin
(https://i.ibb.co/cQ8fTHP/20190529-204758.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17StqQhhtAc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvwZsHR4jE0

Today, some photos of the buildings of Le corbusier in Firminy are available on the forum.


Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, was born in 1887 in Switzerland. He studied classical architecture during several voyages. He discovered the solid bases of classical architecture, but was also curious to explore other cultures. Throughout his career, he continually mixed heritage and modernity.
His buildings are found in twelve countries and four continents.
After a career lasting sixty years, he died accidentally on 27 August 1965.


(https://i.ibb.co/z4fzPxM/20190531-105736.jpg)
The cultural center of Firminy. The architecture looks interesting, but there is not a lot to see inside this "cultural center". They should relocate the main works of the Louvre here, such as the Mona Lisa.

(https://i.ibb.co/MpBXGYq/20190531-105831.jpg)
There were very few visitors. That's an understatement: I was alone with the ticket vendor. I did not have to wait long to buy tickets. No Chinese, no tourist, no Parisian in sight. It was a tremendous relief.

Built between 1961 and 1965, the cultural centre is the only building completed in Firminy during the architect lifetime. Its concept was derived from the programme created by the Culture Minister André Malraux (1960s) and is based on making "structures conveying human genius" and accessible to all. 
The church is behind the tree.
(https://i.ibb.co/jgxB2Y5/20190531-105447.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/cxhx4vq/20190531-110320.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/9nXs6ZV/20190531-110803.jpg)
A desk

Some  weird stuff in the "cultural center"
(https://i.ibb.co/0Jh0Cy8/20190531-110342.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/w0zBH4w/20190531-110425.jpg)





In 1960, Eugène Claudius Petit and the Parish Committee ordered a church from Le Corbusier. He worked on drawing up the plans until 1965, assisted by José Oubrerie and José Luis Miquel. After the architect's death, the association "Le Corbusier pour l'église de Firminy-Vert" was created to raise the funds needed to finish the building.

A rainwater recovery system is deployed all around the building, covering horizontal loopholes positioned to match the spiral floor layout inside the nave. The three "light cannons"  installed on the ridgepiece and on the western façade are a specific feature of Le Corbusier's architecture.

The Church of Saint Pierre
Le Corbusier designed the lower part to house parish activities (meetings, catechesis, etc.) and related parish facilities. It is today home to the Interpretation Centre dedicated to Le Corbusier's work.
(https://i.ibb.co/g3n738t/20190531-111306.jpg)


A few photos taken in the Church of Saint Pierre
(https://i.ibb.co/nwcrn12/20190531-111729.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hgKFXbp/20190531-111657.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/rbKMZPp/20190531-111811.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/RCJpbdc/20190531-112133.jpg)


The upper section is entirely occupied by the nave, with two chapels: one for the weekdays with a secondary altar, and the other for Sunday worship with the high altar. The latter is connected to the ground by means of a white pillar, which is independent from the main framework of the building.
The nave
(https://i.ibb.co/QKvwGQ3/20190531-112625.jpg)




Monsieur baboon
(https://i.ibb.co/yp6qvB7/howler.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to post a few photos for the users of the forum.
These photos were taken last week in Saint Etienne, place Bellevue.

During a sunny day.
(https://i.ibb.co/vBLwKps/20190601-124323.jpg)

On the right you can see the restaurant La raclette.
(https://i.ibb.co/JCJV9mf/20190602-121930.jpg)

Some booths at the Sunday marketplace.
(https://i.ibb.co/XCVhdTK/20190602-122019.jpg)

This is where I can buy some wonderful melons.
(https://i.ibb.co/ygb1j4s/20190602-122035.jpg)

We can also see many beggars here.
With me, aa1234779, Maher and Vasudev, no doubt this place would look like the court of miracles.
(https://i.ibb.co/7kMpP2r/20190602-122044.jpg)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AykvzpSjMPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmwU0H_w1ns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IQL8hcGe2Q

Here are some photos, taken in Saint Etienne, for the users of the forum.


The square jovin bouchard in Saint Etienne
(https://i.ibb.co/8xVP030/20190606-121839.jpg)


Rue Emile Littré. you can see some Egyptian relics.
(https://i.ibb.co/Lh4YxBC/20190610-133724.jpg)


Rue Gambetta
(https://i.ibb.co/bscb6GB/20190606-122926.jpg)


Still in the Rue Gambetta. And it's exceptional because you can see king Saint Louis. I'm sure that some users recognized him immediately.
(https://i.ibb.co/WVDSFB2/20190610-132437.jpg)


Rue du General Leclerc
(https://i.ibb.co/d4D9fvN/20190606-123325.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/9WVdpTN/20190606-123445.jpg)


Place Jules Ferry
(https://i.ibb.co/vmZmCXv/20190608-160113.jpg)


The Commercial centre Center Deux, a regional shopping center located in the district of Bellevue-Bizillon, in Saint-Étienne.
(https://i.ibb.co/3rr5rW4/20190608-160217.jpg)


On The Boulevard Daguerre.
Here you can see  one of the building wihout stairs. Their architecture is unique in France.The buildings without stairs are two identical housing buildings, built by the architect Auguste Bossu at numbers 54 and 56 of Boulevard Daguerre, in Saint-Etienne, one in 1933 and the other in 1939.
(https://i.ibb.co/3pF6VTc/20190608-160504.jpg)
(https://www.top-destinations.fr/images/easyblog_articles/621/La-Maison-Sans-Escalier-2.jpg)


On the place du peuple. It's very crowded because the photo was taken on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
(https://i.ibb.co/pyDyPBL/20190608-162113.jpg)

Tonight, I'm holding another conference to share a few photos. I'm pretty sure that Vasudev, usmangujjar and the users of the forum will appreciate these photos.

These ones were taken yesterday near place Bellevue. On Sunday, there is a famous market here.
This photo is pretty exceptional, since you can see the slopes of the "Mont Pilat". aa1234779 and Maher probably know that the "col de la république" crosses Mount Pilat and links Saint Etienne to the Rhone valley.
(https://i.ibb.co/th1R913/20190629-113555.jpg)

Here you can see the best dairy of Saint Etienne.
(https://i.ibb.co/jvqfyj3/20190629-113537.jpg)

This is the main artery of Saint Etienne. This long, straight avenue is named rue des Docteurs Charcot, then rue du 11 Novembre, rue Gambetta and finally rue du General Foy. It crosses the place Anatole France, the place du peuple and the place of Hotel de ville.
(https://i.ibb.co/PrrmLW5/20190629-113545.jpg)


Place Saint Roch, a popular area. On the right you can see my car (the grey sedan). Actually, I wish I could live without a car, that makes me a polluter. if I was rich and if I didn't need to work I would get rid of it.
(https://i.ibb.co/7btg5Qx/20190630-103053.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hWc4zqB/20190630-105357.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to hold an exceptional conference about the museum of Modern art of Saint Etienne.


Some of you are probably art lovers. No doubt you will appreciate this conference.
First and foremost, here is a little video with an interview of a well-known painter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yKay8HDjPU


Here are a few photos of the museum.
(https://i.ibb.co/2dqnh7h/20190713-165112.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6RbnDSF/20190713-165158.jpg)


3 exhibitions were available: Pierre Buraglio, coup de pub and 24h dans la vie d'une femme.


The exhibition Bas Voltage / 1960-2019, the first retrospective devoted to Pierre Buraglio, brings together roughly two hundred works of art. It reveals the artistic and social context on which the artist based his work, while returning to sixty years of career.
This selection of paintings, collages, reliefs and drawings dating from 1965 to 2019 provided an excellent overview of the work of the 80-year-old French artist Pierre Buraglio. Buraglio has shown with Daniel Buren and Olivier Mosset as well as the Supports/Surfaces group. But as this exhibition made clear, Buraglio's individualistic approach to abstraction and his restless material exploration resist to art historical categorization.

(https://i.ibb.co/VYCdfJx/20190713-165704.jpg)

Agrafages - 1966.
(https://i.ibb.co/MfvQMDj/20190713-165705.jpg)

Buraglio seems to relish quickly executed juxtapositions of jagged colorful shapes and varied textures. Some works from the ’60s have an off-the-cuff charm and simple beauty, though they are no more than simple arrangements of broad strokes in bright-hued gouache on paper and cardboard. In his collages, the artist sets up compositional rules yet achieves happenstance effects.


Gauloises bleues patchwork - 1978
(https://i.ibb.co/pRkT12h/20190713-165812.jpg)

Socially committed, Buraglio participated in the Red Hall for Vietnam at the Museum of Modern Art, and the popular workshop of Fine Arts in Paris, during the events of May 1968. The following year, he interrupted his activities of painter to turn exclusively towards the political militancy. The visual artist quickly returned to the creation, during the 1970s, with obsolete objects and rubbish, such as window frames or packs of Gauloises.



In/Out - 2006
(https://i.ibb.co/163KT9t/20190713-165724.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Rc2CZNW/20190713-170208.jpg)

45 (2011)
(https://i.ibb.co/j6fR8NH/20190713-170244.jpg)

From 1986, Pierre Buraglio returns to drawings, faces and landscapes.
With 45, a work dedicated to his father, mobilized during the war, the artist also highlights the absence, the shadow of a man and a fuzzy memory, almost struck out.

Mon bunker II (2008)
(https://i.ibb.co/9c3FYm5/20190713-170317.jpg)


The exhibition 24 hours in the life of a woman.
Over 300 works to tell an intimate, yet universal story! Somewhere between poetry and reality fiction, discover the life of a woman with a thousand faces: those of a factory worker, a secretary, a bourgeoise.
A highly original exhibition Vingt-quatre heures de la vie d'une femme (Twenty-four hours in a woman's life) tells the story of an imaginary, multi-faceted life. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and design objects illustrate this fictionalised daily life, from awakening to sleeping.
In a deliberately narrative form, the works in the exhibition depict recurrent actions where the unexpected can happen, with moments such as "Bathing", "Work", "Reading" or "The Stroll". Others such as "Rest", "The Encounter", nightlife and "Celebrations" inspire eccentricities, dreams and other strange thoughts.
The works are presented in an original way, close to everyday life in an attempt to reconnect art to the present. The aim is to tell another history of art: a history focused on emotion and real life.

(https://i.ibb.co/4mP8FPM/20190713-170413.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XYkTjR5/20190713-170423.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/pQ66Qv7/20190713-170432.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/LJp9W8K/20190713-170452.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/NyzH9nM/20190713-170508.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/HDr7ntj/20190713-170640.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/4mYx39P/20190713-171505.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6Dqchx5/20190713-171525.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hYJB1FX/20190713-171808.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/5vJYd4T/20190713-171911.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/18YJNPw/20190713-172005.jpg)


André Fougeron - Woman peeling vegetables. 1948-1949.
(https://i.ibb.co/2cwBC8f/20190713-172024.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Fwn2NGy/20190713-172129.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/DwY5DH0/20190713-172316.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/fnZLf3v/20190713-172431.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/JrM465G/20190713-172521.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ByJRs1s/20190713-172553.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/JQhFf6L/20190713-172720.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/M58V8cr/20190713-172731.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZzzJ6RN/20190713-172742.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/3hsJpgX/20190713-172809.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/mcZywkx/20190713-173109.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/z78tdQm/20190713-173127.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/7p5WNQq/20190713-173153.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/wL998g9/20190713-173346.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/nLsY4TX/20190713-173404.jpg)





(https://i.ibb.co/zJYPLbk/20190713-170813.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/2dgMphf/20190713-170828.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/BT7y5rH/20190713-170844.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/5FzjQ1T/20190713-170910.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/wdMPwr5/20190713-170947.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/S7nBzcC/20190713-171040.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/cT6Fks0/20190713-171232.jpg)




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUXPg--yeFw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPnk1H1m7Cs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYLvuJBS3kk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu3xpNw8U-g

Here are new photos for the users of the forum...


Place de l'hôtel de ville.
(https://i.ibb.co/fMVBns7/20190713-145146.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/88HdmRM/20190713-144949.jpg)

Place Jean Jaurès.

(https://i.ibb.co/10DX77F/20190713-145940.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/sqLCHzV/20190713-145950.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ysSsWmB/20190713-150052.jpg)


And another good clip of Maika.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glHVnHRekcI

Tonight, there is a terrible storm in Saint Etienne.
And tomorrow, it's probably going to hail. I'm wondering if climate change and its dramatic effects are not increasingly visible and increasingly violent.

But if it's hot, I advise you to do like me: drink a good pastis in a bar.
I guess that Pastis has no secret for humbert, aa1234779, Vasudev and Usmangujjar.
Pastis is an anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif from France, typically containing less than 100 g/l sugar and 45% alcohol by volume. Pastis is normally diluted with water before drinking, generally five volumes of water for one volume of pastis, but often neat pastis is served together with a jug of water for the drinker to blend together according to preference.

Here you can see the bar "les artistes", rue Praire, near place Jean Jaurès. And a "pastis tomate", a cocktail using pastis and grenadine syrup.
(https://i.ibb.co/SXS00fr/20190706-162551.jpg)

Tonight, I’m holding a conference on the forum about Saint Etienne.
Here are a few photos for the users of the forum.


These are big buildings. It looks like the skyline of New York.
This street is called Allée du Général Rullière.
(https://i.ibb.co/Nr9nZ7q/20190804-112332.jpg)

A statue, place du bicentenaire.
(https://i.ibb.co/02cJtx6/20190804-110236.jpg)

A few photos taken near  the market of Bellevue.
(https://i.ibb.co/k66DkWZ/20190804-110729.jpg)

An Elvis look-alike
(https://i.ibb.co/9wRdvRL/20190804-111852.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Hz44kDw/20190728-103319.jpg)

Some cheap pictures. The image is varying in accordance with the movement of the observer.
(https://i.ibb.co/hsjrPcs/20190728-103258.jpg)


A bird's eye view of Saint Etienne.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Saint-%C3%89tienne-20110530.jpg)


In 1970, they were 230 000 in Saint Etienne. They are now 170 000. Saint Etienne is the only "big" town of France that suffered such a population loss. But when you are wandering in the streets, you can still see that there was a glorious past here.

Now millions of people are crammed into a few dynamic cities while most of the country is empty.
In France ,10% of the population are on 50% of the territory, while 40% of the population are concentrated on 1% of the territory. French space is clearly polarized in urban areas.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY9xjJXitE4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27hHLN5NZIY

(https://i.ibb.co/BsbjbnV/Hamadryas.jpg)


You must know the best game repacks are already available on the forum.
You want them better and smaller?
I need:
- A bik 2 encoder (the sdk is not freely available, only the bik 1 encoder is available)
- an ogg encoder in a program that can trigger a batch to encode files to a % of the original files (and not a batch that encodes with a given bitrate).
I'm waiting for your suggestion. (You can send a pm to "[email protected]")

Here are a few more photos taken on place Anatole France in Saint Etienne. This place was presented here: http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg34273#msg34273
I know that aa1234779, Vasudev and usmangujjar will be delighted, they like the beautiful photos.

(https://i.ibb.co/yh7pZJc/20190810-101428.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/KrfqRQJ/20190810-101435.jpg)

Here you can see the Palais Mimard. It is located at 5 place Anatole France.
This mansion house was built in 1893-1894 by the architect Léon Lamaizière in Neo-Gothic style, for André David, a ribbon manufacturer.
It was bought in 1905 by Étienne Mimard, the founder of Manufrance. he commissioned Léon Lamaizière to do a new interior.
(https://i.ibb.co/rf24xfv/20190810-101442.jpg)

Here are a few more photos taken today in Saint Etienne.

Exactly one year ago, I remembered I was eating in the pizza cosy that you can see on the second photo of the previous message. At this time I was with my father but he died last December.
Their pizzas were particularly good and I decided to come back. I took the opportunity to take new photos.


