text:
Writings of Nichiren Shōnin Doctrine 2, pp. 133-137
Two Nichiren Texts, pp. 71-76
The Writings of Nichiren Daishōnin I, pp. 357-359
In question 14 the interlocutor asks, quite sensibly, how can we believe that all ten worlds exist within ourselves since we only see human features when we look at each other or ourselves in the mirror? In other words, what does it really mean to claim that within the depths of our lives we can discern hell-dwellers, hungry ghosts, animals, fighting demons, gods, śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, bodhisattvas, and even buddhas? Nichiren responds that it is indeed difficulty to believing in this teaching of the mutual possession of the ten worlds. He points out that in the Lotus Sūtra the Buddha says that of all the sūtras he has expounded in the past present or future, "This Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma is the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand." (Ibid, p. 180) He also cites the Buddha's simile of the six difficult and nine easy acts to contrast how difficult it will be to teach the Lotus Sūtra in the Latter Age of the Dharma compared to teaching any of the other sūtras. The six difficult acts consist of doing the following things in the evil world after the Buddha's passing:
1. Expounding the Lotus Sūtra.
2. Copying and keeping the Lotus Sūtra.
3. Reading the Lotus Sūtra even for a while.
4. Keeping the Lotus Sūtra and expounding it to even one person.
5. Hearing and receiving the Lotus Sūtra and asking about its meaning.
6. Keeping the Lotus Sūtra after the Buddha's passing.
(Ibid, pp. 195-197)
By contrast the nine easy acts consist of teaching any of the other sūtras or any of a variety of astoundingly impossible superhuman feats. The implication being that teaching the other sūtras may be as difficult as the Herculean acts listed, but nowhere near as difficult as teaching the Lotus Sūtra. The nine easy acts are:
1. Expounding all other sūtras.
2. Grasping and hurling Mr. Sumeru.
3. Hurling a thousand million worlds with the tip of one's toe.
4. Expounding innumerable sūtras in the highest heaven of the realm of form.
5. Grasping the sky and wandering about with it.
6. Putting the great earth on one's toenail and going up to the Brahma Heaven.
7. Bearing a load of hay unscathed in an apocalyptic fire.
8. Keeping all the other sūtras and expounding them to the śrāvakas so they are able to attain the six supernatural powers.
9. Expound the Dharma to thousands and billions of people so that they are able to become arhats and attain the six supernatural powers.
(Ibid, pp. 195-197)
Nichiren also quotes Chang-an Kuan-ting (561-632), the second patriarch of the T'ien-t'ai school, who says, "The doctrine of the mutual possession of the ten worlds is the very reason why the Buddha appeared in the world. How can we ordinary people be expected to put faith in the Lotus Sūtra and comprehend it easily?" (Hori 2002, p. 134) He also cites Saichō (767-822), known posthumously as the Great Master Dengyō, who founded the Tendai School. Saichō said, "This Lotus Sūtra is most difficult to believe in and comprehend, because the sūtra preaches the true intent of the Buddha." (Ibid, p. 134) Here Nichiren uses the testimony of the T'ien-t'ai patriarchs to show that the mutual possession of the ten worlds is difficult to believe precisely because it is the doctrinal formulation of the "one great purpose for which the buddhas appear in the worlds" spoken of in the second chapter of the Lotus Sūtra and the true intent of the teachings of Śākyamuni Buddha.
Nichiren then points out that even according to the Lotus Sūtra itself this teaching was difficult to believe even when the Buddha himself was teaching it. He cites two cases in the Lotus Sūtra when those who were present either removed themselves or were removed because of their disbelief. In the first case, there were the 5,000 arrogant monastics and laypeople that left the assembly just after the Buddha announced that he would expound the Dharma.
When he had said this, five thousand people among the monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen of this congregation rose from their seats, bowed to the Buddha, and retired because they were so sinful and arrogant that they thought that they had already obtained what they had not yet, and that they had already understood what they had not yet. Because of these faults, they did not stay. The World Honored One kept silence and did not check them. (Murano 2012, p. 32 adapted)
In chapter 11 of the Lotus Sūtra, when the Buddha purifies the Sahā world, this world where sufferings must be endured, itself composed of millions of worlds, the beings of the six worlds who had not already joined the assembly at Vulture Peak were magically removed.
The hells, the world of hungry ghosts, the world of animals, and the world of fighting demons [within those worlds] were eliminated; and the gods and humans [of those worlds] were removed to other worlds. (Ibid, p. 189 adapted)
In his response to the interlocutors persistent questioning, in particular the 17th, Nichiren asks how anyone in the present can be convinced of this teaching if they do not believe in the Buddha's statements in the Lotus Sūtra. Why would they take the word of any of the "four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers" or those in the present Latter Age of the Dharma who are only at the first stage of identity if they will not take the Buddha's word for it? Nevertheless he concedes that it may be possible because even in the days and years after the Buddha's passing there were those who did not awaken when the Buddha was alive but who attained awakening through the guidance of Ānanda and other disciples of the Buddha. Likewise, there are those who attain awakening by hearing the Lotus Sūtra directly from the Buddha and those who hear the Lotus Sūtra taught by others. Nichiren then introduces the idea of the seed of buddhahood sown in remote ages and coming to ripen under the influence of provisional Buddhist teachings or even non-Buddhist teachings, while those without such seeds instead cling to provisional teachings. He introduces these ideas to make it clear why the teaching of the mutual possession of the ten worlds may be so hard to accept and many of these ideas and themes are referred to and developed throughout Kanjin Honzon-shō. The concept of the "seed of buddhahood" in particular becomes a major theme that I will discuss separately. For now, however, I would like to briefly explain what Nichiren means by the ages of the Dharma, who the four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers are, and what the seed of buddhahood is about in relation to Buddhist and non-Buddhist teachings.
Three Ages of the Dharma
I will begin with the concept of the three ages of the Dharma. This is the idea that the first thousand years after the Buddha's passing will be the Former or True Age of the True Dharma when Buddhism will be taught correctly and people can attain awakening in this life; the second thousand years will be the Middle Age of the Semblance Dharma when false counterfeit teachings will appear; and the 10,000 years after that will be the Latter Age of the Degeneration of Dharma when Buddhism's true spirit will be totally lost and it will gradually disappear. Nichiren says, "How much more difficult is it to believe in the Lotus Sūtra in the ages of the True Dharma and Semblance Dharma after the death of Śākyamuni Buddha, not to say in the beginning of the Latter Age of Degeneration! (Hori 2002, p. 134) Nichiren refers to these three ages and particularly to the Latter Age of Degeneration throughout Kanjin Honzon-shō. Nichiren's remark that I just quoted is based on passages in the Lotus Sūtra wherein the Buddha seems to make prophetic remarks about the kinds of troubles that will be faced by those who try to uphold the Lotus Sūtra in the dark times of the Latter Age.
In my lifetime or after my extinction some will slander this sūtra, and despise the person who reads or recites or copies or keeps this sūtra. They will hate him, look at him with jealousy, and harbor enmity against him. (Murano 2012, p. 83)
Many people hate it with jealousy even in my lifetime, Needless to say, more people will do so after my extinction. (Ibid, pp. 180)
A few remarks need to be made about the sūtra passages. These certainly do sound as though they are prophecies. However, they should not be understood to be predictions of the future made by an omniscient Buddha, though that is how Nichiren and others in past ages understood them. The three ages of the Dharma in particular are often taken either too literally or too easily dismissed out of hand. So I think it is important to understand the nature of these "prophecies."
There are two reasons these prophecies appear in the sūtras. The first is that Śākyamuni Buddha had a keen understanding of human nature and he also seemed to accept (at least to a certain extent) the cyclic nature of the Vedic worldview. Śākyamuni Buddha understood that while the Dharma itself is incorruptible and in a sense eternal (having no beginning or end but simply being the way things actually are) its historical expressions and the institutions set up to uphold and pass them along are not. Eventually, these constructed phenomena will themselves come to an end after a period of corruption and decline. The teachings will be obscured, misunderstood, and fought over. People will lose the true spirit of the teachings and either follow the empty form or twist the forms to suit their own ends once the actual Dharma is forgotten. The Sangha as an institution will either fade away, or face oppression as social and political circumstances change, or it will rot from within due to the actions of those who use religion for their own aggrandizement. The Buddha did not need to see the future to make such a "prediction." His own deep understanding of human weakness and the impermanent and contingent nature of all phenomena caused him to realize that even his own teachings and the Sangha he was creating were not immune to the process of change and loss.