Here you can see the rue du 11 Novembre. If the photo was bigger you would see the Pizza cosy shop on the left.
You can see the bar Les 3 roses and the Carrefour city. Note that the man on the bicycle is a "uber eats" deliverer. A few days ago the deliverers working for deliveroo were on strike in Paris because they are earning less and less money. (articles here: https://www.france24.com/en/20190808-deliveroo-cyclists-freelancers-strike-boycott-pay-dispute-delivery (https://www.france24.com/en/20190808-deliveroo-cyclists-freelancers-strike-boycott-pay-dispute-delivery) and here: https://www.thelocal.fr/20180705/paris-food-delivery-bike-riders-to-strike-over-pay (https://www.thelocal.fr/20180705/paris-food-delivery-bike-riders-to-strike-over-pay)
I'm wondering whether there are "uber eats" deliverers in Palestine or in Pakistan too.
But if you think about it, maybe we will all be uber something pretty soon. Uber eats, Uber plumber, uber butcher with a bicycle and a uber pay. But they do have merit. And they use an ecological delivery method.
(https://i.ibb.co/wSKwY0d/20190810-212838.jpg)

Here you can see another photo with the palais Mimard (in the middle of the photo).
(https://i.ibb.co/K6CxMnp/20190810-212611.jpg)

At the current price, I think it can be interesting to buy societe generale...for a technical rebound.

I was right yesterday when I told you to avoid the car industry: bmw and Renault are among the biggest losers of the estx50.

Not that Eramet is plummeting, losing 4.2% at 36.80â,¬. Since it broke its support at 37.50â,¬, I will wait for the next one...at 33â,¬.

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.


These pictures of frescoes were taken in Roche La Molière, a town adjoining Saint Etienne, on 15 August 2019.


This fresco comes from the 2019 edition of the SAFIR festival, and drawn by Forez Colors, an association of artists from the Forez region.
They realized this beautiful fresco with dominant Rose in the city center.
Since the building on which the fresco is drawn is to be destroyed, It is likely that this fresco (and perhaps others) is going to disappear quite quickly.
(https://i.ibb.co/BTf1YzC/20190815-122732.jpg)

This fresco comes from the 2016 edition of SAFIR festival.
It is the work of Ador and Semor.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZhLYm2R/20190815-122817.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/7Q78wpD/20190815-123144.jpg)


Impasse Louis Comté - Roche-la-Molière
This fresco comes from the 2017 edition of the SAFIR festival.
Dan23 was the headliner of this 2017 edition.
At first glance, this fresco disappoints: it is not very big and this huge skull skull is not too much in the habits of the artist - the colors, yes.
In fact, Dan23 wanted to raise a cry of alarm for the oceans. The skull is a melting iceberg, a polar bear is lost at its summit. In the sea, some rubbish, plastic bags, bobbin, and on the surface a platform of oil that oozes its blackish liquid. Oceans are in danger, and so is the planet.
(https://i.ibb.co/QQbY3mB/D42230-09-02.jpg)



These frescoes come from the 2015 edition of the SAFIR festival.
Two large walls of the parking located in the city center were invested by Kalouf and Jake.
Kalouf is of Gabonese origin and lives in Lyon. He took care of the left side of the wall here, with a fox.
As for Jake, he is an optimistic artist who likes to tell stories. His big white teddy bear may want to point out that even though life is beautiful, it can also be full of danger, especially when we live in the Arctic ...

(https://i.ibb.co/1v4bdLF/20190815-123207.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/98Mwckh/20190815-123237.jpg)


This photo was taken in Saint Etienne, Rue Cugnot.
(https://i.ibb.co/PFj28Jf/D42000-13-01.jpg)
In 2011, Ella & Pitr had made here a giant with bare buttocks, sitting on a pile of rubble and with a bird perched on his shoulder. This fresco was controversial and the new municipality wanted to change it. Since Saint-Etienne was receiving some matches of the Euro of football, the theme of football was chosen.
Football is not really the cup of tea of ​​this couple of artists from Saint Etienne. "We were not going to lie and lie to those who know us by proposing something classic ..." After careful consideration, they chose a referee, because "it is the character who is the most important in the world of football because it represents parity, accuracy, loyalty, it is he who enforces the rules of the game... He is lying because he been refereeing too many matches and he is exhausted. To be fair is difficult, it is a real job. ".

Ella and Pitr also made the biggest fresco of Europe, in Paris.
Those who are in Mumbai, India, have probably seen this one.
Sassoon docks, Mumbai
(https://www.arts-in-the-city.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/25015657_205946176642615_3944151807462211584_n-3200x0.jpg)





Essalois Castle is located on the town of Chambles, in the Loire department, overlooking Lake Grangent and the Loire from its rocky outcrop. Listed site of the gorges of the Loire, it was built in the twelfth century on the remains of a Gallic oppidum.

The current castle was largely from the 16th century. Plundered at the end of the sixteenth century by the troops of Honoré d'Urfé, it was sold as a national asset following the French Revolution in the eighteenth century.

The building has been in permanent restoration since the 1980s, and can be visited freely today. Its tower offers a magnificent view of the surroundings of the town.

(https://i.ibb.co/BzrkGzd/20190815-143345.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XYc6fkQ/20190815-142840.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/FngY743/20190815-143414.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/0t4Ms6j/20190815-143543.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/LdCsp1L/20190815-143730.jpg)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIueqYkw7pQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuHD0ieRlkw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmi60Bd4jSs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLJB4pM9Jj0

Today I'm going to talk about my toothache.
Yesterday , I had to go to the dental emergencies.
(https://www.shitpostbot.com/resize/585/400?img=%2Fimg%2Fsourceimages%2Fdying-monkey-57b315da6fefe.jpeg)
I had an absess and apparently it was due to a gum infection.
I was prescribed painkillers (tramadol) and some antibiotics (Amoxicilline). Yesterday I also vomitted and I suspect it was due to the Amoxicilline.
In the meantime, I look like a hamster.

Note that I added more comments here: http://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29306#msg29306


A few years ago, I told Maher to come here and visit me. I wanted him to meet my father. He was at the Invalides with me when I took these photos. Maher would have been glad to visit it with us. Unfortunately, it's not possible any more since my father died.
But maybe we will meet one day If there is an economic collapse in the years to come. We will need to live in the countryside and help each other. Some big towns won't survive the 21st century.
For example, the predicament of Jakarta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paG9j1jkQNc

Quote from: scarface on August 25, 2019, 11:41 PM
A few years ago, I told Maher to come here and visit me. I wanted him to meet my father. He was at the Invalides with me when I took these photos. Maher would have been glad to visit it with us.

Although it would certainly be nice to meet him personally, I don't think Maher can visit you (or anyone else) any time soon. He has a family (wife +2 children) and spends most of his time seeing to their needs. This is why he appointed us as moderators. Also, Maher is Palestinian but since he was born in Jordan he has Jordanian citizenship and travels with a Jordanian passport. They need visas to enter the Schengen area.

Maybe some of you know that the Amazon forest is burning.
Here are a few photos of the catastrophe.


Deforestation, undertaken to expand the areas devoted to cattle breeding and soybean cultivation, two key exports of the Brazilian economy, has largely contributed to the proliferation of fires in recent months. The origin of the fires is predominantly human and linked to the burning policy, recall several associations and NGOs.
(https://i.ibb.co/CMJDBGT/11513876.jpg)


The gigantic fires affecting the Amazon could have a significant impact on climate change. "If we destroy enough forest, we could tip the Amazon into a much drier climate, which can become a savannah," said Roel Brienen, a professor at Leeds University, on August 23 on the American channel NBC. "It would be a big loss for our planet and a virtual game over for the fight against climate change".
(https://i.ibb.co/b1q1yp2/11513912.jpg)


A drone provides a panoramic image of the fires affecting the Mato Grosso region on August 20th.
(https://i.ibb.co/6FJTXHM/11513874.jpg)

Tonight, I'm going to give you a quick insight into the latest news.


In New York, Swedish climate activist and young strikers gathered to call on adults to act on the climate crisis.

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/0c21203aefd00e07c521792f2c0523e436f273af/0_0_5180_3110/master/5180.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=641478b71c5e785797bef77f1128a473)

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg was joined by swelling and excited crowds of American teenagers at a protest outside the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, in a further blossoming of the youth environment movement given extra thrust by the Swede’s transatlantic boat crossing.

Some US children said they were at their first ever climate demonstration; others said they had been passionate about the environment for a while but had been galvanized to act by Thunberg’s rising profile.

Thunberg last year began leading school strikes on Fridays and lambasting world leaders for their inaction on global heating.

Just two days after Thunberg disembarked from a yacht in New York, following two weeks on rough seas crossing from the UK, young protesters dominated the crowd of up to 1,000 gathered outside the United Nations skyscraper in Manhattan.

They came together to demand politicians and older generations take urgent and comprehensive action to reverse the climate crisis.

Carrying hand-drawn placards with messages such as “United behind the science” and “Act now or we will”, children and young people of all ages from New York and nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, surged into a park in front of the flags of the world outside the UN on Friday morning.

Thunberg sat cheerfully but pensively in the middle of the rally, which had a rather more earnest than festive atmosphere. Young speakers took the microphone and gave spontaneous speeches or led chants of “System change, not climate change” and “Don’t just watch us, join us”.

American teenager Alexandria Villaseñor, 14, who has been protesting every Friday outside the UN since December, was in her usual spot and said she had been inspired by Thunberg’s school strike campaign.

“Greta being here in the United States and in America will really galvanise students just because of how much of an inspiration she is. Everyone who’s been striking on Friday was really empowered by Greta and the action she was taking.”

Thunberg held her trademark “skolstrejk för klimatet” (Swedish for “school strike for climate”) sign, which she was seen carrying from the racing yacht on Wednesday, after refusing to take a flight to the US because of the polluting emissions.

Tonight, I took a few photos for the users of the forum. I know that aa1234779 and shadow.97 are looking at them carefully.

Here we can see Jaude place and the statue of General Desaix.
(https://i.ibb.co/G0LZJfV/1567453377-20190902-204015.jpg)

Another photo taken on 17 Novemeber 2018 in the Jaude place with some Yellow Jackets. You can see the statue of Vercingétorix.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZzpSQTg/yann-3949310-1180x665-3954200.jpg)


Here are some photos of a shop located rue des Salles and named la garçonnière. I live in the vicinity. There was no shop like this in Saint Etienne.
(https://i.ibb.co/GcTg8G3/1567453402-20190902-204729.jpg)
A bag lundi 36 heures for 690â,¬, some boots A.P.C and a pair of trousers Stone island for 335â,¬. It's a bit expensive.

(https://i.ibb.co/tmXp29H/1567453421-20190902-204744.jpg)
Some boots golden goose for 405â,¬, a sweat A.P.C for 160â,¬. I would be glad to go to this shop with Vasudev or Maher and buy some clothes.



And here are some interesting, but disquieting articles, published in Le monde today.

How Europe failed to save bees.
https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2019/08/27/disparition-des-abeilles-la-derobade-de-l-europe_5503163_1650684.html

Hurricane Dorian caused unprecedented damage to the Bahamas.
https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/09/02/l-ouragan-dorian-a-cause-des-degats-sans-precedent-aux-bahamas_5505488_3244.html

Quote from: scarface on September 01, 2019, 07:07 PM
For those who have never seen Maher or me, here are 2 photos.
I will delete this message later since I'm not sure Maher wants his photo here.

I think that's a good idea. Know Maher, I know that if he wanted his picture on the forum he would have posted it himself. I urge you to remove it immediately.

Quote from: humbert on September 03, 2019, 04:37 AM
I think that's a good idea. Know Maher, I know that if he wanted his picture on the forum he would have posted it himself. I urge you to remove it immediately.

I removed it.
But you have to know that this photo is available publicly.
I just went to this website, and Maher had been silent for a few years but he just posted a few messages. it seems he's a phone specialist since he's talking about the new samsung s10 smartphone (but he's not talking about the children who are working in Congo's cobalt mines).
Well, I want to tell him that I don't have such claims, I just use the Honor 9 lite. It's much cheaper but it's still an interesting smartphone.


Imagine the mosque of Qalqilya. Somebody is approaching.
Perfume: Opium, Yves Saint Laurent. Boots: Golden Gouse. Sweat: A.P.C. Islamic Hat: Christian Dior. Maher has just come in. Everyone is flabbergasted.
Well, I just drank a glass of Pastis. I will delete this message later.

Here are a few unusual pictures for the users of the forum.


A donkey race, in Karachi, Pakistan.
(https://i.ibb.co/HxDSfTV/CNMTLb-JUk-AA1-Tup.jpg)


The Sathorn Unique Tower, known as ghost tower.
This is an unfinished skyscraper in the Thai capital city of Bangkok. Planned as a high-rise condominium complex, construction of the building was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when it was already about 80 percent complete. It is now among the most prominent of Bangkok's many derelict buildings, and has become a destination for urban explorers. A Swedish tourist hanged himself in there, hence the name ghost tower.
(https://i.ibb.co/6Ys1g1L/1569345585-n7ry5wt4ty021.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/RpmBZgw/1569345570-ghost-tower.jpg)


Palestinians gather as goats are on display at a livestock market, ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem September 10, 2016.
(https://i.ibb.co/Qn7DNHz/1569345741-0003beab-big.jpg)


The catacombs of Paris.
Small corridors are carved into the rock. Bones line the walls, sculls are scraping at one’s elbows at times.  A creepy wind is blowing softly, hitting the back of one’s neck
Bones are pile tightly, centuries ago, stacks of human remains are all around, reminiscent of a horror movie.
(https://i.ibb.co/KGvZy6b/1569346033-img-0471.jpg)

Today, I'm posting a few photos taken in Clermont Ferrand.

The most famous monument of Clermont Ferrand is certainly the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
It is a Gothic cathedral and French national monument and also the headquarters of the Archbishops of Clermont.
It is built entirely in black lava stone, which makes it highly distinctive, and visible from a great distance. Its twin spires are 96.1 metres tall, and tower above the town's rooftops.
(https://i.ibb.co/FbVFNm9/20191019-170855.jpg)

An optical illusion on a wall.
(https://i.ibb.co/0th2GqY/20191019-170611.jpg)



A national gathering of yellow vests was announced in Clermont-Ferrand this Saturday, October 19th.
Nearly 300 people marched in the city center of Clermont-Ferrand, braving the ban to protest.
An imposing police device had been put in place: access to place Jaude was under guard, a hovering helicopter monitored the area
Around 4 pm, the situation became tense: some protesters briefly entered the Commercial Center Jaude before being dislodged by the CRS.
(https://i.ibb.co/xzxH2sd/20191019-164235.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/zRxvnzN/20191019-171504.jpg)

Tonight, I'm posting 2 photos. Click on them and look at the details carefully.


(https://i.ibb.co/SB0R79V/CF.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/DzgVrY5/ob-b10f21-puy-de-dome-2.jpg)

In the first photo it's a beautiful view from a terrace. In both photos, we can see a weird tower.
aa1234779 and Vasudev must be thinking it is the Eiffel tower.
Actually, what you see is a lava dome and one of the youngest volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys region of Massif Central in central France, known as Puy de Dôme. It was created by a Peléan eruption, some 10,700 years ago. Puy de Dôme is approximately 10 kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand. Since 1956, an antenna is located at the summit of the Puy de Dôme.

Tonight, I'm going to hold another conference with new photos taken in Royat, a thermal town and some photos of an exhibition that was taking place in Chamalières.

Here is a photo of Royat, a town near Clermont Ferrand.
(https://i.ibb.co/qy5xM9w/20191214-150620.jpg)

A rainbow.
(https://i.ibb.co/vxDcZ5m/20191214-150736.jpg)

A view of Clermont-Ferrand
(https://i.ibb.co/zQ2BLWg/20191214-152030.jpg)

It looks like the castle of the Adams family.
(https://i.ibb.co/413yyxC/20191214-152900.jpg)




The exhibition ‘Medium Glass’ presents the works of 8 glass artists from the Dare d'Art collective. This collective has existed since 2010 and brings together some 40 glass artists.
Its objective is to offer collective exhibitions of unique pieces across France or abroad.

For these artists, glass is their medium, the material through which they express themselves. It is a material with a very rich historical past. The Studio Glass movement, which came from the United States in the 1960s, led to the development of individual workshops to create unique pieces and go beyond the practical use of glass. A few years later, many artists from eastern Europe appeared with their solid artistic and technical training. These convergences participate in the birth of contemporary glass. The works presented are entirely produced by the artists themselves. Glass is a technically demanding and magical material. Its mastery comes with an unusual privilege: the shaping of light by silica. Its place in the world of contemporary art has often been misunderstood.
This exhibition helps to register this material as a full-fledged medium, in the same way as the others most frequently used. Explored in its plastic and chromatic dimensions, combined with other materials, exploited to catalyze space and light, diverted to make people dream, smile or reflect ... the potential of this material opens up an infinite range of possibilities for artists.

(https://i.ibb.co/WtghcYR/20191214-154642.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/g9s70Y9/20191214-154702.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jbZQJYm/20191214-154727.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/txPgFHP/20191214-154748.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/fdKBY4B/20191214-154918.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/7JQ1Gmn/20191214-154939.jpg)

Tonight, some photos taken today on Jaude place, in Clermont Ferrand, are available on the forum.


A Ferris wheel and a big Christmas Tree.
(https://i.ibb.co/RzbZGP9/20191223-181024.jpg)


The statue orf Vercingétorix and the Church Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes in the background.
(https://i.ibb.co/HBNM056/20191223-181014.jpg)


Some lights on the opera theatre.
(https://i.ibb.co/xX1C9Zv/20191223-181008.jpg)

Clermont Ferrand is probably more chic and attractive than Saint Etienne. The real estate is also 30% more expensive.

Here are a few photos taken in Saint Etienne a few days ago. I've been there and then I've been abroad.
This town looks pretty sad actually. The first time I visited Saint Etienne I wasn't enthusiastic. But the people are pretty kind. The real estate is cheaper than anywhere else in France. Even if I think it should be at that price everywhere (60 000â,¬ for a 60m² flat). And yet, I'm glad I went away.
I don't know if aa1234779 would want to live in Saint Etienne anyway. This lucky man must be living in a palace somewhere between Jeddah and Baghdad. For humbert, maybe it would be a positive change of scenery, in a spirit of nature and ecology.

Bellevue place.
(https://i.ibb.co/Fh1RmQ6/20191224-125027.jpg)

The Bicentenaire place
(https://i.ibb.co/9wJpPWQ/20191224-124424.jpg)

The monument of the bicentenary of the French revolution.
(https://i.ibb.co/7RpP95n/20191224-125507.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Jd3Gy6V/20191224-125717.jpg)

Tonight, I'm holding a conference about Rome, with many photos.
Rome was supposedly founded in 753 BC and ever since has been the capital of the Roman Empire, one of the main centres of Christianity, the home of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of the Italian Republic. Due to its historical and social importance, Rome is often nicknamed the Caput Mundi, or "capital of the world".
One of the symbols of Rome is the Colosseum (70-80 AD), the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Originally capable of seating 60,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial combat.
During the Renaissance, Rome was a major world center, second only to Florence, and was profoundly affected by the movement. The most impressive masterpiece of Renaissance architecture in Rome is the Piazza del Campidoglio by Michelangelo, along with the Palazzo Senatorio, seat of the city government.



(https://i.ibb.co/NrjPkn7/1-Pantheon-Porch.jpg)
The Pantheon Porch


(https://i.ibb.co/phGyHqW/2-Pantheon-vault-segment.jpg)
Pantheon-vault-segment


(https://i.ibb.co/jW2jS0t/3-Raphaels-Tomb.jpg)
Raphael's-Tomb


(https://i.ibb.co/Rzh3jBN/4-San-Carlo-alle-Quattro-Fontane-with-left-flank.jpg)
The church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane with left flank, an iconic masterpiece of Baroque architecture.


(https://i.ibb.co/9p9csmC/5-Nuns-overlook-Forum.jpg)
Nuns overlooking forum


(https://i.ibb.co/C7StmXs/6-Arch-of-Septimius-Severus.jpg)
Arch of Septimius Severus


(https://i.ibb.co/4sZx9PD/7-Temple-of-Vesta-exterior.jpg)
Temple of Vesta exterior


(https://i.ibb.co/VTSVGNx/8-Coliseum-exterior-with-outer-and-inner-walls.jpg)
Coliseum exterior with outer and inner walls


(https://i.ibb.co/gz0dzmc/9-Colosseum-Archway.jpg)
Colosseum Archway


(https://i.ibb.co/YjQ1j9r/9-Colosseum-stage.jpg)
Colosseum stage


(https://i.ibb.co/cFRNV7f/10-Saint-Peter-s-Basilica.jpg)
Saint Peter's Basilica


(https://i.ibb.co/wdRFNSz/11-School-of-Athens-by-Raphael-Apostolic-Palace.jpg)
School of Athens by Raphael. It is a fresco by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was painted between 1509 and 1511 as a part of Raphael's commission to decorate the rooms now known as the Stanze di Raffaello, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.


(https://i.ibb.co/3mgKm9M/12-Raphael-s-Pythagorus.jpg)
Raphael's Pythagorus


(https://i.ibb.co/9gDrmyn/13-Temple-of-Portunus-Fortuna-Virilis.jpg)
Temple of Portunus (Fortuna Virilis)
The Temple of Portunus or Temple of Fortuna Virilis is a temple in Rome one of the best preserved of all Roman temples. Its dedication remains unclear, as ancient sources mention several temples in this area of Rome.

(https://i.ibb.co/zXvm2bV/14-Assumption-of-the-Virgin-by-Annibale-Carracci-Basilica-of-Santa-Maria-del-Popolo.jpg)
Painting of the Assumption of the Virgin by Annibale Carracci - Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo


(https://i.ibb.co/7KjYvv1/15-Conversion-of-Saul-by-Caravaggio-Basilica-of-Santa-Maria-del-Popolo.jpg)
Painting of the Conversion of Saul on his way to Damascus by Caravaggio - Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo

The conversion of Paul from persecutor to apostle is a well-known biblical story. According to the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was a zealous Pharisee, who intensely persecuted the followers of Jesus, even participating in the stoning of Stephen. He was on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus to arrest the Christians of the city.
As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" He said, “Who are You, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

The painting depicts this moment recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, except Caravaggio has Saul falling off a horse (which is not mentioned in the story) on the road to Damascus, seeing a blinding light and hearing the voice of Jesus. For Saul this is a moment of intense religious ecstasy: he is lying on the ground, supine, eyes shut, with his legs spread and his arms raised upward as if embracing his vision. The saint is a muscular young man, and his garment looks like a Renaissance version of a Roman soldier's attire: orange and green muscle cuirass, pteruges, tunic and boots. His plumed helmet fell off his head and his sword is lying by his side. The red cape almost looks like a blanket under his body. The horse is passing over him led by an old groom, who points his finger at the ground. He had calmed down the animal, and now prevents it treading upon Saul. The huge steed has a mottled brown and cream fur; it is still foaming at the mouth, and its hoof is hanging in the air



(https://i.ibb.co/7ntJNN7/16-Junius-Bassus-Sarcophagus.jpg)
Junius Bassus's Sarcophagus


(https://i.ibb.co/kKJbgVH/17-Junius-Bassus-Sarcophagus-Detail-of-Christ.jpg)
Junius Bassus's Sarcophagus - Detail of Christ


(https://i.ibb.co/GM0VgZn/18-Arch-of-Titus-and-Colosseum.jpg)
Arch of Titus and Colosseum


(https://i.ibb.co/XDQZ8hH/18-Arch-of-Titus-Relief-Panel-with-the-Spoils-of-Jerusalem.jpg)
Arch of Titus - Relief panel with the spoils of Jerusalem


(https://i.ibb.co/Pr9LNBh/19-Arch-of-Constantine.jpg)
Arch of Constantine


(https://i.ibb.co/CpdrYbQ/20-Bernini-s-Baldacchino-under-Michelangelo-s-Dome-St-Peter-s-Basilica.jpg)
Bernini's Baldacchino under Michelangelo's Dome -St Peter's Basilica

Tonight, you''ll find some photos taken in the museum of Michelin in Clermont Ferrand.

Michelin is a French tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is the second largest tyre manufacturer in the world after Bridgestone and larger than both Goodyear and Continental. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the Kléber tyres company, Uniroyal-Goodrich, SASCAR, Bookatable and Camso brands.

L'Aventure Michelin reveals the living history of a product and a brand that has always kept up with the times. At the centre of the journey is the familiar, jovial figure of the Michelin Man. A figure that symbolises Michelin: close to the public, constantly evolving, but remaining true to its values. The Michelin Group's museum is a fun, interactive experience in a setting that embarks young and old alike on a novel adventure. Yesterday's experience is the bedrock for tomorrow's progress: the epic Michelin story is being written here and now.

(https://i.ibb.co/vjfRpL0/20200227-132222.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/MVHNQSW/20200227-132223.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/FsCSmyR/20200227-132327.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Kx0HbJ9/20200227-132354.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/v3mPCPT/20200227-132442.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XFJT3Ck/20200227-132550.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/M79ZGtG/20200227-132721.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/J7K2XgV/20200227-132802.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/cTsP9TY/20200227-133321.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/5KXpGKK/20200227-133836.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/nQZxgGD/20200227-134404.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XyXJFZ2/20200227-134507.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/2ZmQrXY/20200227-134554.jpg)

Some photos of Clermont Ferrand taken today.
The streets are empty because of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus.


(https://i.ibb.co/4sSxWVR/20200317-144449.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/88X731y/20200317-144852.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on March 17, 2020, 05:34 PM
Some photos of Clermont Ferrand taken today.
The streets are empty because of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus.

I am sick and tired of this Coronavirus shiit! The news media makes people think this is the Spanish flu of 1918 or the Black Plague of 14th century Europe. Nobody checks the facts, most people are automatons who believe just about anything they're told. Last Monday I went to the market to buy food and the shelves were almost bare. The area of the market where there are cleaning supplies was closed off with a small fence. It's the same just about everywhere. This crisis was created entirely by the news media. Notice that if (for example) 50 people get the diseases and 3 die, there are massive headlines about the 3 dead and no mention of the 47 survivors.

Here's a historical ancedote. On our about 1935, engineers in Europe and elsewhere were working on prefecting television. In Germany, Hitler was informed and was shown a TV and how it worked - the first time in his life he had seen one. He immediately said "I want one of these devices in every German home. With this I can control how people think! The dictator was right and his statement prophetic.

Tonight, I went out to see the Jaude place in Clermont Ferrand (I am living Avenue Julien, 100 meters away from this place).
There was nobody in the street as you can see on the photos.
Actually, I was walking surreptitiously in order to avoid  a crackdown by the morality police (I saw their car).
There were practically no cars on the roads either (I took my car back to the underground parking I am renting). It looks like a resident evil movie. My neighbours are gone, the building is incredibly calm.
In Resident Evil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksrWmPMZGiY (note that youtube switched off HD in Europe).


Humbert seems a bit flabbergasted. If you believe in God, like most Americans do, then you have to consider that the Coronavirus was created by God (or by the devil). Therefore, the Coronavirus is a punishment of god. But on the forum there are only good people. I assume some of you are currently confined too, and I am thinking about shadow.97, usmangujjar or Maher. Maybe they do not have the possibility to give news if they are quarantined. Hopefully, we will overcome this ordeal.



Here is the Jaude place.
(https://i.ibb.co/r0M0swZ/20200321-234850.jpg)

Here is the statue of Vercingétorix and the Church Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes.
The first stone of the church was laid in 1630 at the time when the convents settled everywhere in Europe. Clermont then welcomes Minimes fathers in an establishment constructed through the generosity of Marguerite Saulnier, widow of François Lecourt, Lord of Montdory. The place is not very safe: at the bottom of the city, between the meandering Tiretaine crisscrossing the area, and along the Jaude square so cluttered with waste. The chapel is built in andesite lava, with sobriety and severity according to the same principles of life of the Minimes fathers. Under the injunction of the inhabitants, however one decides to decorate the heavy and cold facade, by adding to it in 1731, two bell towers that were destroyed in 1734 and in 1742. Another bell tower is more firmly reconstructed later.
(https://i.ibb.co/VvnHjM8/20200321-235013.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on March 22, 2020, 01:39 AM
Humbert seems a bit flabbergasted. If you believe in God, like most Americans do, then you have to consider that the Coronavirus was created by God (or by the devil). Therefore, the Coronavirus is a punishment of god. But on the forum there are only good people. I assume some of you are currently confined too, and I am thinking about shadow.97, usmangujjar or Maher. Maybe they do not have the possibility to give news if they are quarantined. Hopefully, we will overcome this ordeal.

Actually I'm an atheist. I believe humans have always attributed that which can't be explained as a "punishment from god". Notice that the victims are almost always innocent children, old people, or those whose health is compromised. It makes no sense that god would punish them and leave bad, healthy people unscathed.

Today, I finally went out to see the disaster. There is practically nobody in the streets. But it is so good to drive in these conditions. No traffic jam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyFCmSD4uDs

Here you can see place de Jaude and in the background the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and its twin spires.
(https://i.ibb.co/VYt8pDK/20200324-141751.jpg)

Here you can see the lava dome called Puy de Dome, It is an asleep volcano.
(https://i.ibb.co/Yb00xVr/20200324-151946.jpg)


As you can see, Clermont Ferrand is a town with a lot of cachet, at least the center of the town. Compared to this, I can assure you that some neighborhoods of Paris look like cesspools.

Note that in France, the  lockdown 'should last at least 6 weeks' says the country's scientific council as death toll tops 1,000.

The Comité analyse, recherche et expertise (CARE) set up to advise the French government has recommended a longer lockdown and stricter confinement as the death toll from the virus in the country continues to rise.

In the past 24 hours 240 people have died. This takes France's official death toll to 1,100 - but for the moment only counts people who have died in hospital, not people who died at home or in retirement homes.

There are currently 10,176 people in hospital, 2,516 of whom are in intensive care.

The daily death toll was also a sharp increase, from 186 on Monday and just over 100 a day over the weekend.

The council's role is advisory only and the final decision will be taken by the government, health minister Olivier Véran  said the figure of six weeks was an "estimation" and no one knew at this stage how long the confinement would last.

"They said that we need to be prepared that the confinement will last more than two weeks and that maybe it could be even more like five or six weeks," he said.

"It (the lockdown) will last as long as it needs to," he added.

The council of doctors and sociologists was created by the health ministry to advise President Emmanuel Macron and the government on the best way to combat the coronavirus.

The experts said that the lockdown was currently the "sole strategy that is realistic in operational terms," adding that other strategies like mass testing or isolating all those who may have the virus were not realisable on a national scale.

It said three weeks of lockdown would be needed before an estimation of its impact can be made. It recommended the lockdown should continue until a post-confinement strategy was laid out and the pressure on hospitals had eased.

It also suggested a tightening of the restrictions may be necessary such as limiting non-essential work outside the home and imposing curfews.

France was put into lockdown on Tuesday, March 17th initially for 15 days, although a variety of ministers and health chiefs have said that is highly likely to be extended.

The lockdown orders all in France to stay inside except for essential trips outside such as shopping, exercise or visiting the doctor.




Some of you are probably already confined. I am thinking about Vasudev, usmangujjar shadow.97 and humbert of course.
You are certainly wondering what the coronavirus looks like. Maye you will be able to identify it amongst the photos below.


(https://i.ibb.co/yYQVVKF/elephant.jpg)


(https://image.ibb.co/c79RzT/baboon.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/NTgFGCx/coronavirus.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/7t99Kdw/la-fourmi-rouge.jpg)


Maybe some of you have found the right picture. It is the 3rd picture. If you are wondering why we can not see it, it is because the coronavirus is very small: it is 10 000 times smaller than a grain of sand.