The other reason these prophecies appear is because the Mahāyāna sūtras themselves were the artistic and inspired creation of monks living many generations after the time of the Buddha. Putting their own insights and observations into the mouth of the historical Buddha or a glorified Buddha or disciple or bodhisattva or god in imaginary discourses, these monks described the circumstances of corruption and persecution that they themselves were facing in the form of "prophecies" given by the Buddha, his contemporaries, and mythic figures who were supposedly present to hear the Buddha's teaching many centuries before.
The three ages of the Dharma appear in the Pāli Canon and in the Mahāyāna sūtras as a way of summarizing the teaching that even the Dharma itself (as a conceptual teaching and historical phenomena) will decline. It fits in very well with the common Vedic motif of the cycle of creation, maintenance, decline, and destruction. According to the teaching of the three ages, the Former Age of the True Dharma begins with the first rolling of the Wheel of the Dharma by the Buddha at the Deer Park. It will continue for a thousand years to be followed by the Middle Age of the Semblance of Dharma. After a thousand years of the Middle Age of Semblance the 10,000 years of the Latter Age of the Degeneration of Dharma will begin. During the first age, those with a strong affinity for the Buddha and the Dharma will be born during the lifetime of the Buddha or soon enough afterwards to be able to benefit from the True Dharma and thereby attain awakening. Those with a weaker karmic affinity will be born in the Semblance Age when the true spirit of Buddhism has been lost and only the outwards forms remain more or less intact. But even they are able to make some progress, and according to Mahāyāna teachings they can be reborn in the pure lands of the celestial buddhas and bodhisattvas after their deaths and thereby attain awakening in those happier circumstances. Those born in the Latter Age of Degeneration, however, have no good roots or genuine karmic affinity for the Dharma, so they are born into an age when even the outward forms are disappearing and rather than practice the Dharma people will only fight over it. It is also taught that the Latter Age will be the time of the five defilements. The five defilements are: 1) the decay of the age due to famine, plagues, and war; 2) the decay of views as people take up wrong views; 3) the decay of evil passions as people's greed, hatred, and ignorance increase; 4) the decay of living beings as their physical and spiritual strength ebbs; and 5) the decay of lifespan as people live shorter lives.
When the teaching of the three ages is taken too literally, people start trying to affix dates so they can definitively state when one age has ended or begun. In East Asia, it was believed that the Buddha lived from 1029 to 949 B.C.E. due to the attempts of Chinese Buddhists to show that the Buddha predated Lao-tzu and the Taoist teachings. Assuming these dates for the life of the Buddha they, and Nichiren, believed that the Latter Age had begun in 1052 C.E. However, modern scholars believe the Buddha's actual dates were 500 years or more later than that. The Japanese Buddhist scholar Hajime Nakamura set the dates as late as 463-383 B.C.E. What all this means is that if the dates of the three ages are taken literally, then Nichiren's belief that he was living in the Latter Age is completely off the mark since the Latter Age would not actually begin until the 16th or 17th century. In addition, the idea that the world suddenly shifts gears spiritually like clockwork when a particular calendar date comes around should strike us as naive and entirely too arbitrary.
The three ages of the Dharma should not be dismissed however. It is a teaching that shows an awareness of the contingent and corruptible nature of the historical manifestations of the Dharma. It is a recognition that existentially, if not historically and geographically, we are indeed alienated from the true spirit of the Buddha's teachings and that we should listen to the Dharma as if hearing it for the first time (which many of us are) and not take it for granted. It is a recognition that Buddhism as a historical phenomena cannot remain static but must meet new challenges in every age. Furthermore, the three ages teaches us to never be complacent about the Three Treasures – the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This teaching challenges us to try to renew the Dharma in the face of all corruption, deceit, oppression, and misunderstanding. It should not be taken in a way that causes us to be cynical or to despair that we are living in an age too corrupt to practice Buddhism. Nichiren did not take it in a pessimistic way – rather he saw the Latter Age as an opportunity to spread the Dharma in a new way through the Odaimoku. Other Buddhists might point to Nichiren's way as just a further symptom, or even cause, of the corruption and loss of the true spirit and original form of the Dharma. Nichiren Buddhists, however, should have confidence that Nichiren did not misinterpret the true intent of the many sūtra passages he marshaled to show the correct way to practice in the Latter Age. He may have taken these passages more literally than we might, but I do believe he saw the actual intent of these teachings – to spur us out of our complacency and despair and to renew our commitment to the Dharma and its efficacy in new ways for a new age. This is an argument that Nichiren will make in more detail in his later more mature writings on the subject (particularly the Senji-shō, the Selection of the Time) but for now he simply wants to show that the conditions which these sūtras speak of are the conditions that he and his contemporaries were facing.
The Four Ranks of Bodhisattva-Teachers
The four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers is a teaching derived from chapter 8 of the Nirvāna Sūtra. In that chapter the Buddha speaks to a bodhisattva named Kāśyapa about the "four dependables" who are four ranks of enlightened teachers who will appear in the world as a refuge to other beings (presumably because they will compose the refuge of the Sangha among the Three Treasures).
O good man! In this all-wonderful Mahāparinirvāna Sūtra, there emerge four kinds of people. These well protect, establish, and think about the True Dharma. They well benefit others and have love and compassion for the world. They become the refuges of the world and give peace and bliss to humans and gods. What are the four? A person emerges in the world possessed of illusions. This is the first category. Those who are stream-enterers and once-returners are of the second. Those of who are non-returners are of the third. Those who are arhats are of the fourth. Such four ranks of people emerge, benefit, and have love and compassion for the world. They become the refuges of the world and give peace and bliss to humans and gods. (Yamamoto, p. 135)
The idea is that these four ranks of dependables will appear in the various ages of the Dharma as teachers that can be depended upon to teach and uphold the Dharma correctly. The first rank consists of those people who have taken refuge themselves in the Three Treasures and are practicing the teachings but who have not yet overcome any of the ten fetters that keep sentient beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death among the six lower worlds. The second rank consists of stream-enterers and once returners. The stream-enterers are those who have entered the stream of the Dharma by eliminating the first three fetters of belief in a substantial self, skepticism regarding the Three Treasures, and the false belief that rites and rituals of themselves can bring about liberation. Once returners have weakened the fetters of sensual craving and ill-will and so they will only be reborn once more among humans or in the heavens of the desire realm before attaining liberation from the six worlds. The third rank consists of non-returners who will not be reborn among humans or in any heaven besides those in the form realm called the pure abodes because they have eliminated sensual craving and ill-will. The fourth ranks consists of arhats who have also eliminated the more subtle fetters of craving for continued existence in the heavens of the realm of form, craving for continued existence in the heavens of the realm of formlessness, conceit, restlessness, and ignorance. Stream-enterers are supposed to be able to attain arhatship within seven more lifetimes among humans or gods, while once-returners will only have to undergo at most once more lifetime, and non-returners will attain arhatship in the pure abodes. Arhats are supposed to be able to leave forever the six worlds. However, as explained in a previous chapter, the arhats actually enter the Land of Transition and eventually return as bodhisattvas.
The Buddha goes on to describe each of these ranks in more detail and also points out that these ranks can also be considered to include bodhisattvas. The first includes beginner bodhisattvas who have newly aroused the "awakening mind" (S. bodhicitta). The second rank includes those bodhisattvas who have received the prophecy of buddhahood, just as the bodhisattva Learned Youth received the prophecy from Burning Light Buddha that he would attain buddhahood and be known as Śākyamuni Buddha. The third rank includes bodhisattvas who have achieved the stage of non-retrogression, meaning that they will not fall away from their path. The fourth rank includes those bodhisattvas who are on the very verge of buddhahood such as Maitreya Bodhisattva who resides in the Heaven of Contentment awaiting the time to make his appearance as the next buddha of this world after Śākyamuni Buddha.