This morning I went out and I stumbled upon a beautiful car: an Alpine.
Only 7900 units of this car have been made so far. It seems this one comes from Paris. Was it able to able to avoid the drones of the police that are currently deployed to enforce social distancing? Quite probably.
(https://i.ibb.co/rprNMtK/20200325-110304.jpg)

Here is a photo taken from my balcony. Since most people are now confined, some hung banners.
In the foreground what you see is a hanging garden.
(https://i.ibb.co/J3rW3v8/20200325-135636.jpg)

Note that I took a photo of my car this morning. Since I know that aa1234779 likes some photos, even if they are useless, I am posting this one. It was waiting for me in its underground parking.
It is not a Lamborghini, but it is not important, my father liked it.

(https://i.ibb.co/YL6QvKm/20200324-191156.jpg)

What make, model number and year is your car? Also, do you really need that very long antenna? Recently my lady and I bought a Kia Rio, and the antenna is removable. A long antenna becomes problematic when you put the car through a car wash. Even without the antenna you can hear FM radio perfectly. It's garbage, about 5 ads to 1 song. That's why I use a music player that plugs into the car's aux port.

I have no clue why anyone, no matter how much money they have, would buy a Lamborghini. It has no practical use when you factor in the price.

Here are a few photos.

Some photos taken in Paris in early April.

Here you can see the Eiffel and Montparnasse towers through the haze.
(https://i.ibb.co/9bn0c8m/20200403-132138.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/FwSD3nc/20200403-133419.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/w0RgnsY/20200403-133452.jpg)

The confinment police is there. Apparently, they have arrested an infected.
(https://i.ibb.co/Kz5npwn/20200403-133552.jpg)

In Clermont photos, here are some photos taken today. There was a light drizzle.
(https://i.ibb.co/jbSRt6k/20200419-093555.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/H7m3j6W/20200419-090821.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/thKhyQs/20200419-093514.jpg)

Here is a photo, taken today place de Jaude, in Clermont Ferrand. As you can see, the weather is fine. The photo was taken with the honor 9 lite.
You can give some comments. I think that the samsung s6 is taking better photos.

(https://i.ibb.co/Q8xzJ4d/IMG-20200428-134307.jpg)

Here are 2 photos, taking this afternon on Place Jaude, in Clermont Ferrand.

(https://i.ibb.co/cJh8vgK/IMG-20200524-165540.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/yhLHkRb/IMG-20200524-171819.jpg)

Here is another photo taken on place Jaude today.
Some are still wearing some masks.

(https://i.ibb.co/LYxKddH/IMG-20200530-201313.jpg)

Note that I am currently in  Paris. I'll try to post photos of I can.

Here are a few photos taken in Paris today.


Porte de Clichy
(https://i.ibb.co/F4y5JJF/IMG-20200606-164509.jpg)

Boulevard de Clichy
(https://i.ibb.co/p0QG6y5/IMG-20200606-171242.jpg)

Place de Clichy
(https://i.ibb.co/fSG2dbS/IMG-20200606-171519.jpg)

In a bar, avenue de Clichy
(https://i.ibb.co/KWbhrdc/IMG-20200606-172648.jpg)

Place Charles de Gaule Etoile
(https://i.ibb.co/F7Wb66y/IMG-20200606-191218.jpg)

On the Champs Elysées
(https://i.ibb.co/RNj0syK/IMG-20200606-191958.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/gVFR1vv/IMG-20200606-192041.jpg)

This Week-end, I've been to Paris (Currently, I'm in the south of the Hauts-de-Seine), and I took a few photos for you.


The Eiffel tower, as seen from the voie Georges Pompidou.
(https://i.ibb.co/H2kXZLC/20200705-145235.jpg)


On Place Vendôme
(https://i.ibb.co/gvw5tDf/20200705-151814.jpg)


Rue de la paix.
(https://i.ibb.co/NngFHgK/20200705-151930.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on June 06, 2020, 07:58 PM
Note that I am currently in  Paris. I'll try to post photos of I can.

Where are you living now? Do you need to get some sort of hostal for your stay in Paris?

I know that humbert and aa1234779 were glad to find some photos of Saint Etienne and the Loire department on the forum.
I remind you that you can find them here and in the following messages: https://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.220

A map that shows you where the Loire department is.
(https://i.ibb.co/zhCwCvf/01-Carte-Loire-Forez.jpg)


The dam of Grangent
(https://i.ibb.co/9n3DHCJ/1200px-Barrage-de-Grangent-proche.jpg)


The castle of Essalois and the dam of Grangent
(https://i.ibb.co/Pr1WXJz/chateauessalois.jpg)


The castle of Grangent
(https://i.ibb.co/5k6p2qB/Ch-teau-de-Grangent-01.jpg)

Today, I hit the streets of the 11th district of Paris.
Actually, I had precious metal in my pockets and I wanted to sell it. I wasn't comfortable with it, and fortunately, it didn't end up like a Western: https://ok.ru/video/1841660758646
I took the opportunity to take a few photos.


Here, an old man dressed as a clown, near Boulevard Voltaire.
(https://i.ibb.co/BqNBVwT/IMG-20200801-151126.jpg)


The Bataclan, hidden behind the trees.
(https://i.ibb.co/YfzCSJv/IMG-20200801-151225.jpg)


Here, a demonstration near Place of Bastille. At first sight, I thought it was the Cuban flag, but I was deeply mistaken, and it turns out it is the flag of Togo. Apparently, they were protesting against the ruling Gnassingbe family (note that a demonstrator thought I was a journalist, followed me and asked me not to put the photo online, but I consider that the forum is not affiliated with BFM TV yet).
(https://i.ibb.co/2cynd9q/IMG-20200801-152514.jpg)


The place of Bastille
(https://i.ibb.co/Jzr91vV/IMG-20200801-152735.jpg)


Rue de Tunis (you can see my old car in the foreground)
(https://i.ibb.co/7SBjD9T/IMG-20200801-181749.jpg)


Place of Nation
(https://i.ibb.co/KDjkzst/IMG-20200801-182057.jpg)


I decided to sell my gold coins, after the recent rally (roughly 70 Napoleon 20 francs).
I made a net capital gain of approximately 4550â,¬ (after I paid roughly 1820â,¬ in capital gains taxes).
I didn't sell everything, I sill have some Saint-Gaudens double eagle (the most beautiful American coin).
You can tell me what you think: was I wrong to sell those coins?
Should I gamble all this money at the casino?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4LoGhyb2uc
I'm planning to put this money in a life-insurance for the moment.
(https://i.ibb.co/R3J46T3/IMG-20200801-154813.jpg)

Tomorrow, or the next day, I will go to the 9th district of Paris (to sell more precious metal). Maybe I will take some photos for the users of the forum.
But I think that aa1234779 or shadow.97 are certainly unsatisfied with the qualities of the photos taken lately (made with the honor 9 lite). I will probably use my former smartphone instead, the Samsung S6, for a long time it was the best smartphone on the market, even better than the S7, as far as photos are concerned (its battery is dead).
Maybe I will have to change it sooner than later since it got wet (I now have the message "the device temperature is too low" very often and sometimes it shuts down). I'm waiting for the suggestions of Vasudev and shadow.97 if they know good smartphones (what about the honor 10 lite? does it make good photos?).
Note that new movies and series might be available on the forum the next few days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or3U2rXxvQw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GusTHQe5mFg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17StqQhhtAc

Quote from: scarface on August 02, 2020, 10:50 PM
Tomorrow, or the next day, I will go to the 9th district of Paris (to sell more precious metal). Maybe I will take some photos for the users of the forum.
But I think that aa1234779 or shadow.97 are certainly unsatisfied with the qualities of the photos taken lately (made with the honor 9 lite). I will probably use my former smartphone instead, the Samsung S6, for a long time it was the best smartphone on the market, even better than the S7, as far as photos are concerned (its battery is dead).
Maybe I will have to change it sooner than later since it got wet (I now have the message "the device temperature is too low" very often and sometimes it shuts down). I'm waiting for the suggestions of Vasudev and shadow.97 if they know good smartphones (what about the honor 10 lite? does it make good photos?).
Note that new movies and series might be available on the forum the next few days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or3U2rXxvQw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GusTHQe5mFg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17StqQhhtAc

I havnt had the need for anything better than my Oneplus 5. My main complaints are:
Low storage for my usage, 128gb
Bad quality speaker
Okay-ish camera.


I personally have a hard time recommending something I havnt used myself or that is very objective.
The issue with phones are that they have different software and applications they come with and UI.

I have for my own use checked out OnePlus Nord, mainly because i've been satisified with my current phone.

Regarding the S7, cant you hand it into a shop and have them replace the battery? Surely shouldn't be more than 60~70â,¬ including labour and then you have a very solid phone.

Today, I've been to Paris and I took a few photos (with the Samsung s6). I will post them tonight.
I will try to answer shadow.97 too.

Quote from: Shadow.97 on August 03, 2020, 02:35 PM
Regarding the S7, cant you hand it into a shop and have them replace the battery? Surely shouldn't be more than 60~70â,¬ including labour and then you have a very solid phone.

I found a website and apparently it is possible to repair my phone. Tomorrow I will go to this phone shop to have my phone repaired. And it costs only 49â,¬, I thought it was more expensive.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLgW6bG/s6.jpg)

Tonight, a few photos are available on the forum.


(https://i.ibb.co/j3wW20d/20200803-145908.jpg)
The Place de la Concorde, the largest square of Paris. In the middle you can see the Hôtel de Crillon. And on the left, you can see the white rooftop of the ambassy of the USA.

On the background, you can see the Eiffel tower. The photo is a bit dark because it was shot against the sunlight.
(https://i.ibb.co/54NVMJm/20200803-145927.jpg)


At the place of Opera, in front of rue du 4 septembre street.
(https://i.ibb.co/fdz6Bq5/20200803-165315.jpg)


This photo shows the Opera Garnier on the left. It was taken in the 9th district.
(https://i.ibb.co/ydgr0T9/20200803-160041.jpg)


On the background, you can see the galleries Lafayette.
(https://i.ibb.co/sQfK9MK/20200803-160145.jpg)


As you can see, this is the new fashion: surgical masks are mandatory for people visiting shops.
(https://i.ibb.co/b6RJzPz/20200803-160721.jpg)


In the Scribe street. There is a beggar near the bus stop
(https://i.ibb.co/G76bM30/20200803-164839.jpg)

On the background, you can see Place Vendôme, earlier known as Place Louis-le-Grand, which is a square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France, located to the north of the Tuileries Gardens and east of the Madeleine Church. It is the starting point of the "rue de la Paix".
(https://i.ibb.co/DzB1WNN/20200803-165404.jpg)



Note that I reposted the photos with some comments.
(https://i.ibb.co/qBXC4TB/baboon2.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPllSfenzQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKK5hvHcF0U

Note that I followed the advice of shadow.97: my Samsung s6 was repaired today by a phone specialist: I've got a brand new battery (for 59â,¬, it's less expensive than a new smartphone).
This is good news for the users who like beautiful photos, since this phone is taking exceptional photos.
However, for the moment, I'm going to keep using my new honor 9 lite (which got wet).
Note that the S6 uses Android 7. Is it possible to upgrade? My knowledge in smartphone is pretty limited compared to that in computers.

Quote from: Shadow.97 on August 03, 2020, 02:35 PM
I havnt had the need for anything better than my Oneplus 5. My main complaints are:
Low storage for my usage, 128gb
Bad quality speaker
Okay-ish camera.

I've had a OnePlus 5 for 2½ years and I agree with your evaluation. Mine is rock solid and for now there is no need to upgrade. In fact, my next phone must have WiFi6 (802.11ax) and 5G, hopefully both sub-6 and MMwave. The speakers might not be the best in the world, but you can always use bluetooth or the phone jack. Sadly newer phones don't have phone jacks.

Quote from: scarface on August 04, 2020, 11:48 PM
Note that I followed the advice of shadow.97: my Samsung s6 was repaired today by a phone specialist: I've got a brand new battery (for 59â,¬, it's less expensive than a new smartphone).
This is good news for the users who like beautiful photos, since this phone is taking exceptional photos.
However, for the moment, I'm going to keep using my new honor 9 lite (which got wet).
Note that the S6 uses Android 7. Is it possible to upgrade? My knowledge in smartphone is pretty limited compared to that in computers.

With my own personal experience I'd recommend against upgrading to non-official firmware unless you absolutely have to.

I have gone through soft-bricking my phone, hours of confusion, and big annoyances where my phones features seem to be working but actually arent.. For example, alarm clock.
I also had massive issues getting the phones modem(gsm/3g/4g) to connect properly when changing areas.
I never ended up solving all the issues. But I've spent at the very least 20 hours on troubleshooting them.
Regret it? Kinda. It was interesting to learn about.
Phones I've done it with:
Galaxy S3 4g,
Galaxy S4 Active
Galaxy Note (?)
Galaxy S5
S3&S5 were mine, some were other peoples phones. S5 ended up in the bin as I got it used for dirt cheap and it was in horrible condition. Never got everything to work properly until I had to get a new phone.
The S3 kind of still lives to this day, although... It is a literal frankenstein project at this point. Battery hanging on wires outside of the phone. It had an issue where it would discharge very rapidly and become crazy hot. Also has an issue with internal antenna for mobile network after i disconnected/connected it a few too many times.. But thats just an added bonus.

Things may ofcourse have changed a lot since I last messed about with phones. If I was unemployed and had a spare phone I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Today, new photos are available on the forum.



In the Guy Mocquet street. I used to live in this neighborhood, in the 17th district. So I know this place pretty well.
(https://i.ibb.co/t3mZzqc/20200809-134024.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/HgcG70W/20200809-134051.jpg)


On the Champs Élysées, in the 8th district.
(https://i.ibb.co/sKZQ9G9/20200809-144421.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/JKCQcYq/20200809-144451.jpg)

You can see the mcdonald's of the Champs Élysées. I know that humbert has been here before.
(https://i.ibb.co/mDtLgNR/20200809-150724.jpg)


Le Fouquet's restaurant seems to be closed. It didn't re-open after the Yellow vest torching.
(https://i.ibb.co/FVngP6r/20200809-151333.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNEadYEZb9M
Monsieur baboon
(https://i.ibb.co/vwM2Tcb/baboon2.jpg)

Tonight, new photos are available for the users the forum.
They were taken on Saturday 8 August in Paris.


Place des victoires in the 2th arrondissement. If I remember well, the shirker on the horse must be Louis XIV or Louis XVI.
(https://i.ibb.co/dGYhk5N/20200812-165414.jpg)


The Church of Saint-Sulpice. This is a Roman Catholic church in Paris, in the Latin Quarter of the 6th arrondissement. It is only slightly smaller than Notre-Dame and thus the second largest church in the city. It is dedicated to Sulpitius the Pious.
(https://i.ibb.co/NTFMbFS/20200812-170919.jpg)


In the church
(https://i.ibb.co/jZMzRrZ/20200812-172117.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/D1wq9xD/20200812-171821.jpg)


Behind the Church Saint Sulpice there is a square and statue dedicated to a famous Swedish playwright, Johan August Strindberg, a prolific writer of plays, novels, etc, who spent many years off and on in Paris.
(https://i.ibb.co/0KqGJKq/20200812-171550.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6HTtfxb/Johan-August-Strindberg.jpg)


In the rue St Sulpice
(https://i.ibb.co/ZL3jLYs/20200812-172419.jpg)


There is a heatwave. The thermometer shows 38°C and it’s pretty unpleasant to be here actually.
(https://i.ibb.co/7khpL5T/20200812-172548.jpg)


Carrefour de l'Odéon
(https://i.ibb.co/vZKbS5c/20200812-172836.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/qnfRFMt/20200812-181049.jpg)


Place Saint michel
(https://i.ibb.co/fDfdK6X/20200812-174321.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/yP8bZmZ/20200812-174708.jpg)


The cathédrale notre-dame de paris.
the roof and spire of the cathédrale are gone since the cathedral was devastated by a blaze in April 2019.
(https://i.ibb.co/FbMZs9L/20200812-174356.jpg)


The conciergerie on the left, and a barge under The Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine.
(https://i.ibb.co/gDrqkCw/20200812-175210.jpg)

Note that new photos are available tonight. They were taken last week in the 15th, 18th, 10th arrondissements (districts) of Paris and in La Défense.


The Eiffel Tower, seen from the 15th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZWRdVJb/20200815-145959.jpg)


On the place Pigalle, in the 18th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/qNbhVZX/20200815-155356.jpg)


On the Boulevard de Clichy, in the 18th arrondissement, near the moulin Rouge.
The man with the black glasses is a tout (or a procurer, you can choose) and on the right the woman is probably working for him (He asked me a few seconds before if I wanted to use his services). I guess he's not working for the bar the noctambule.
I'm taking a risk taking such a shot (the man looks menacing seeing that I'm taking a photo).
shadow.97, humbert and usman have probably never been to seedy areas like this one.
(https://i.ibb.co/yV7rPTJ/20200815-155512.jpg)


On the boulevard de Clichy
(https://i.ibb.co/G5PxgJC/20200815-155716.jpg)



In la Défense, a visually different landscape.
(https://i.ibb.co/q0dMFrX/20200815-164044.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/zJ2rMbT/20200815-164201.jpg)



On the place Napoleon III, in the 10th arrondissement, in front of the Gare du Nord, the busiest railway station in Europe.
(https://i.ibb.co/cbzTCPK/20200818-165200.jpg)


On the Rue Lafayette, in the 10th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/t3KjRNV/20200818-171155.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/b1KvqKj/20200818-171203.jpg)

You might be wondering if it is a Labrador that is lying on the floor, but alas it is a man.
(https://i.ibb.co/3zVfwWf/20200818-171448.jpg)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDMbAm_XErs
(https://i.ibb.co/m8hVnh8/baboon2.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on August 19, 2020, 12:10 AM
shadow.97, humbert and usman have probably never been to seedy areas like this one.

What is so seedy about the image in the picture? Typical European street corner with cafés and people.

Quote from: humbert on August 20, 2020, 06:39 AM

Quote from: scarface on August 19, 2020, 12:10 AM
shadow.97, humbert and usman have probably never been to seedy areas like this one.

What is so seedy about the image in the picture? Typical European street corner with cafés and people.

Maybe more photos of the 18th arrondissement are going to be necessary then.

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum. These photos were taken today in the 17th, 18th and 8th arrondissements of Paris.



In the rue Legendre, in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. This street is very long. I lived in this street, a bit further away, near the Park Monceau, a few years ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/6cQCr65/20200826-160527.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jfLDrVQ/20200826-161255.jpg)


A shot taken in the rue de Rome.
(https://i.ibb.co/pWJt3Gk/20200826-162311.jpg)



Here are a few photos taken on the Boulevard of Clichy, in the 18th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/sjDJY9S/20200826-164209.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/DkH6Ww6/20200826-164451.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/HxcPLXs/20200826-164635.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/fYLHRKk/20200826-170052.jpg)

You are not dreaming, Jesus is in Paris.
(https://i.ibb.co/0jpbv7n/20200826-172336.jpg)



Some photos taken on the Champs Élysées, in the 8th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/vjTFvMt/20200826-181446.jpg)


In the Mcdonald of the Champs Élysées. I know that humbert came here a long time ago.
I've been there several times too, but I don't go to mcdonald's very often now.
(https://i.ibb.co/bL8JdqM/20200826-180759.jpg)


The Arch of Triumph
(https://i.ibb.co/HVDCbQF/20200826-181611.jpg)


The Lido
(https://i.ibb.co/D18GfCp/20200826-181651.jpg)


Apparently, a woman is lying on the floor. This is not a yoga session, she is begging.
I guess humbert and maher don't see this in the USA and in Palestine.
(https://i.ibb.co/xqTQdN9/20200826-181948.jpg)



(https://i.ibb.co/vwM2Tcb/baboon2.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on August 22, 2020, 10:55 PM
In the Mcdonald of the Champs Elysées. I know that humbert came here a long time ago.
I've been here several times too, but I don't go to mcdonald's very often.

When I went there it was almost all take out. There were either very few seats or it was more expensive to eat your food there (I don't remember which). I wondered how exactly would a customer eat his food. You can't exactly sit on the sidewalk on the Champs Elysées. Those sun shades with tables weren't there. Then again, I went in late November. Possibly they put them out only during the summer.

Quote from: humbert on August 23, 2020, 05:11 AM
When I went there it was almost all take out. There were either very few seats or it was more expensive to eat your food there (I don't remember which). I wondered how exactly would a customer eat his food. You can't exactly sit on the sidewalk on the Champs Elysées. Those sun shades with tables weren't there. Then again, I went in late November. Possibly they put them out only during the summer.

Actually, when I took the photos above, the avenue was crowded. But I've been to the Mcdonald's at 6pm if I remember well, it was a bit early and I could easily find a sit near the window to take some photos that would suit you and the users of the forum.
Note that I've been to the Champs Elysées last Saturday morning. And if you had been with me, you would have been a bit surprised. The Champs Elysées are usually bustling with activity like you see on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_16JH5eKCkA
But this morning there was practically nobody. While it's forbidden to park one's car on the Champs Elysées (there are many tow trucks removing poorly parked cars), the adjacent streets were practically empty.

Today, new photos are available on the forum.


In the line 3 of the metro.  As you can see it is jammed with people.
(https://i.ibb.co/RH2y6fL/20200911-090129.jpg)


In the rue de Phalsbourg, near the park Monceau
(https://i.ibb.co/BGg64PZ/20200911-121314.jpg)


On the place de Narvik, in the 8th arrondissement.
In the background, you can see  the Church of St. Augustine, a Catholic church located at 46 boulevard Malesherbes in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. The church was designed to provide a prominent vista at the end of the boulevard.  Both of them were built during Haussmann's renovation of Paris under the Second French Empire.
(https://i.ibb.co/m5jvYVN/20200911-122228.jpg)


Some journalists, on the place Beauveau. The ministry of internal affairs, as well as the Elysées palace (where the French president is living) are located here.
(https://i.ibb.co/bWWJF0V/20200911-123613.jpg)


On the champs Élysées. On the right, you can see a statue of General de Gaulle. And in the background, I guess that humbert and aa1234779 have recognized the dome of the Invalides.
(https://i.ibb.co/FWrVC91/20200911-124316.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/2qdd8LN/20200911-124351.jpg)


The Eiffel tower, seen from the Champs Élysées.
(https://i.ibb.co/hF1rJ1R/20200911-124402.jpg)


On the Champs Élysées, near the Arch of triumph.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hd91yPf/20200911-125332.jpg)


L'Atelier Renault on the Champs Élysées.
(https://i.ibb.co/9nMChFN/20200911-125405.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/zRFwZMZ/20200911-125434.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/9YQKSCJ/20200911-125518.jpg)


The number 140 on the Champs Élysées with Mcdonald's. Like humbert, I know this address pretty well.
(https://i.ibb.co/X4qwmGJ/20200911-130649.jpg)

Quote from: humbert on August 23, 2020, 05:11 AM

Quote from: scarface on August 22, 2020, 10:55 PM
In the Mcdonald of the Champs Elysées. I know that humbert came here a long time ago.
I've been here several times too, but I don't go to mcdonald's very often.

When I went there it was almost all take out. There were either very few seats or it was more expensive to eat your food there (I don't remember which). I wondered how exactly would a customer eat his food. You can't exactly sit on the sidewalk on the Champs Elysées. Those sun shades with tables weren't there. Then again, I went in late November. Possibly they put them out only during the summer.

If I recall correctly the tax rates are different for eating in or out of resturaunts. May be partially due to that

Quote from: Shadow.97 on September 12, 2020, 09:58 PM

Quote from: humbert on August 23, 2020, 05:11 AM

Quote from: scarface on August 22, 2020, 10:55 PM
In the Mcdonald of the Champs Elysées. I know that humbert came here a long time ago.
I've been here several times too, but I don't go to mcdonald's very often.

When I went there it was almost all take out. There were either very few seats or it was more expensive to eat your food there (I don't remember which). I wondered how exactly would a customer eat his food. You can't exactly sit on the sidewalk on the Champs Elysées. Those sun shades with tables weren't there. Then again, I went in late November. Possibly they put them out only during the summer.

If I recall correctly the tax rates are different for eating in or out of resturaunts. May be partially due to that

Well, I'm working in the tax sector, so I know this pretty well. Actually, for eating in or out, the VAT rate is the same, ie 10% (CGI, art 279).
Note that the VAT for alcoholic beverages is 20% in France.
However, if the products are intended for later consumption, the VAT rate is 5.5%.

Maybe you remember the scene of the 3 magi (they are looking for Jesus) in the mcdonald, where the waitress repeats "there or take away?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbnt6TdPnCI

Tonight, new photos taken today in Paris are available on the forum.
You can try to examine those photos.



On the Parisian periphérique. I'm still using my old car despite a leaking head gasket. I'm afraid of breaking down in a place like this.
Maybe I should have stayed in Saint Etienne, humbert was right. and if I'm winning the lottery, I promise Maher I will go to Palestine (with this car).
(https://i.ibb.co/TgS7whX/20200919-132934.jpg)


The Eiffel tower, as seen from the bridge of Garigliano, in the 16th arrondissement.
(https://i.ibb.co/5GxBXSs/20200919-131915.jpg)


The Boulevard Exelmans, as seen from the bridge of Garigliano.
(https://i.ibb.co/5Y4Nz72/20200919-132037.jpg)


Some towers, in La défense.
(https://i.ibb.co/yhGpnHm/20200919-144314.jpg)


Some graffiti, near Avenue Parmentier
(https://i.ibb.co/TLJv03b/20200919-153945.jpg)


Those street art artists have a lot of talent. Could it be Bansky?
(https://i.ibb.co/jwX9R7R/20200919-161011.jpg)


The Place of Republic. It's Saturday, and the place is overcrowded.
(https://i.ibb.co/1Qh49sj/20200919-162905.jpg)


It seems some activists who want the liberation of Palestine are present. Apparently they advise to boycott Israel. No more Tahini butter cookies, no more Sabich sandwich.
(https://i.ibb.co/fMq3KnT/20200919-163047.jpg)

I guess usman and humbert know this game. It's the first time I see something like this, probably a mini table football.
(https://i.ibb.co/Vm2FxVV/20200919-162807.jpg)


Some buildings and some graffiti, on the boulevard Voltaire.
(https://i.ibb.co/zSKFzGx/20200919-163732.jpg)


A Bandai shop.
(https://i.ibb.co/68n8fcq/20200919-164216.jpg)


Some "Bandai" figures. We can recognize Vegeta and Piccolo.
(https://i.ibb.co/85CMxdH/20200919-164025.jpg)


Who are they ? Maybe Vasudev or shadow.97 know the answer.
(https://i.ibb.co/6836wZr/20200919-164130.jpg)


Some books, in a book shop. Note that Book shop is translated in French as "librairie", but the word library has a different meaning.
(https://i.ibb.co/xMQ6Ccc/20200919-160636.jpg)


I bought the book on the left.
The thought-provoking “When the forest is burning: reflection on the new ecological disaster” explains how recent forest fires reveal the need to rethink our relation to the environment in order to achieve a sustainable future. Political philosopher and environmental studies expert Joëlle Zask studies the conditions necessary for democracy and a sustainable political and social system. To watch her discuss  the keys to implementing change and what it feels like to live amid both despair and hope, you can watch the video here: https://livestream.com/frenchembassy/festival-albertine-climate-moment/videos/198740489
(https://i.ibb.co/s5yqB1W/20200919-160624-001.jpg)

Maybe you have recognized the place of Republic and the 11th arrondissement. (The Eiffel tower was shot on the bridge of Garigliano in the 16th arrondissement).
I doubt humbert has been to the 11 arrondissement because it's popular and not very touristy.
I was there because in the Avenue Parmentier lies one of the last Videoclubs of Paris. Since laptops are not sold with DVD player any more, their activity is more and more threatened.
I was there to rent a movie titled "Le Bel âge", also known as "Restless" in the USA, and released in 2009. I'm currently making a dvdrip, with English subtitles. While the original DVD is 4:3, I converted it to 16:9. I'll try to upload it for the forum soon.
The last pictures are showing some "Bandai" figures. If we can recognize Vegeta and Picolo, who are the others ? Maybe Vasudev or shadow.97 know the answer.


(https://medias.unifrance.org/medias/65/168/43073/format_page/media.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on September 20, 2020, 09:43 AM
I doubt humbert has been to the 11 arrondissement because it's popular and not very touristy.

I didn't know anything about arrondissements during my visit. Besides going to the Champs Elysées, I visited Jim Morrison's grave (my partner wanted to see it). I also visited the Louvre, mostly because I wanted to see the Mona Lisa. Leonardo is one of my historical heroes. I don't remember where the hotel was, only that it was a 2 or 3 star hotel with a 5 star price (by US standards). One thing I absolutely loved about Paris is the Métro and, of course, the fact that you don't need a car. I also observed that, contrary to everything I'd been hearing, Parisians are very nice and not rude nor arrogant. Naturally there are exceptions, I just didn't run into any.

Here are 2 photos for the users of the forum, taken in the park of Sceaux during a bright day, on 21 September.
I know that Maher and aa1234779 enjoy those photos.

Now look at the sky very carefully. On the face of it, everything looks normal. And yet, something is missing.
You certainly have noticed that there are no planes in the sky, despite the proximity of the airport of Orly.
It's due to the economic crisis: the Covid 19 pandemic has grounded airlines all over the world.

(https://i.ibb.co/sHRXJjK/20200921-140611.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/znGJc7z/20200921-140629.jpg)

Tomorrow, I'm not working, and despite the confinement, I was thinking it would be interesting to take some photos of the house of the legendary singer Serge Gainsbourg, in the 7th of Paris, and its neighborhood. I won't be able to go to the musuem of the quai Branly, which is located nearby, because it's closed due to the covid.
Gainsbourg died in 1991, and for years this house has been empty, there is still a project of museum...
Maybe I will go to the Champs-Élysées to take some photos too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa7wjr1NwhA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na0ZOw90VtA

(https://i.ibb.co/9pXJLXy/gainsbourg.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/vD89Bvx/SG.jpg)

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.
Some comments will be added later.
You are very lucky since there are practically no tourists and no possibility to come here.
These photos were taken on Saturday 7 November in the afternoon and due to the confinement orders, the non essential shops were closed.


In the 14th arrondissement
The Place Denfert-Rochereau and its lion statue.
(https://i.ibb.co/MfY0GgX/20201107-141632.jpg)


The Montparnasse tower, the tallest skyscraper of Paris.
(https://i.ibb.co/6096fgR/20201107-143008.jpg)

On the boulevard Edgar Quinet.
(https://i.ibb.co/WxWcnvB/20201107-143026.jpg)


In the 6th arrondissement
In the street Notre dame des champs.
(https://i.ibb.co/t23vnJ6/20201107-145236.jpg)

If shops are closed, at least the bakeries are open.
(https://i.ibb.co/8YKJdy1/20201107-145117.jpg)

The Musée d'Orsay, a museum in Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a railway station. It is currently closed.
(https://i.ibb.co/WP5hNNB/20201107-150615.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/T18rhpb/20201107-151549.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/V0ywwGY/20201107-151428.jpg)

In the rue de Verneuil, the house of Gainsbourg.
(https://i.ibb.co/BL5KY8W/20201107-151354.jpg)


in the 8th arrondissement

In the rue du Boccador. As you can see, Hartwood is closed. should Maher and humbert come he for a business meeting as they normally would, they couldn't buy a tuxedo.
(https://i.ibb.co/HYmXwZN/20201107-153153.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/mqR080m/20201107-153333.jpg)


On the avenue George 5.
(https://i.ibb.co/xCVsXQb/20201107-153925.jpg)


The avenue of the Champs Elysées is almost desert.
(https://i.ibb.co/y6p6MBc/20201107-154112.jpg)


You can see the restaurant Le Fouquet's, on the right.
(https://i.ibb.co/wS2sbX2/20201107-154046.jpg)


The Mcdonald's of the champs Elysées, I know that humbert came here a long time ago. He must vividly remember this place.
(https://i.ibb.co/mF7TQbK/20201107-154359.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/KwMk9Gy/20201107-154504.jpg)


In the 16th arrondissement

The Eiffel tower, as seen from the Trocadero.
(https://i.ibb.co/5sc49MG/20201107-155859.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/x1YL9tW/20201107-155913.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on November 08, 2020, 01:21 AM
Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.
Some comments will be added later.
You are very lucky since there are practically no tourists and no possibility to come here.
These photos were taken on Saturday 7 November in the afternoon and due to the confinement orders, the non essential shops were closed.