The various renowned teachers of Buddhism after the passing of Śākyamuni Buddha such as Mahākāśyapa, Ānanda, and other patriarchs who primarily taught and transmitted Hīnayāna teachings, or Nāgārjuna (late second to early third century) and Vasubandhu (c. fourth or fifth century), who primarily taught and transmitted Mahāyāna teachings, are considered to be the appearance of these four ranks during the Former and Middle ages of the Dharma. Now, however, these dependable teachers are few and far between or even entirely absent because the Latter Age of Degeneration is when those with good roots no longer appear in the world. Nichiren states that those of us in the Latter Age are among those who should be ranked among those in the first degree of "identity in principle" of the six degrees of identity I have discussed previously. Those in this degree of identity have the buddha-nature but do not realize it. In other words, they may not care about Buddhism at all or they have mistaken beliefs that interfere with their realization or, like the interlocutor, they despairingly believe that they might be icchantika, the incorrigible who "have no buddha-nature." In T'ien-t'ai and Nichiren Buddhism there is really no such thing as someone with no buddha-nature, though certainly there are those who don't know it or believe it. The point here is that the interlocutor does not seem to believe it and so can't bring himself to believe in the mutual possession of the ten worlds. For Nichiren's part, in responding to the interlocutor he seems to be assuming that he is not among the four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers and instead is also one of those who do not realize their own buddha-nature, so how can he be expected to convincingly teach the mutual possession of the ten worlds?
The Seed of Buddhahood
Here I have to introduce the idea of the "seed of buddhahood" though I am also going to devote a whole chapter to it. Nichiren mentions it when he discusses those who have seemingly attained awakening through means other than the Lotus Sūtra. As examples he mentions that there were some in India and China who attained the right views of Buddhism through non-Buddhist teachings found in the Vedas or Confucian or Taoist teachings. He mentions the pratyekabuddhas who awakened to the truth of emptiness by watching flower petals falling in spring or leaves falling in autumn. He says that there were many bodhisattvas and ordinary people of superior capacity whose seed of buddhahood bloomed when they heard the teachings of the Flower Garland Sūtra, the Expanded sūtras, or the Perfection of Wisdom sūtras. On the other hand, those who never received the seed of buddhahood in the past are unable to awaken even if they should encounter the Lotus Sūtra, and instead they cling to provisional or Hīnayāna teachings and become inferior to even those non-Buddhists attained the right view of the Buddha through non-Buddhist teachings. The idea is that if the seed of buddhahood is already within our lives then even a non-Buddhist or provisional Buddhist teaching can inspire us and we can awaken to the right view of the Buddha, including the view of the Lotus Sūtra that all ten worlds mutually embrace one another. Presumably such a person will respond positively to the Lotus Sūtra once they are able to hear it, for they will recognize what they knew in their heart all along even if they had not been able to fully articulate it. Those without the seed of buddhahood, however, will not be able to grasp such a profound view, will cling to lesser teachings, and reject the Lotus Sūtra even if they should hear it.
What is this seed of buddhahood? Nichiren mentions two instances in the Lotus Sūtra when people are said to have received it. The first instance is in chapter seven of the Lotus Sūtra when the Buddha described his past life as one of the sixteen sons of Great Universal Wisdom Excellence Buddha who taught the Lotus Sūtra. This was said to have occurred 3,000 dust-particle kalpa in the past. What does "3,000 dust-particle kalpa" mean? A kalpa is a Sanskrit word for an immense unit of time that could perhaps be translated as "eon." The 3,000 dust-particles is a way of referring to an analogy given at the beginning of chapter 7 that is actually meant to convey a much larger, even uncountable, number of kalpas. The analogy involves reducing a thousand million worlds into dust particles and then distributing all the dust on every thousandth world until all the particles were gone and then repeating the procedure twice more. The number of kalpas in the past that the Buddha Great Universal Wisdom Excellence Buddha supposedly taught the Lotus Sūtra is said to be greater than the number of dust-particles produced. So the teaching of the Lotus Sūtra in that remote age is considered the sowing of the seed of buddhahood in those beings who were present, including the bodhisattva who became Śākyamuni Buddha.
The second instance of sowing the seeds of buddhahood occurs in the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sūtra. This is the chapter wherein Śākyamuni Buddha reveals that he actually attained buddhahood and has been teaching the Dharma since the remote past. This is an even remoter past than that spoken of in chapter seven. The Buddha gives a similar analogy about dust particles and it begins with the smashing of "five hundred thousand billion anyuta asamkhya worlds, which were each composed of one thousand million Sumeru-worlds" (Murano 2012, p. 247). The analogy continues from there and is obviously much more astounding than the one in chapter seven, though the time period is misleadingly referred to as the 500 dust-particle kalpa which sounds like a smaller number than the previous analogy. The point is that the Buddha's awakening and the time that he began teaching the Lotus Sūtra and sowing the seed of buddhahood in sentient beings extends into a past so remote that it is practically unquantifiable.
The seed of buddhahood is to hear the teaching of the Lotus Sūtra and in particular to hear that the world of buddhahood and the worlds of ignorant sentient beings mutually contain one another. Whether or not one understands or accepts that teaching it will still reside in the minds of the hearers until the conditions are right for it to unfold into faith and understanding. In Kaimoku-shō, Nichiren wondered, on behalf of himself and his followers, if he (and they) were excluded from these groups who heard the Lotus Sūtra in 3,000 or 500 dust-particle kalpas in the past. In other words, he wonders if in their past lives he and his followers were either not present during these past occasions when the Lotus Sūtra was taught or if they had been there but had rejected the sūtra, thus failing to sow the seed of buddhahood. Similarly he wonders if he had heard the Lotus Sūtra in the remote past 500 dust-particle kalpas ago and had sown the seed of buddhahood but had continually fallen away from that initial moment of taking faith in the Lotus Sūtra ever since. In Kanjin Honzon-shō, Nichiren seems to be bringing all this up by way of telling the interlocutor that being able to believe in the mutual possession of the ten worlds is so difficult that it requires this seed of buddhahood within our lives and that those of us who have been born in this Latter Age of the Dharma may be among those who have either never had that seed sown or who may have subsequently rejected it. I will have more to say about the seed of buddhahood further on in this commentary.
All of this talk of the three ages of the Dharma, the four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers and six identities, and whether or not one has received the seed of buddhahood in a distant page age may seem very abstract and remote. I think we should view all this as different metaphors for coming to terms with our present situation. We are living in a time and in circumstances far removed from the supposed spiritual golden age when the Buddha lived and taught in ancient India. It is questionable, of course, whether even that age was really as ideal as presented in myth and legend. Nevertheless, in our present age and circumstances it is difficult to dedicate oneself wholeheartedly to spiritual pursuits and much easier to get lost in work or play or more frivolous distractions like surfing the internet. All-pervasive advertising and sensationalistic news media also make it all too easy to give in to feelings of greed and ill-will, ensuring that we will participate in the market as eager consumers or thoughtlessly go along with various political agendas that play to our fears. In this sense we are indeed living in the Latter Age wherein we can more easily read about the Dharma but find it almost impossible to bring ourselves to practice it or even to find good teachers and fellow practitioners among those lost in more shallow or even unwholesome preoccupations. Where are the four ranks of bodhisattva-teachers outside of sūtras and old commentaries and stories? Aren't we and the people around us more like those who may have the nature of buddhas but never do anything to express that nature? Finally, do we feel like we have an inner affinity for Buddhism? Is there something within us that responds joyfully to Buddhist teachings? Maybe the people who are reading this may say yes, though there are many who have not ever had a chance to hear or read Buddhist teachings let alone practice Buddhism and many who would show no interest even if given a chance. This feeling is of joyful interest what I think the seed of buddhahood is about, but it is not something we should take for granted or be complacent about. The seed can be neglected or even rejected, so what needs to be done is to nurture and cultivate the seed and that is done through Buddhist practice. If we really do feel that it is possible for ordinary people to become buddhas, then we have that seed; so what happens next is that we must let the seed bloom. This is of course very difficult. As Nichiren says, "The mutual possession of the ten worlds doctrine is as difficult to maintain as it is to see fire in a rock and flowers in wood. However, it is not totally impossible because flint sparks when struck and a tree blooms in spring." (Hori 2002, p. 136)
Gosho Translation Committee, editor-translator. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Tokyo: Soka Gakkai, 1999.
Hori, Kyotsu, comp. Writings of Nichiren Shonin: Doctrine Volume 2. Tokyo: Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association, 2002.
Murano, Senchu, trans. Two Nichiren Texts. Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2003.
______________, trans. The Lotus Sutra. Tokyo: Nichiren Shu Headquarters, 2012.
Yamamoto, Kosho, trans. Mahaparinirvana-Sutra: A Complete Translation from the Classical Chinese Language in 3 Volumes. Tokyo: Karinbunko, 1973.