I noticed the people in the picture are wearing winter clothes. Nice. Here in North America the temps are unusually high. 29°C is unusual in San Antonio in November. But it's not just here. Watching Biden victory celebrations in NY and Washington, people were wearing typical summer clothing. Even in Toronto the high today was 19°C -- in November? Let's hope the heat won't last, I hate heat. Sometimes I think I'd like to move to McMurdo station in Antarctica, or maybe Oymyakon in Siberia (the pole of cold).

Here is another photo of the Castle of Sceaux, taken a few days ago.
As you can see, there is a gloomy weather.


(https://i.ibb.co/MZGyBDF/20201205-155847.jpg)


Besides the new versions of windows, a new repack of outlast 2, and a much smaller repack for Amnesia Rebirth, as well as new episodes of the Xfiles could be uploaded during this week end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Moc5GvhUI

To whom it may concern, or not, I've officially changed my profile pic to what scarface suggested years ago  ;D

(https://nofilmschool.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_wide/public/rango-1200-1200-675-675-crop-000000.jpg?itok=RtbxXkw6)

Quote from: aa1234779 on December 13, 2020, 11:07 AM
To whom it may concern, or not, I've officially changed my profile pic to what scarface suggested years ago  ;D

The moment I saw it, I found this character funny.
Despite your disagreement, I've always thought it was a good avatar.

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.

The photos below were taken yesterday. You can admire the view under the snow.
I imagine that it's not usual for humbert in Texas or Vasudev in India to see snow.
The snow didn't settle: it has already melted.

A photo of the castle of Sceaux, though the haze.
(https://i.ibb.co/PNvdq7w/20210116-144918.jpg)

A road under the snow.
(https://i.ibb.co/3SpWQ4b/20210116-144715.jpg)

Here are a few photos taken in Paris today.


On the avenue Foch.
(https://i.ibb.co/QpdNZYz/20210117-162822.jpg)


On the place Charles de Gaulle where you can see the Arc de Triomphe standing in the center.
(https://i.ibb.co/MNxDYzr/20210117-163605.jpg)


On the avenue of the Champs Elysées
(https://i.ibb.co/Hhmxbwm/20210117-163853.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/L52zrS6/20210117-164114.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/M964Nn0/20210117-163902.jpg)

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.

You must be wondering what Paris looks like during the curfew. Due to the terrible virus, starting Saturday January 16, 2021, a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m is implemented in mainland France and any outing is banned.
I took some photos at 5am in the morning in Paris.

Here, on the avenue Michel Ange in Paris. you can see the empty street and the interior of my new minivan.
(https://i.ibb.co/FHndpnT/20210123-055540.jpg)

The arch of Triumph, illuminated during the night.
(https://i.ibb.co/BTZrPdW/20210123-060708.jpg)

The almost empty avenue of the Champs Elysées. One may wonder why there are so many lights.
(https://i.ibb.co/pWG6BB2/20210123-060822-001.jpg)

Some photos taken in Chatenay Malabry in the afternoon.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hn1LzdP/20210123-161651.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hXfQmg1/20210123-161654.jpg)

Today, I'm going to show you something.
Look at this little tree. humbert and Vasudev probably know what it is.

(https://i.ibb.co/gvC0wNs/20210123-181844.jpg)

This is a Ginseng ficus bonsai tree.
This tree is native in Taiwan and Malaysia. They are hardy plants with thick trunks that are easy to grow and maintain.
These trees are native to tropical environments, and they thrive in areas where there is lots of heat and humidity. However, they can suffer if they are put in places where the temperature falls below 15 degrees.
You have to consider the weather and climate in your area because these factors will determine whether you need to place your bonsai indoors or outdoors.

Quote from: scarface on January 24, 2021, 02:40 AM
You must be wondering what Paris looks like during the curfew. Due to the terrible virus, starting Saturday January 16, 2021, a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m is implemented in mainland France and any outing is banned.
I took some photos at 5am in the morning in Paris.

You're not allowed in the street at all or are they just prohibiting get-togethers? As I understand it this virus can be spread any time of the day or night. Doesn't make too much sense. Why don't they just mandate wearing masks?

With respect to stats on Covid19, take a look at bing.com/covid (http://bing.com/covid). As of today's date 26/1/2021, globally we have 99,660,483 infections, 54,962,521 recovered and 2,138,299 fatalities. Let's see: 2,138,299 ÷ 54,962,521 ≈ 3.9%. And of course there are already vaccines available. Once mass distribution begins this number will drop dramatically. Moderna even said today they have a vaccine which will work on the more virulent South African strain.

Quote from: humbert on January 26, 2021, 05:18 AM
You're not allowed in the street at all or are they just prohibiting get-togethers?

It's not allowed to be in the street during the curfew. As you can see I took the risk, even if I'm not usually driving at night.
The police is patrolling on the main avenues to enforce the curfew and detect any intruder.

Quote from: humbert on January 26, 2021, 05:18 AM
Why don't they just mandate wearing masks?

It's mandatory too. one has to look like a surgeon everywhere.


It's extremely calm in the streets. I went for a stroll this night in Sceaux because I could not sleep. There was nobody.
In the US, such measures wouldn't be accepted so easily I guess. The mob would defy police.
Oddly enough, This is happening in the Netherlands: Dutch towns and cities have witnessed another night of rioting as groups of youths went on the rampage and confronted police defying the nation's strict COVID curfew measures.

I was watching the protests in the Netherlands on TV (Al Jazeera). Real weird seeing this sort of thing in Amsterdam. Such a peaceful, beautiful place. In the 3 days I spent there I didn't see a single Dutch person who didn't speak English. And I don't mean tour guides, I mean taxi drivers and people who work in markets and pizza places.

At night here the streets are relatively empty. Unlike Europeans, Americans usually don't go out at night very often. This (I believe) explains why no curfew has been imposed, or needed. To me it was bizarre in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam seeing the streets full of cars in the middle of the night.

Here are a few photos taken in the area of La défense.

(https://i.ibb.co/SQs1p08/20210130-101241.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/mb2rVbY/20210130-095121.jpg)


On the esplanade of la Défense.
(https://i.ibb.co/5BrFbMj/20210130-114915.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/v4Tqzbj/20210130-114419.jpg)


In the commercial center les 4 temps.
(https://i.ibb.co/3BF6pBV/20210130-112549.jpg)


In the Fnac of the CNIT. This shop is selling computers. But they are expensive, I don't know what makes them so special.
Usually, the suppliers of the computer market always display their models in the shop, especially the new ones in a conspicuous place.
But if you are buying the previous model, you can get it for 30% of this price. For example, You'll have a Nvidia Gtx 1080 instead of a Nvidia RTX 2080, but it's still working for most games.
(https://i.ibb.co/DQ7z280/20210130-120608.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/k809VHv/20210130-114517.jpg)

Note that some photos and comments in this message were updated: https://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=2283.msg29306#msg29306
I assume humbert and some users already know the Hôtel des Invalides which nowadays also houses a military museum of the Army of France and an impressive baroque church with the tomb of Napoleon.

I had no idea the Hôtel des Invalides even existed. Had it known I would have gone there. Regarding Napoleon I was under the impression he died in St Helena island and was buried there. Apparently his body was sent back to France.

Regarding your comments about the virus, how is the status of vaccinations in France. Here they're becoming more and more available as the days pass. I believe you can even make an appointment at one of the many vaccination centers in town. It's important to vaccinate as many people as possible. The different strains you refer to happen when Covid viruses make copies of themselves that aren't exactly the same.

Quote from: humbert on March 25, 2021, 04:01 AMI had no idea the Hôtel des Invalides even existed. Had it known I would have gone there. Regarding Napoleon I was under the impression he died in St Helena island and was buried there. Apparently his body was sent back to France.

Regarding your comments about the virus, how is the status of vaccinations in France. Here they're becoming more and more available as the days pass. I believe you can even make an appointment at one of the many vaccination centers in town. It's important to vaccinate as many people as possible. The different strains you refer to happen when Covid viruses make copies of themselves that aren't exactly the same.

Well, The dome des Invalides is actually not very far from the Mcdonald of the Champs Elysées, roughly 2 kms away on foot. During this visit there weren't many visitors, maybe many tourists don't know this museum. I was accompanied by my father, at this time he was pretty fine. He died a few months later of cancer. But visiting the Army museum is not very interesting unless one knows French history like you do anyway. The first tomb of Napoleon was in St Helena after he died in 1821 indeed. During the 1830's - an era we know from Les Miserables - France simmered and rioted. In 1840, to appease various political factions, King Louis-Philippe authorized the return to France of Napoleon Bonaparte's body. The French call that day Le Retour des Cendres, which translates into "the Return of the Ashes". But Napoleon Bonaparte wasn"t cremated. In fact, when he was exhumed on St Helena his body was exceptionally well-preserved.

In France only 10% of the population have been vaccinated due to the lack of doses of vaccine.

Quote from: scarface on March 27, 2021, 02:20 AM
In France only 10% of the population have been vaccinated due to the lack of doses of vaccine.

As far as you know is this due to lack of supply? If so, would you say it's the government who's now giving this issue the importance it deserves?

Quote from: humbert on March 31, 2021, 04:45 AM

Quote from: scarface on March 27, 2021, 02:20 AM
In France only 10% of the population have been vaccinated due to the lack of doses of vaccine.

As far as you know is this due to lack of supply? If so, would you say it's the government who's now giving this issue the importance it deserves?

I don't know if there is a lack of supply. In countries like South Korea or Palestine they have been able to get rid of the pandemic and the key to these countries' success in halting virus transmission better than any other country came from blending technology and testing like no other country and communication. Faced with the increase in coronavirus cases in some departments in France, several areas are now submitted to lockdown and yet covid cases are still rising.

Quote from: humbert on March 25, 2021, 04:01 AM
Regarding Napoleon I was under the impression he died in St Helena island and was buried there. Apparently his body was sent back to France.

Since you know a lot of things about French history, I recommend this video about the castle of St Cloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnkn6Gb5Qs

Tonight, new photos taken on the Champs Elysées are available.



On the avenue George V
(https://i.ibb.co/2tm7J56/20210331-130111.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/SPhjzD1/20210331-124017.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/G9fBRhp/20210331-124128.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/j3h8mm8/20210331-124312.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/nMRz2QT/20210331-125537.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/yXvYxBd/20210331-125039.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/LPPQRFk/20210331-125315.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on March 31, 2021, 09:55 AM
Since you know a lot of things about French history, I recommend this video about the castle of St Cloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnkn6Gb5Qs

No, I don't know that much about French history. The only characters I know something about are Joan d'Arc, Kings Louis XIV and XVI, Maximilian Robespierre, Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle. Even then it's not all that much. Did I forget anyone? I'm thinking Louis Pasteur, but then again he was a scientist.

Quote from: humbert on April 01, 2021, 05:15 AM

Quote from: scarface on March 31, 2021, 09:55 AM
Since you know a lot of things about French history, I recommend this video about the castle of St Cloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnkn6Gb5Qs

No, I don't know that much about French history. The only characters I know something about are Joan d'Arc, Kings Louis XIV and XVI, Maximilian Robespierre, Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle. Even then it's not all that much. Did I forget anyone? I'm thinking Louis Pasteur, but then again he was a scientist.

Well, you are a highly educated man. You should have been a history teacher. Maybe you forgot Coluche (a French stage comedian and cinema actor). You must know him if you watched the movie l'aile ou la cuisse (available here: https://www.nomaher.com/forum/index.php?topic=1023.msg29243#msg29243)

Quote from: scarface on April 04, 2021, 10:31 PM
Well, you are a highly educated man. You should have been a history teacher.

I disagree. In fact I'm very ignorant. The list of people I mentioned are men who are known pretty much everywhere. For example, you don't need to be a Frenchman to be familiar with the events of the French Revolution, or the fact that Napoleon took over almost all of Europe. And of course almost everywhere you go milk is pasteurized.

I do firmly believe the study of history is very important. The past is extremely linked to the present. In order to get a good understanding of a group of people, it's important to understand how they got to where they are right now.

Quote from: humbert on April 07, 2021, 05:52 AM
I disagree. In fact I'm very ignorant. The list of people I mentioned are men who are known pretty much everywhere. For example, you don't need to be a Frenchman to be familiar with the events of the French Revolution, or the fact that Napoleon took over almost all of Europe. And of course almost everywhere you go milk is pasteurized.

I do firmly believe the study of history is very important. The past is extremely linked to the present. In order to get a good understanding of a group of people, it's important to understand how they got to where they are right now.

I remember that you even asked me what happened to the prison at place of Bastille. I'm not sure many Americans are aware there was a prison at place of Bastille. If you go in the street and if you show a photo of Louis XIV, whether it is in France or in Texas, few will be able to recognize him. But if you show a photo of Ronald Mc Donald, everyone will know who he is.

Today, I took a few photos.
I decided to head south.
What you see is the Mediterranean Sea, on a beach, near Montpellier.
(https://i.ibb.co/RyzbfR8/20210407-130331.jpg)

Some boats.
(https://i.ibb.co/qMsxB3f/20210407-131041.jpg)

Algae deposits attract many flamingos to shores.
(https://i.ibb.co/GPTdJ0C/Flamants-roses.jpg)

Here are 2 new photos taken today of Aigues-Mortes, a very old fortified city in the Gard, in the heart of the swamps.
The medieval city walls surrounding the city are well preserved.
This was the city from which Louis IX twice departed for the Seventh Crusade in 1248 and for the Eighth Crusade in 1270, where he died of dysentery at Tunis.
Here you can only hear the wind and the singulls singing. This place is very quiet when you are looking for a place to hide away from the sounds of cars.

(https://i.ibb.co/qxTrKRk/20210407-174647.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/QDPpPss/20210407-174704.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on April 07, 2021, 02:50 PM
I remember that you even asked me what happened to the prison at place of Bastille. I'm not sure many Americans are aware there was a prison at place of Bastille. If you go in the street and if you show a photo of Louis XIV, whether it is in France or in Texas, few will be able to recognize him. But if you show a photo of Ronald Mc Donald, everyone will know who he is.

Come to think of it, is the Bastille prison a museum today? I'm thinking the birthplace of the French Revolution must be in some way preserved.

I can understand that in Texas they wouldn't recognize an image of Louis XIV. But in France? Surely everybody has to know who Monsieur l'etat c'est  moi was.

The vast majority of Americans are very ignorant and, what's even worse, they have no interest in learning. I heard a statistic that 20% of high school seniors don't know who won the American Civil War, and don't care. This is no accident. The oligarchy that rules this country wants it that way and have created a decrepit educational system to make sure that doesn't change. Who needs an oppressive secret police when the vast majority of the people believe anything the government tells them and blindly do as they're told?

Quote from: humbert on April 08, 2021, 04:45 AM
Come to think of it, is the Bastille prison a museum today? I'm thinking the birthplace of the French Revolution must be in some way preserved.

The Bastille prison was completely destroyed during the French revolution.
The last remaining traces of the old fortress of the Bastille can be found in the 4th arrondissement, on square Henri Galli.

Here are new photos taken this morning.


(https://i.ibb.co/1qvM24K/20210409-101726.jpg)

Here you can see the work of art of an artist: some sand sculptures. In the background you can spot a seagull.
(https://i.ibb.co/PTh0dbZ/20210409-101610.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/WP82zSC/20210409-101634.jpg)

So what happened on July 14, 1789 was that a mob overwhelmed the king's guards, stormed the prison, freed the prisoners AND destroyed the prison in the process? Was it burned down or what? Too bad the government didn't build some memorial (or replica) to such a crucial place in French history.