text:
Oh hello Friday, so nice to see you! I'm super excited for the weekend ahead and the holiday next week!
Yesterday I wore this:
- Cardigan: Kate Spade
- Skirt: French Connection
- Shoes: SJP
And today:
- Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet
- Dress: Kate Spade
- Belt & Necklace: Kate Spade
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo
I also started a new project:
Super excited for this pair! I have a pink strassed flats, but not heels. I'm using several shades of pink stones, I really am liking the effect. Hope you have a great weekend ahead, you know what's going to be occupying my weekend!
Until next time,
Oh goodness, it's been so cold today!!! The high was about 47, but the wind chill is in the 30's (hey, it's California, we're wimpy!!). Rumor has it tomorrow is supposed to warm up! I hope so!
What I wore today (with the addition of a big coat, earmuffs and a scarf)
- Cardigan: Kate Spade (I've had it for months, first chance to wear it!)
- Skirt: Kate Spade
- Shoes: Kate Spade (but I ended up swapping them for black heels before I left)
I'm so excited for tomorrow, I have many adventures planned! Can't wait to share some of them!
Until next time,
So, yeah, another week has passed! I've been in and out of town again, and with the time and weather change, snapping photographs has not been a priority around here!
Some recaps:
- Cardigan: Kate Spade
- Dress: Kate Spade
- Belt: secondhand
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Cardigan: Ross (tag has fallen out)
- Skirt: Kate Spade
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Necklace: glass pearls with a Ben Amun brooch
- Sweater: Banana Republic Outlet
- Pants: Banana Republic Outlet
- Shoes: Sam Edleman
- Blouse: Kohls
- Belt: Thrifted
- Skirt: Anthropologie (but I got it secondhand)
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Yes, I bought a pair of pants AND a cat sweater. I couldn't resist!
The highlight of my week was spending Friday with a pile of friends at Disneyland…AND we got on during a soft opening run of the new Hyperspace Mountian (Space Mountain with a Star Wars overlay)
Cheers to all my "phonies", and to those who ran any of the various Avengers races this weekend, CONGRATS!! This was the first race I didn't work this whole year, and while I was super bummed, I needed my sleep today! I did see friends cross the finish on Friday at the 5k! There were some awesome costumes out there!
I made lots of treats for dessert that night, someone else snapped this photo:
Yes, I wore my navy KateSpade sequin dress all day, and these shoes:
Hey, they said it was a "Fall Ball"!
Of course a trip is NOT complete without a castle shot:
And yesterday I stayed in my PJs and put this together:
Looking forward to the week ahead, it's a busy one! Tuesday I have some EXCITING plans, but I will wait to share them. Watch Instagram!
Until next time,
Weekend in Review
Another weekend, for the books! This one was a little crazy, merely because my husband had to work. Boo! I still managed to get myself together both days, and the laundry is done and the house is fairly clean. Success!
- Cardigan: Kate Spade
- Skirt: Basil & Maude
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo
And then today, for church and a party later:
- Cardigan: Kate Spade
- Dress: Kate Spade
- Belt: secondhand
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo
- Necklace: beads with vintage brooch
Here's to a fabulous week ahead!
Until next time,
Oh how happy am I to see the end of today! Sometimes you have those weeks that just never seem to end? Or they seem never-ending? Yeah, that was this week!!!
Today's ensemble:
- Cardigan: Kate Spade (way old!)
- Skirt: Claude Brown (I got it secondhand, I've had it for ages!!)
- Shoes: Kate Spade
- Handbag: Kate Spade
Until next time,
Oooooo, this week is flying! Last night I actually changed to go out, as it was super cold! I don't often wear tights, but I think this may be the year of exploring tights & some wild coloured ones!
- Jacket: Target
- Dress: Kate Spade
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Necklace: glass beads with a Ben Amun brooch
Today I took a summery eyelet dress and added accessories to make it more "fall" appropriate. Granted, "cold" where we live is anything under 60 degrees, but it does drop into the 20's and 30's at night!
- Cardigan: Target (2+ years ago)
- Dress: Adrianna Papell
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Necklace: glass beads (these have been on heavy rotation lately!) with a vintage brooch
- Handbag: Kate Spade
My outfit, if you subtract the cost of my shoes (which were still secondhand and minimal compared to their retail!) was less than $30! I got a lot of compliments today as well, it really was a classic look. Black heels would have looked just as good, however I liked the extra "pop" of the silver heels (and they are so comfortable!!).
Until next time,