With respect to the pictures you took, is the body of water in the background the Mediterranean? I don't think there those types of resorts on the frigid Atlantic. If it was the Med, then where are you living? Last I heard you were somewhere in Paris or thereabouts.

Quote from: humbert on April 10, 2021, 05:19 AM
So what happened on July 14, 1789 was that a mob overwhelmed the king's guards, stormed the prison, freed the prisoners AND destroyed the prison in the process? Was it burned down or what? Too bad the government didn't build some memorial (or replica) to such a crucial place in French history.

The French Revolution was caused by a multitude of grievances but bread shortages played a role in stoking anger toward the monarchy.
The storming of the medieval fortress of Bastille on July 14, 1789 began as a hunt for armsâ€"and grains to make bread.
Actually The Bastille was later demolished and replaced by the Place de la Bastille. It took nearly 2 years to destroy the Bastille: On 16 July 1789 - Jacques Necker is reappointed as Finance Minister by King Louis, and the newly-elected Paris assembly voted to destroy the Bastille.
A few months after the Bastille was destroyed, during the night of 20â€"21 June 1791 was a significant episode in the French Revolution in which King Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape from Paris in order to initiate a counter-revolution at the head of loyal troops under royalist officers concentrated at Montmédy near the frontier. They escaped only as far as the small town of Varennes-en-Argonne, where they were arrested after having been recognized at their previous stop in Sainte-Menehould.

Quote from: humbert on April 10, 2021, 05:19 AM
With respect to the pictures you took, is the body of water in the background the Mediterranean? I don't think there those types of resorts on the frigid Atlantic. If it was the Med, then where are you living? Last I heard you were somewhere in Paris or thereabouts.

This is the Mediterranean Sea indeed. I'm living in Le Grau du Roi, I have an apartment here.The  Camargue is an unspoilt and well-preserved nature area. If I had the choice I would live here you know.

In the Camargue, the bull is king. He is acclaimed as the hero of the Camargue race, which sets the rhythm in all the Bouvine villages from Easter to October.
Typical of the midday, the Camargue race is a bullfighting game that takes place in the arenas. The purpose of the raseteur (all dressed in white) is to catch with bare hand the attributes hanging on the bull’s head. They are three in number and must be caught in the following order: the roundel (red ribbon attached between the horns), the acorns (white wool pompom attached to the basa of each horn), then the strings that surround the base of the horns. Shavers use a 4-pronged hook, sometimes attached to the wrist. Once taken, the bull pursues the raseteur in the arena, not hesitating to rush into the barriers. The Camargue races celebrate the courage of the bulls and the agility of the raseteurs. The Camargue bull or «cocardier» is indeed smarter, more nervous and faster than its Spanish cousin, the fighting bull. The cocardier gets caught up in the game and progresses through the races. It becomes more difficult to shave. Some even become real local stars. When they die, tradition dictates that he be buried standing with his head turned towards the sea.

I guess Vasudev, aa1234779 and shadow.97 have never seen Camargue races:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5lGRwcmQBw
(https://i.ibb.co/vhq20P8/bulls.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on April 10, 2021, 10:52 AM
This is the Mediterranean Sea indeed. I'm living in Le Grau du Roi, I have an apartment here.The  Camargue is an unspoilt and well-preserved nature area. If I had the choice I would live here you know.

You bought an apartment at Le Grau du Roi? Awesome. Why do you not have a choice of living there? Is it job related? If you can't live there what's the point of buying the apartment?

Also: how to you get there from Paris (assuming you're living there)? Do you drive or catch a train?

Quote from: scarface on April 10, 2021, 10:52 AM
In the Camargue, the bull is king. He is acclaimed as the hero of the Camargue race, which sets the rhythm in all the Bouvine villages from Easter to October.

I was watching the video. From what I'm seeing it's a French form of bullfighting that [hopefully] doesn't involve mercilessly slaughtering the bull. I saw a bullfight once while visiting Bogotá, Colombia. It's sickening! The bull has no chance of winning and is slowly tortured to death. I almost couldn't bare to watch it. I ended up cheering the bull.

Hey Scarface! Of course you know more about French history than I do, so I have a question. Why is Charles DeGaulle such an important figure? As far as I know, he was involved in World War I but not to the extent where he stands out. During the occupation during World War II, instead of staying home leading the French underground he was living comfortably in England waiting for the British and Americans to liberate his country and install him as president. It's my understanding that shortly thereafter he blackmailed the Americans to restore France's colonies in Indochina or he would go with the Russians. When Algeria tried to become independent, first he tried to crush the rebellion, then he changed his mind and ended up betraying French Algerians who didn't want independence. And finally, on our about 1967 he traveled to Canada and urged to Quebeçois to essentially rebel against Canada, thereby embarrassing his hosts.

So tell me, what am I missing and/or which of my facts is wrong?

Quote from: humbert on April 13, 2021, 04:23 AM
Hey Scarface! Of course you know more about French history than I do, so I have a question. Why is Charles DeGaulle such an important figure? As far as I know, he was involved in World War I but not to the extent where he stands out. During the occupation during World War II, instead of staying home leading the French underground he was living comfortably in England waiting for the British and Americans to liberate his country and install him as president. It's my understanding that shortly thereafter he blackmailed the Americans to restore France's colonies in Indochina or he would go with the Russians. When Algeria tried to become independent, first he tried to crush the rebellion, then he changed his mind and ended up betraying French Algerians who didn't want independence. And finally, on our about 1967 he traveled to Canada and urged to Quebeçois to essentially rebel against Canada, thereby embarrassing his hosts.

So tell me, what am I missing and/or which of my facts is wrong?

On the 5th June, 1940, the French prime minister, Paul Reynaud, sacked Edouard Daladier and appointed de Gaulle as his minister of war. De Gaulle also visited London but when he returned to France on 16th June he discovered the Henri-Philippe Petain had ousted Paul Reynaud as premier and was forming a government that would seek an armistice with Germany. In danger of being arrested by the new French government, de Gaulle returned to England. The following day he made a radio broadcast calling for French people to continue fighting against the German Army.
De Gaulle became famous thanks to this speech known as the Appeal of 18 June which symbolises France’s resistance to the occupying German army. During this call, he was denouncing the French government's truce with Germany and encouraging French people to continue to resist Nazi occupation. The address sealed de Gaulle’s position as leader of the Free French Forces, who continued to resist Germany and its allies after France's surrender.
Whereas as President Roosevelt in the USA recognized the regime of Vichy, Winston Churchill refused and backed de Gaulle as leader of the "Free French". Henri-Philippe Petain responded by denouncing de Gaulle. On 4th July, 1940, a court-martial in Toulouse sentenced him in absentia to four years in prison. At a second court-martial on 2nd August, 1940, sentenced him to death.
De Gaulle made attempts to unify the resistance movements in France. In March 1943 Jean Moulin, Charles Delestraint and Andre Dewavrin managed to unite eight major resistance movements under de Gaulle's leadership. However, this good work was undermined when in June, 1943, both Delestraint and Moulin were arrested by the Gestapo.

In the US, it seems that the leader of the resistance has a different style than De Gaulle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhL8WlDHKaY

A map to understand all this:
(https://i.ibb.co/9GZ2Q0x/Vichy-France-Germany-June-1940-armistice-map.jpg)

Quote from: humbert on April 11, 2021, 04:50 AM
I was watching the video. From what I'm seeing it's a French form of bullfighting that [hopefully] doesn't involve mercilessly slaughtering the bull. I saw a bullfight once while visiting Bogotá, Colombia. It's sickening! The bull has no chance of winning and is slowly tortured to death. I almost couldn't bare to watch it. I ended up cheering the bull.

The course Camarguaise is just a race, once the race is over, the bull joins the herd back in the meadow. But there is another kind of contest known as corrida or bull-fighting, practiced in Spain, Southern France or Mexico. Humbert, Vasudev and Maher have certainly never seen this since they are not practiced in the USA, in India or in Palestine.
In this video, you can see a corrida taking place in the arènes de nîmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAXXMhdir4w

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.

These photos were taken today in Port Camargue.
Port-Camargue is a district of the town of Le Grau-du-Roi, in the Gard department in administrative region of Occitanie. Built in the 1960s, it is today one of the biggest marinas in Europe.

(https://i.ibb.co/QHcwyw6/20210419-191347-001.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/0Qbjnt5/20210419-191452.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/jR4bQRg/20210419-191513.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/wSB1zpT/20210419-191541.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Cb3TtZk/20210419-193724.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/q9vqftx/20210419-193817.jpg)


White dunes as far as the eye can see, a wild and unspoiled nature, the Mediterranean for only horizon, here is the beach of Espiguette. Jewel of the Camargue Gardoise, this spectacular immensity of sand, where dunes and coastline have been particularly preserved, is one of the largest beaches in the north of the Mediterranean Basin. Located south of Port-Camargue and Grau du Roi, half an hour from Montpellier, it unfolds like a desert, its 10 km of dunes and beach over no less than 700 m wide and is renowned for the quality of its bathing waters.

(https://i.ibb.co/YB335x1/20210417-170838.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/qmhDRhy/20210418-125406.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/2KhCDMR/20210418-125418.jpg)

Tonight, 2 new photos are available on the forum.

This one is a fishing vessel in le Grau du roi. Look at the seagulls in the sky. Those seabirds are following fishing boats, hoping for a feast from discards thrown back into the sea.
(https://i.ibb.co/jGMKyPj/20210421-170641.jpg)

Here you can see some ponys.
(https://i.ibb.co/MNWp8PG/20210421-132525.jpg)

Today, new photos are available on the forum.
These photos were taken in Aigues-Mortes 2 days ago.

(https://i.ibb.co/7QRmXKR/20210429-173453.jpg)
Aigues-Mortes means 'Dead Waters'. The medieval city walls surrounding the city are well preserved. Gaius Marius, a Roman general and statesman, is said to have founded the city around 102 BCE, but there is no documentary evidence to verify this. In 791, Charlemagne erected the Matafère tower amid the swamps for the safety of fishermen and salt workers. Louis IX built the Constance Tower on the site of the old Matafère Tower to house the garrison. In 1272, his son and successor, Philip III the Bold, ordered the continuation of the construction of walls to completely encircle the small town. The work would not be completed for another 30 years.

The town's ramparts stretch a full 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) in an odd-shaped quadrangle, punctuated by ten entry gates and six defensive towers. The fortified walls protected the old village and the Gothic (1183 AD). Today without the fear of brutal enemy attacks, holiday residences, hotels, restaurants, boutiques and galleries fill the interior of the ramparts.
As the Rhône's waters wash into the Mediterranean, the river dumps some 20 million cubic meters of silt a year in the area.
(https://i.ibb.co/Sd5H906/AG.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/mzj0Hf3/20210429-172611.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ft1Z1hS/20210429-172643.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ns0ngQB/20210429-172700.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/mDb1R69/20210429-172854.jpg)

Here, on Saint Louis square, opposite the main entrance of the Porte de la Gardette, stands the statue of Saint-Louis.
(https://i.ibb.co/fFY3mt5/20210429-173021.jpg)


Note that new programs will be uploaded on the forum next week.
(https://i.ibb.co/99hmrDb/baboon2.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on April 20, 2021, 02:15 AM
White dunes as far as the eye can see, a wild and unspoiled nature, the Mediterranean for only horizon, here is the beach of Espiguette. Jewel of the Camargue Gardoise, this spectacular immensity of sand, where dunes and coastline have been particularly preserved, is one of the largest beaches in the north of the Mediterranean Basin. Located south of Port-Camargue and Grau du Roi, half an hour from Montpellier, it unfolds like a desert, its 10 km of dunes and beach over no less than 700 m wide and is renowned for the quality of its bathing waters.

Any idea what the aproximate temperature of that water is? Naturally I refer to the summer months when bathing is possible. I'm not seeing any bathers in your pic so I'm assuming it's still too cold.

Quote from: humbert on May 02, 2021, 04:52 AM

Quote from: scarface on April 20, 2021, 02:15 AMWhite dunes as far as the eye can see, a wild and unspoiled nature, the Mediterranean for only horizon, here is the beach of Espiguette. Jewel of the Camargue Gardoise, this spectacular immensity of sand, where dunes and coastline have been particularly preserved, is one of the largest beaches in the north of the Mediterranean Basin. Located south of Port-Camargue and Grau du Roi, half an hour from Montpellier, it unfolds like a desert, its 10 km of dunes and beach over no less than 700 m wide and is renowned for the quality of its bathing waters.

Any idea what the aproximate temperature of that water is? Naturally I refer to the summer months when bathing is possible. I'm not seeing any bathers in your pic so I'm assuming it's still too cold.

Currently, there is an air temperature of 12 °C and a sea temperature of 15 °C. During summer, sea temperature can reach 25 °C.

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.

Here you can see the viaduct of Millau.
This is a multi-span cable-stayed bridge across the gorge valley of the Tarn near Millau in Southern France. It is the tallest bridge in the world, having a structural height of 336.4 metres.
(https://i.ibb.co/qWVP7wW/20210510-181426.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/cTq5q9s/20210510-181559.jpg)


Here are some pictures taken on the Espiguette Beach.
(https://i.ibb.co/yfBf0Tk/20210511-192631.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/rGs3Vkt/20210511-192911.jpg)

Late in the evening, I decided to take a walk in the marina of Port Camargue.
I took a few photos with some beautiful boats.

(https://i.ibb.co/8gPfx2t/20210513-003652.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/V2g5D3S/20210513-003908.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6XS40Z7/20210513-003928.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/mRFjtLX/20210513-004132.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/4ScsJHc/20210513-004154.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/BTgHCSw/20210513-004305.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/SPK2Ftc/20210513-004343.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/dtjPnS1/20210513-004623.jpg)

Tonight, some exceptional photos are available on the forum.
They were taken today in Port Camargue.

Here are some beautiful boats, in the marina of Port Camargue.
(https://i.ibb.co/2gcTfz3/20210513-145440.jpg)

A sailing catamaran like this costs roughly 600 000 €. I'd be glad to sail with humbert, shadow.97 or aa1234779 if they want to buy such a boat.
(https://i.ibb.co/9VLhkFF/20210513-150217.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/RjdtJHB/20210513-150243.jpg)


For some of you, those palm trees are certainly reminiscent of the lush vegetation of Florida or India.
(https://i.ibb.co/XkptPMp/20210513-145616.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/87F401c/20210513-145832.jpg)


Here we are in the shipyard.
(https://i.ibb.co/j8mgGbv/20210513-161157.jpg)


In the local market of Port Camargue.
On the right there is a boucherie. They are selling some good jambon.
(https://i.ibb.co/BNSKTBK/20210513-180657.jpg)

This shop specializes in local cuisine, with dishes based on seafood.
(https://i.ibb.co/56dp3fv/20210513-181435.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/h83Sp4J/20210513-152308.jpg)

On the right you can see a "fromagerie" (cheese shop).
(https://i.ibb.co/N1Syjz0/20210513-152600.jpg)

Here are some locals playing pétanque. This famous game is essentially played across France. I guess humbert, Maher and Vasudev don't know this game.
In pétanque the objective is to score points by having boules closer to the target than the opponent after all boules have been thrown. This is achieved by throwing or rolling boules closer to the small target ball, known colloquially as a cochonnet, or by hitting the opponents' boules away from the target, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. Note that the word cochonnet also means young pig in French.
Oddly enough, the second country with the largest number of members playing pétanque is Thailand.
(https://i.ibb.co/phQsHKG/20210513-153814.jpg)

Here you can see a small beach, with the town of La Grande Motte in the background. I've been coming to Port Camargue and Le grau du roi for more than 30 years now, so I know this place pretty well. I don't really like la Grande Motte though. while Le Grau du roi is still well preserved despite a large number of tourists during summer, the pyramid-shaped buildings and the numerous tourists on the beach are the symbol of mass tourism which triumphed in the 1980s in la Grande Motte. The identity of La Grande-Motte is inspired by the Mayan pyramids and are the result of a titanic project, started in 1965 and which lasted about fifteen years. This concreteization of the Mediterranean coast was orchestrated by the architect Jean Balladur.
(https://i.ibb.co/9vkkq8D/20210513-153909.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on May 14, 2021, 03:30 AM
A sailing catamaran like this costs roughly 600 000 â,¬. I'd be glad to sail with humbert, shadow.97 or aa1234779 if they want to buy such a boat.