subset: commoncrawl


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During week 4, I took a good look at my multiple motivations for taking part in CCOW. They were:
1) I want to master SCRATCH so that I can better teach it to my students, and so that I know more of it's potential uses (particularly in the elementary grades that I teach).
2) I want to learn how to code again… not just as a subject to teach but as a creative outlet for myself.
3) I want to read more about and reflect upon Constructivist principles in my teaching and learning.
Given these 3 objectives here is a first try at framing a project idea:
I want to learn to code. I would make the leap from Scratch to Python, which is a more multi-purpose language. I could use it to code for the web or to make apps for my handy android phone. So… I will try to use a 'How to code in python' manual as a guide to create a game in scratch:
1) I want to build upon my experience using Scratch to teach myself how to Code in Python.
2) I want to document my personal experience and explore how I can help my students make the transition from SCRATCH to real-world programming.
So what?
I found some great online resources for teaching yourself scratch (mostly geared at children). The ones I used most were
I played with a variety of python IDEs (Integrated development environments) before settling upon pyscripter for windows as one that works for me.
I typed, debugged, debugged, debugged, modified, and debug several python programs from the above ebooks and tutorials.
I recreated a starfield simulation created in python by codeNtronix into a scratch program.
I thought, reflected and wrote lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots.
Now what?
I want to continue monkeying with python so that I can gain enough proficiency that next time I say, "Someone ought to create an app, program or plugin to do…", I might attempt to be that someone.
I am considering starting a lunchtime programming club at my elementary school as an extension to the lessons in SCRATCH I have taught as one of the schools Library&Technology teachers.
Thank you to the Creative Computing Online Workshop team for providing such a wonderful opportunity for professional development.


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This morning, I had the most wonderful idea. "I'll go out to breakfast," I thought. "I'll have stuffed french toast with berries and yogurt, maybe a side of bacon, and pair it with some of the best shop brewed coffee," I thought. It was settled. I grabbed my wallet, swimsuit (because, summer) and phone and skipped out to the car, eager to fulfill my day's happiest dream.
The car didn't start. It didn't even try. Like some of the world's best plans, mine were foiled. Two hours and several phone calls later I leaned against the tire to wait for the tow truck and continued what had become a steady, sorrowful sob.
The mechanics were condescending, the sun growing hotter and the pavement steaming like the once fickle car engine. My temples ached, my arms and legs lost their energy after a week of training and a morning of the world collapsing in on me. I felt trapped, anxious and victimized, whatever forces had caused my engine to die were now working against me. They peeled away at my layers and filled me with dark, potent disgust for all that crossed my path.
Then my stomach growled.
"Oh my God," I realized, "I forgot to eat breakfast."
I checked my watch and calculated the time it would take the tow truck to arrive (their ETA + 7 minutes) and dashed toward the library, the closest place I could think that might have food. There, in the student cafe at the end of the pre-filled coffee pots rested one last neglected, slightly burned but altogether glorious, lemon scone. I lunged for it and hardly had time to pay before it made it to my lips.
The results were instantaneous. The moment that bite of lemony glazed sustenance entered my system, the world became brighter. The birds began singing, my vision cleared. I suddenly had the confidence and gumption to approach those mechanics, I wasn't upset at the time it took for the tow truck to arrive, I wasn't even mad when they told me nothing was wrong with the car (ok, I was a little disappointed). I had exited the feared (some say fatal) cycle of the hanger (hungry anger)-a combination of low blood sugar and high emotion that any athlete, teenager and diabetic is familiar with.
Now, this was not my first time feeling the hanger. In fact, it happens to me more often than it should, especially during hard weeks of training. The symptoms vary, sometimes I get quiet and broody, other times I erupt at the tiniest, most insignificant annoyances. I'll often deny that I'm hungry, and, as a rule, almost always balance on the verge of tears. While a hearty snack will always cure me, I'm far to wrapped up in the present to think of the future (re: professional nordic skier) and by the time I realize as much, I've weakened, both in heart and mind, to the point where anything of caloric content proves worthy (seriously though, has anyone had Bugles lately? De-licious).
Essentially, if you ever find me crumbled in a ditch mumbling and cursing to myself as I shove mass amounts of bagged discount grocery goods into my mouth, wait a sec before calling the police. I'll come back soon.
Like many such conditions, hanger is completely avoidable. Do as I say and not as I do and:
- Eat more food than you drink coffee at breakfast.
- Remember that sugar is an addition, rather than a major pillar of a healthful diet.
- PACK SNACKS. This one's a no brainer. In your purse, back pack, ski boots, water belt. Energy bars, sandwiches, fruit, pizza, hamburgers, raisins, entire jars of peanut butter, they will see you through!
- If you do reach the hanger, treat those around you nicely, they might let you have some of their tots.
Remember kids, only YOU can prevent hanger tantrums.


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"Automatic image optimisation. Install, forget and have fully optimised images."
Magento Image OptimisationSmush.it
Automatically optimise your Magento and Magento 2 product images and reduce the amount of data your customers have to download and make your site instantly faster.
Smush.it uses a free API to reduce the size of your image files without reducing the visual quality. It works with any server and does not need any extra software installing.
Optimise Magento Images
This optimisation extension allows you to take your images and reduce the size of them without changing how the image looks. This extension will allow you to smush (optimize) your Magento product images with a click of your mouse.
Smush.it does not require any additional software to function as it makes use of the ReSmush.it API. The image optimisation process can be executed via the cron, giving you total control of how often and how many images are optimised.
Optimise Magento 2 Images
This module now supports Magento 2 so that you can automatically optimise all of your Magento 2 product images.
There are 16 customer reviews for Image Optimisation.
First I used Kraken.io but their Magento extension did'nt work properly and their support was really bad. So I cancelled my monthly membership and went right away for Smush.it extension from Fishpig. It worked out of the box and it super fast as well. Each PNG product thumbs from our listings, went from 65kb to 25kb which is alot, if your optimization for mobile phones as well.Olivers.dk
Just want to thank you for a great extension! Works 100%, fantastic tool!Igor
This along with the FPC has really helped speed up my site. I don't have many products, but it still ran pretty slow prior to a couple of Ben's extensions. I was surprised with the amount of images I had on site, no way I could have gone through and manually compressed them all, so having them automatically done is perfect. Ben was great with the install and configuring for me. Highly recommend his extensions.Mike R
Great and very very responsive supportChris
In one word: perfect. We have optimized more than 17.000 images in our shop. Do not hesitate a minute in buying it.
Our GT metrix score for images optimization went from 0 to 99. An the last one is the logo of the shop.
I hope Ben improve the extension to select any other directory like skin, but for now, is greatGuillermo García
Thank you to Ben for all the help and support-excellent extension.Tony O'Rourke
Excellent support when I had an issue. A good compression tool.Mark
I now have 3 extensions from FishPig, all are GREAT. Once installed, which is very simple, you can setup a cron job to carry out this task in the background. I opted for going with the recommended 5 images at a time which I do hourly.Andy
Finally, an extension that simply works. Easy install. Easy to use. Helped us further reduce our page load times.Heidi
Great extension, works well. I'd like the ability to choose more folders in the Media folder as it wont pick up banners etc.. but that's just being pickyTim
Does exactly what it says on the tin - it is a good compression tool for all product images on Magento
Simple to use UI helps to make it clear what images you have and have not compressed and also tells you the compression rate is has been able to achieve on each imageMonkey_Brains
Extension works great for us on the category and product images. I got very good results and pictures get compressed up to 60%. I would like to have all images on Magento smushed as an extra feature in the future. I can really recommend this extension besides this :-)Sebastian Klett
Does what it says on the tin & then some more. I hadn't expected a nice little admin UI where I could see % reduced & also the ability to easily revert smushed images.
Well done!Eddie
Extension works just as advertised. Had an issue with the download and the support I received was outstanding. We got the mix-up cleared up and everything installed perfectly. I would highly recommend this extension.Brian
images are optimized up to 63% for my site now and my new images that are added by auto via a script are optimized by my cron. cant wait for the update that optimizes theme images and would be good if it could optimize splash page images alsoSanjit
Does exactly what it is advertised as doing. I've seen image reductions from just a few percent to over 50%. I use this extension in combination with FishPig's Bolt and Opti and there have been drastic improvements to my sites speed.Dan F
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Mess Makes Memories
A nuturing and creative setting where mess makes memories
Messy play is important for young children giving them endless ways to develop and learn, and is crucial for early learning and children's development. Messy play helps children to improve physical skills and co-ordination, work together, use all their senses to discover and explore their environment, develop their imagination, think creatively and solve problems.
We believe that care and education are equally important in the experience which we offer children. View our entire gallery below or select a category button to narrow your choice.