I looked at Port Carmargue's location on Google Maps. If we did take a sailboat out from there, where would we go? Corsica, Sardinia, Palma, Ibiza or somewhere else? What do we do when we get there? I do know I have to carry large amounts of Dramamine, I get seasick very easily.

Quote from: humbert on May 14, 2021, 05:02 AM

Quote from: scarface on May 14, 2021, 03:30 AM
A sailing catamaran like this costs roughly 600 000 â,¬. I'd be glad to sail with humbert, shadow.97 or aa1234779 if they want to buy such a boat.

I looked at Port Carmargue's location on Google Maps. If we did take a sailboat out from there, where would we go? Corsica, Sardinia, Palma, Ibiza or somewhere else? What do we do when we get there? I do know I have to carry large amounts of Dramamine, I get seasick very easily.

Actually, it depends on the size of the boat. With a small motor boat, you can only fish off the coast. With a catamaran like this one, you could easily go to Corsica, Naples, or even Greece, assuming you are a good skipper.

Tonight, I'm going to show you a beautiful fish.
Look at the photo below.
I'm going to let you guess what kind of fish it is. Maybe Maher, shadow.97, aa1234779 or humbert already have the answer.
When I was young, I used to go fishing off the coast of Le Grau du roi with my father and sometimes we could catch fish like this one. They were usually bigger.

(https://i.ibb.co/hV25Lf9/20210515-193601.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on May 14, 2021, 07:59 PM
Actually, it depends on the size of the boat. With a small motor boat, you can only fish off the coast. With a catamaran like this one, you could easily go to Corsica, Naples, or even Greece, assuming you are a good skipper.

Have you ever been on this boat or similar on a trip to any of these places you mentioned?

Another thing. Corsica is a French island so it makes sense a boat flying the French tricolor could easily dock there. But what about ports in Italy and Greece? I'd guess the coast guard of those countries would stop the boat and ask for documentation. Right?

Quote from: humbert on May 16, 2021, 05:17 AM

Quote from: scarface on May 14, 2021, 07:59 PMActually, it depends on the size of the boat. With a small motor boat, you can only fish off the coast. With a catamaran like this one, you could easily go to Corsica, Naples, or even Greece, assuming you are a good skipper.

Have you ever been on this boat or similar on a trip to any of these places you mentioned?

Another thing. Corsica is a French island so it makes sense a boat flying the French tricolor could easily dock there. But what about ports in Italy and Greece? I'd guess the coast guard of those countries would stop the boat and ask for documentation. Right?

No, I haven't, and I don't know how to sail a boat. That's why I would need a skipper.
I'd be glad to go to Corsica with you. For a citizen of the EU, an ID card is enough to go to other EU countries. Otherwise, a passport is needed. But you have to know that in Corsica both of US would be considered as foreigners. What's more, I'm afraid you might not like the local dishes. In the evening, facing the sea, you would have to deal with a plate of Corsican charcuterie and a glass of wine. But would you be able to pass the test of the figatellu? You have certainly never seen this in the USA.
Figatellu is a fresh u-shaped sausage made of liver and minced pork meat flavoured with spices, garlic and red wine. Dried and smoked in hardwood, figatellu boasts strong characteristic flavours and a dark, often black colour. Traditionally figatellu is barbecued but may also be pan-fried, cooked in the oven or braised in a sauce with lentils. In classic recipes, it is often accompanied by a Corsican pulenda or the brocciu cheese. Brocciu is prepared from whey (goat's milk) or sheep's milk. Its taste is very sweet. It is mainly consumed, fresh, at the end of a meal.

(https://www.top-vacances.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/figatelli.jpg)

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.
They were taken in the port of Le Grau du roi today.


(https://i.ibb.co/m4twkmm/20210516-170151.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/pxnJSGS/20210516-170228.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/1Mc5CVc/20210516-170430.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/HzhRyn6/20210516-170737.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/ZNcH2Hy/20210516-171220.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/4WqyKGh/20210516-171600.jpg)

That I would be classified as a foreigner in Corsica makes sense. But you? Isn't this French territory?

With respect to those strange foods you mentioned, I'm pretty much like a garbage disposal, i.e., I eat just about anything. There are only a few items I won't touch, and even then it's possible to disguise the bad taste with the right combination of condiments. I've eaten fried ants in Colombia and seaweed soup in a Korean restaurant in Asia. In Thailand they served me something that looks and tastes like sand, as well as sticky rice and mango. For these reasons I'm confident I can swallow that Corsican food you mentioned.

Quote from: humbert on May 17, 2021, 06:10 AM
That I would be classified as a foreigner in Corsica makes sense. But you? Isn't this French territory?

With respect to those strange foods you mentioned, I'm pretty much like a garbage disposal, i.e., I eat just about anything. There are only a few items I won't touch, and even then it's possible to disguise the bad taste with the right combination of condiments. I've eaten fried ants in Colombia and seaweed soup in a Korean restaurant in Asia. In Thailand they served me something that looks and tastes like sand, as well as sticky rice and mango. For these reasons I'm confident I can swallow that Corsican food you mentioned.

À Few years ago, the nationalists won the regional elections in Corsica.
They speak French, but many Corsicans consider they are not French. I Heard that it's hard to be accepted over there. Since you seem ready for the test of the figatellu, you might be ready to go to Bonifacio.
Note that I received a purchase offer for my flat. 164000â,¬. I don't know if Im going to accept it.

Quote from: scarface on May 17, 2021, 06:44 AM
À Few years ago, the nationalists won the regional elections in Corsica.
They speak French, but many Corsicans consider they are not French. I Heard that it's hard to be accepted over there. Since you seem ready for the test of the figatellu, you might be ready to go to Bonifacio.

Since it's an island and you're coming in on a boat, it makes sense you'd have to show some ID upon arrival. But as a French citizen on French territory you shouldn't need anything else. No matter how they see themselves, Corsica is not Malta (i.e., not a sovereign nation). I don't know anything about any of this but I'm under the impression these people want to be sovereign while at the same time receiving the benefits France offers it's citizens. You can't have it both ways. If that's not the case, why not just plead for independence? France would probably be happy to let them go -- and stop paying benefits.

BTW is Bonifacio the capital? Google maps doesn't show any city as the capital. Ajaccio looks bigger.

Quote from: scarface on May 17, 2021, 06:44 AM
Note that I received a purchase offer for my flat. 164000â,¬. I don't know if Im going to accept it.

By "flat" you mean an apartment, right? How much floor space does it have? Also, do you have to pay some sort of maintenance payment to the association that takes care of the building?

I'm not sure what you have, but I do know that if I tried to sell my house for the equivalent of 164000â,¬ they'd laugh in my face.

Quote from: humbert on May 18, 2021, 05:42 AMSince it's an island and you're coming in on a boat, it makes sense you'd have to show some ID upon arrival. But as a French citizen on French territory you shouldn't need anything else. No matter how they see themselves, Corsica is not Malta (i.e., not a sovereign nation).

An ID would be enough in Corsica indeed.

Corsica used to be pretty dangerous for foreigners even if it is safer now.

I'm going to talk about the book, The death of the pinzutu, written by Thérése Cau.
pinzutu ", this is how the French from the continent are called, either in a simply discriminatory or hostile manner in Corsica.
In her seventh novel "Pinzutu", the death of the foreigner, Thérése Cau talks about her experience as a continental teacher in Ajaccio from 1977 to 1987 and she is largely inspired by very real facts and events. .

June 1986. A climate of violence reigns in Corsica. Attacks are increasing against the continentals. Islanders reject the "Pinzuti", " the Foreigners from the continent".
Threatening letters, anonymous calls, racketeering and plastic acts are their daily lot. In this context, Bruno Conte, professor of French, is found floating between two waters in a gulf of Corsica-du-Sud. The young man indulged in his favorite pastime: spearfishing.
Principal Inspector Jean-Yves Guenel, a Breton recently assigned to the Ajaccio police station, refuses the accident thesis. 

Quote from: humbert on May 18, 2021, 05:42 AMI don't know anything about any of this but I'm under the impression these people want to be sovereign while at the same time receiving the benefits France offers it's citizens. You can't have it both ways. If that's not the case, why not just plead for independence? France would probably be happy to let them go -- and stop paying benefits.

BTW is Bonifacio the capital? Google maps doesn't show any city as the capital. Ajaccio looks bigger.

It's pretty much the case.
Ajaccio is bigger indeed. Ajaccio and Bastia are the prefectures of Corsica. There is no capital in Corsica since it's not an independent country, France and Corsica have the same capital.

Look what I found at the local market:
(https://i.ibb.co/4ZcRHnV/20210517-113120.jpg)

I'm going to check that I can pass the test of the figatellu at noon. I will put half of the sausage in the oven to cook it.

Here you can see the sausage and its juice, out of the oven.
(https://i.ibb.co/hFfKzmp/20210518-123109.jpg)

And here you can see the figatellu, with some lentils and a glass of beer.
(https://i.ibb.co/kKZghgy/20210518-123423.jpg)

As you can see, my cooking skills are awesome. In Corsica, I and humbert wouldn't be considered as pinzutu for long.

Quote from: scarface on May 18, 2021, 01:47 PM
Here you can see the sausage and its juice, out of the oven.
(https://i.ibb.co/hFfKzmp/20210518-123109.jpg)

And here you can see the figatellu, with some lentils and a glass of beer.
(https://i.ibb.co/kKZghgy/20210518-123423.jpg)

As you can see, my cooking skills are awesome. In Corsica, I and humbert wouldn't be considered as pinzutu for long.

... The dark spot on the left made this look like a dong at first glance.

Quote from: Shadow.97 on May 18, 2021, 04:43 PM
The dark spot on the left made this look like a dong at first glance.

Dong? Hmmm... I'm not sure if the slang you're using corresponds to what we use here. To me it looks like something in my toilet before I flush it.  :o  Don't think for a second that's going to stop me from tasting it. It may look like what's in my toilet but probably doesn't smell like it.

Quote from: humbert on May 19, 2021, 04:44 AM

Quote from: Shadow.97 on May 18, 2021, 04:43 PM
The dark spot on the left made this look like a dong at first glance.

Dong? Hmmm... I'm not sure if the slang you're using corresponds to what we use here. To me it looks like something in my toilet before I flush it.  :o  Don't think for a second that's going to stop me from tasting it. It may look like what's in my toilet but probably doesn't smell like it.

The remark of Shadow.97 was a bit rude indeed, and it's obvious he has never smelt a figatellu. I think there is nothing better than a good figatellu gently roasted over an open fire. Unlike the saucisson, it smells like wood. In fact it is scented with cloves of garlic and spices and you can't find this distinctive fragrance anywhere else.

Quote from: Shadow.97 on May 18, 2021, 04:43 PM
... The dark spot on the left made this look like a dong at first glance.

;D ;D I understand what you meant, but never before saw this word in such context.

Quote from: scarface on May 16, 2021, 05:22 PM
Figatellu is a fresh u-shaped sausage made of liver and minced pork meat flavoured with spices, garlic and red wine. Dried and smoked in hardwood, figatellu boasts strong characteristic flavours and a dark, often black colour. Traditionally figatellu is barbecued but may also be pan-fried, cooked in the oven or braised in a sauce with lentils.

Oh, looks like figatellu is a kind of what in Ukraine, Poland and Czech Republic named a "vine sausage"! It's very tasty, but we never cooks it in the owen - we just slice it to a thin chunks and eat as apperitive for beer or other alcohol.

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.


Here you can see the sea with a pier.
(https://i.ibb.co/Y8cYYJP/20210519-194754.jpg)


Here you can see a laughing seagull, in Grau du roi
(https://i.ibb.co/ZHLh9hn/20210519-215106.jpg)


Here is a view of the port of Grau du roi
(https://i.ibb.co/7Jzmxt6/20210519-215129.jpg)


Maybe I'm going to sell my apartment. I found a buyer but I'm not really satisfied with the price of 164 000â,¬. I didn't sign anything yet, I've got 8 days to decide. I would keep it if I could find a reliable tenant. It's very easy to find tenants during summer who are ready to pay 500â,¬ per week, but you never know what the apartment will look like when they leave. humbert would be a happy pensioner here, it's a pity he has to stay in San antonio.

I sold my apartment today.
You can see some photos here.
I hope I won't regret it.
(https://i.ibb.co/SvLX4Jb/20210415-134230.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/bbMg6ms/20210610-010253.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/pzrT71G/20210415-134356.jpg)

Maybe I'm going to hire humbert, shadow.97 and vasudev. I want to use some money to buy a flat in order to leave my current flat in Sceaux (I'm paying a rent).
If I can telework, I'd want to buy something outside Ile de France. Orléans seems to be interesting. I will tell you what I'm looking for.

humbert must be wondering why I sold this apartments. With the laughing seagulls in Grau du roi and the pink flamingos in the swamps near Aigues Mortes, this place is pretty unique.
Actually, I sold because I had a decent offer for the apartment even if I wanted more. With the confinement, there is a lack of housing on the market and a strong demand. But this might change in the future. And on the long term, this territory is threatened by climate change and coastal erosion.
To give you an idea of the cost of an apartment like this, here are the real estate expenses per year
property tax: 680 €, council tax: 600 €, condo fees: 960 €, boiler maintenance: 150 €, electricity: 250 €, gas: 180 €, insurance for the property: 180 €...
At least it costs 3000 € per year. And if you add maintenance costs, you are probably close to 4000 € per year.
That's why it can be interesting to rent an apartment for a year-round use, but it's difficult to find solvent tenants in this area because there are few jobs here.

It's impossible to find properties with prices above 1M € in Grau du roi and Port Camargue.
It seems that Americans are very rich in Miami to buy houses like this. I imagine that humbert would want to have such a villa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IM_ztQGAOg

Tonight, new photos are available on the forum.
I know that humbert and shadow.97 are looking at those photos.

Here you can see a path between Port Camargue and Le Grau du roi.
I used to walk on these paths in the 80's and early 90's with my grandparents.
(https://i.ibb.co/3htVrr7/20210521-193409.jpg)


The Grau du roi
(https://i.ibb.co/c25PMmr/20210521-193643.jpg)


On the background, The dike is defending the Grau du roi against the waves.
In the foreground, you can see some laughing seagulls.
(https://i.ibb.co/4tJQRZY/20210521-193944.jpg)


In the Grau du roi
(https://i.ibb.co/M1LNqwF/20210521-194819.jpg)


A big Catamaran in the port
(https://i.ibb.co/gJ2ym9s/20210521-195408.jpg)


A sand sculpture
(https://i.ibb.co/8g3prdj/20210521-200037.jpg)

Quote from: scarface on May 21, 2021, 12:39 AM
To give you an idea of the cost of an apartment like this, here are the real estate expenses per year
property tax: 680 â,¬, council tax: 600 â,¬, condo fees: 960 â,¬, boiler maintenance: 150 â,¬, electricity: 250 â,¬, gas: 180 â,¬, insurance for the property: 180 â,¬...

First of all, do I understand you correctly or did you say the area in the 164000â,¬ apartment you're selling is just 31 m²?

Are the above values you mentioned per YEAR? Property/council taxes of 1280â,¬ per year makes sense, as does 960â,¬ condo fees. With respect to electricity and gas, a combines total of 400â,¬ per year is very cheap. I'm thinking maybe it's because you've got 31 m². That's an extremely limited amount of space, at least by USA standards.

Quote from: scarface on May 21, 2021, 12:39 AM
It seems that Americans are very rich in Miami to buy houses like this. I imagine that humbert would want to have such a villa.

Why anybody in their right mind would want to move to Miami is beyond my comprehension.