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A must-have patch management tool for sys admins
A searchSecurity user advises the use of a tool that has helped him keep on top of patches.
This tip was submitted to the searchSecurity Tip Exchange Contest by user Leonard Bronsky. Let other users know how useful it is and help Leonard win a prize by rating the tip below.Gravity Storm Software released a free version of its flagship product, Service Pack Manager 2000. This release came in response to free Microsoft security hotfix discovery command-line tool, HFNETCHK. Unlike HFNETCHK, the free version of SPM2000 is a LITE version with a full-blown User Interface and a rich set of features. Although some features that appear in a full version of the product are disabled in the free LITE version, it is still the first free security patching tool with no equivalent on the market.
The free LITE version was released as part of the global new release of Service Pack Manager 2000 V6.3 that added support for Windows XP and Microsoft ISA 2000 Server. I've been using SPM2000 for over a year now and must admit that I probably saved my company anything between $100,000 to $200,000 if I think about all the people and my own time I had to spend to manage NT/2000 Service Packs and security hotfixes. It's a bigtime saver, but more importantly, it makes patching security holes in my 120 machines viable. It's a must-have tool for every sys admin!


text: When buying real estate it is important you do your research and make the best decision possible. You need someone you can trust and can answer your questions. Below are some tools to help you make your search easier and if you have any questions about property or the area in general, please don't hesitate to ask.


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Get 1-on-1 coaching from expert online personal trainers who understand busy lifestyles and will personally help you shed bodyfat, get leaner, stronger and achieve your fitness goals.
There is no shortage in "weight loss" and "fitness programs" out there today. The unfortunate but true fact is that over 90% of all fitness related solutions fail to deliver. Fat loss pills, fad diets, and infomercial gadgets just don't work. But there is something that does...and we'd like to give you the opportunity to learn more about it - risk free.
So, for a limited time we are offering a totally free, no obligation fitness consultation which includes a personalized fitness assessment. This is an ideal way for you to get to grips with starting a fitness journey and for us to map out a route for you to reach your goals.
Access your workout plan and message us from anywhere with our mobile app.
Watch clear, step-by-step instructional videos for every single exercise in your workout plan.
Track your progress and see how your body is improving over time in your online personal training portal.
Getting coaching from online personal trainers is hands-down the fastest way to radically transform your body and get the kind of jaw-dropping fitness results you've always wanted.
As a member of Physique Athletics, you get two coaches for the price of one who will design a custom workout and nutrition plan that's built completely around YOUR goals and schedule.
All for a fraction of the price you would pay for ordinary personal training.
Get the latest news, announcements, fitness tips, and other important information. Make sure to subscribe to our Instagram or facebook page and our newsletter so that you don't miss important alerts and info.


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TV Actors from New Jersey
List Rules Only TV actors who were born or grew up in New Jersey.
List of famous television actors/actresses who were born in New Jersey, with photos when available. These renowned New Jersey actors and actresses are listed by popularity, so the names at the top of the list will be the most recognizable. A few of these actors may not have technically been born in New Jersey, but everyone on this list grew up in New Jersey and considers it to be their home. This list includes New Jersey TV actors from every type of show, including cartoons where they might have done voice over work. If you grew up in New Jersey then you should be proud of these television actors whose birthplace is New Jersey. Various bits of information are available for these New Jersey celebrities as well, such as what year they were born and what shows they are known for.
This list has a variety of TV actors, like Shaquille O'Neal and Zoe Saldana, in it.This list answers the questions, "Which TV actors are from New Jersey?" and "Who are the most famous New Jersey actors?"


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Essex, United Kingdom, Employed (PAYE)
Posted: 5 hours ago
To ensure that young adults aged 16-18 Leaving Care Group can benefit from an appropriate and focussed support programme that meets their identified needs using a person centred approach.
It is expected and required that you will have a hands on approach and be able to provide a friendly and supportive working environment for all the young people or adults in care.
It is important therefore that you are familiar with, and that you are seen to act with-in and support our philosophy and guidelines.
Drivers are preferred but not necessary and local knowledge of the area is an advantage.
Experience preferred but candidates without experience will be considered if able to demonstrate related or transferable skills. Full training will be provided.
A Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced level will be required for this post, If you are signed up to the DBS update service, please bring in a copy of your clearance.
For full details on this and other vacancies please come into the office or contact us on the above details.
Lodge Group Care UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Lodge Group Care UK is committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
Job Details


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The Buyback Movement: Cash For Old Gadgets
July 16th, 2008 23:58 pm | by Ed |
With the oil companies doing their level best to put the economy belly up, lots of people are turning to more and more ways to conserve the cash. One option that many have overlooked until now involves getting some cash out of old hardware that they're not using anymore.
Lots of people, when they get a new cellphone, computer, ipod, blackberry or whatever, the old hardware doesn't actually get thrown out unless it's physically damaged. Instead, it just gets put away somewhere to collect dust and take up space.
Now, companies like TechForward offers a guaranteed buyback plan for those who replace their gadgets within two years. Among other things, you can get cash for laptops, desktops, DVD and MP3 players.
One thing however that I'm certain that many people aren't thinking about is the privacy factor. Face it, that old computer could still contain a lot of stuff on it that you'd rather didn't turn up in the wrong hands such as account numbers, passwords and so on.
Same thing goes for your old cellphone. Unless you take the time to follow the often complicated instructions, then your address book, stored SMS messages and so on are still in that phone. It may be a royal P.I.T.A. but it's well worth making sure that it's been wiped clean before passing it on to somebody else.
With computers you're best off uninstalling all of the software that isn't part of windows and then using something like the freeware app "Eraser Portable" to deleting all of the files that you don't want passed on and then, just for good measure, wipe the free space on the drive and then finally format the hard drive completely. Once you've got that done you can optionally re-install Windows (or better yet, Linux!) with the bare bones install.
Technorati Tags: buy back, old hardware, privacy, buyback, security, recycle, eraser, secure delete, wipe


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Is Little America A Real Place In Canada? 'The Handmaid's Tale' Turns Toronto Into A Safe Haven
Before this week I was unsure how The Handmaid's Tale, a relatively short novel by Margaret Atwood, could be adapted into multiple seasons of television. However, this week's Luke-centric episode expands the world and opens up several avenues for the dystopian series to take going forward. Be warned, there are spoilers for The Handmaid's Tale ahead. Episode 7 also introduces a new haven in Toronto that not only provides hope, but gives another side to this fundamentalist takeover. Is Little America, Toronto from The Handmaid's Tale real, and how quickly can I move there?
Unfortunately, this town or neighborhood does not exist in our world — or in the world of the novel. In 2013, a Canadian satire radio program called "This Is That" did a fake segment on a Toronto neighborhood called "Little America," but The Handmaid's Tale has (likely without knowing it) made that joke a reality.
In the show, the neighborhood seems to be centrally located and near Lake Ontario, with Toronto's CN tower in view. While resources like coffee are rationed, Luke and his fellow runaway are safe and settled there after escaping Gilead three years ago. The girl played by actor Erin Way still isn't speaking, presumably as a result of trauma endured in a handmaid training center, but she and Luke seem to have a healthy roommate relationship.
At the end of the episode he's called in to what seems to be some kind of central government office — maybe even May Day headquarters — and receives the message that June left with the Mexican trade delegate's assistant.
I'm fascinated by this flag, and the aesthetic design of Little America. That's Alexander Hamilton up there on the wall with Ben Franklin. Glad to see they chose to cool founding fathers. A portrait of Abraham Lincoln is on the other side of the room. Why are some of the stars only outlines? Are there states in America that haven't fallen to Gilead? The details are incredible.
The halls are also lined with missing person flyers, and people waiting to get news. Gilead is so clean and structured. That's part of what makes it so scary. I loved seeing, as the episode's title suggests, "The Other Side" to this dystopian society.
It's messy. There is a lot of pain, but there are attempts at progress. Little America is hopeful but not a savior yet. They're surviving just like everyone who is still stuck in the country formerly known as America against their will. I sincerely can't wait to see more of this community, and other parts of the world in the aftermath of Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale Season 2.


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If You Think You Understand Computers, Then Read This
The Characteristics of a Computer Gaming Desk It is for sure that your experience will be incomplete if you do not have the best computer gaming desk and this is true no matter what toy you are using. There is a certain level of comfort that a gamer will be in need of and he will not be able to achieve this without the best computer gaming desk – this is true even if the most comfortable gaming chair is already with him. The computer gaming desk is not only able to give comfort to the gamer but also protects him from possible injuries. The gamers actually have a very common complication among them and this is none other than the carpal tunnel syndrome. This is among the gamers for the reason that they are making use of the non-ergonomic gaming desk and mouse. To be able to organize his tools is another benefit that a gamer will be able to get from the computer gaming desk aside from being protected from medical conditions. There are a lot of features of a computer gaming desk that is considered as important by a gamer and this is one of the features. If in the middle of the game the gamer loses his mouse then for sure this kind of experience will not please him at all. There has been as a matter of fact an increase in the production of the computer gaming desk and this is what the gamers that have made use of ever since been able to notice. The use of the computer gaming desk is really helpful which is the reason as to why its production increased. The multi tasking capabilities of the gamer is also being helped out with the use of the computer gaming desk. For the gamers that are playing the real time games will really be able to make the right choice with the computer gaming desk. This means that it would be a piece of cake to play the games with the use of the computer gaming desk. For some of the gamers, every time they are already in the zone, they do not want to be disturbed in any way. It is actually due to this reason why the manufacturers decided to come up with a design of the computer gaming desk wherein there is no need for the gamer to stand up at all. What is great about this kind of choice is that this is considered to be the best option for the gamers that consider themselves to be enthusiasts. You can already consider that you have the best computer gaming desk with you when it helps you as a gamer to be more productive. After all, this is the purpose of the computer gaming desk. The ordinary table will really be of no help to you at all when you are a serious gamer. The best choice for you will always be the computer gaming desk and that fact will remain unchanged.Smart Ideas: Furniture Revisited


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You will find below information about Aguni airport. Use the links below to read detailed information about Aguni airport: location, route maps, live departures and arrivals etc.
Skyscanner allows you to find the cheapest flights to Aguni airport without having to enter specific dates or even destinations, making it the best place to find cheap flights for your trip to Aguni airport. Use the links at the side of the page to browse for flight information or use the flight search controls above to start a new search.
Airports near Aguni:
- Kumejima airport (57km)
- Okinawa Naha airport (59km)
- Yoronjima airport (128km)
- Okino Erabu airport (165km)
- Tokunoshima airport (213km)
- See all airports in Japan.


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I can't believe with all the c9ncerys that I have seen, I had never seen Chicago, until last night.
Chicago came to Sam Antonio, Texas on Saturday, May 28th at the Majestic Theater .
I had a great seat, 13 rows left center of the stage.
I have always been a Chicago fan. I have many of their songs in my iTunes library and I enjoy listening to all of their songs over their 50-year career.
Here is a list of the members who were at the concert last night. The only exception was that Jason Scheff wasn't there. (From Wikipedia.com)
Robert Lamm – keyboards, vocals, 12-string guitar (1967–present)
Lee Loughnane – trumpet, flugelhorn, guitar, percussion, vocals (1967–present)
James Pankow – trombone, percussion, keyboards, vocals (1967–present)
Walter Parazaider – saxophones, flute, clarinet, backing vocals (1967–present)
Jason Scheff – bass guitar, vocals, keyboards (1985–present)
Tris Imboden – drums, percussion (1990–present)
Keith Howland – guitar, vocals (1995–present)
Lou Pardini – keyboards, vocals (2009–present; touring – 1999, 2007)
Walfredo Reyes, Jr. – percussion (2012–present)
My favorite is Keith Howland.
I have been trying to find out we was the fill in bassist with no luck. So I posted a picture of him on Chicago's Facebook page and they responded back to me!
This is Jeff Coffey. He's a talented guy, glad you enjoyed the show.
The played so many songs. Some I knew every word to, so that I didn't know they sang and there were some new songs.
Here are some of my favorite Chicago songs that they played:
- "Beginnings"
- "Colour My World"
- "If You Leave Me Now"
- "Make Me Smile"
- "Saturday in the Park"
- "25 or 6 to 4"
- "Hard Habit to Break"
- "Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"
- "I'm a Man"
I am so glad that I went to see Chicago in concert.
Now, need to get a Chicago playlist ready to listen to at work.
Filed under: Current Events, Music, San Antonio, The 60's, The 70's, The 80's, The 90's, Uncategorized | Tagged: Chicago, Jason Scheff, Jeff Coffey, Keith Howland, Lee Loughnane, Lee Pankow, Lou Pardini, Majestic Theater, Robert Lamm, Tris Imboden, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Walter Parazaider | Leave a comment »


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Finding out more about Christianity
If you are interested in finding out a bit more about the Christian faith, why not join us at church each Sunday morning 10.30am or come to an Alpha Course.
Alpha is an introduction to the Christian faith, an opportunity to eat a meal, listen to an engaging talk and ask whatever you like. It is open for all and is fee of charge.
Please contact the church office to ask when the next Alpha course starts.
The following video clip is a brief introduction to the Alpha Course http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGI3z9YXW9A
The following links may be of interest to those wanting to find out more about the Christain faith:


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Wedding Service Planning and Information
A Christian marriage service is a meaningful celebration, and we are delighted to assist you in your planning. The information presented will provide you with both practical information and assure you that Trinity Lutheran Church values the sanctity of marriage and the vows you will pledge.
If you have not yet set a date and time or met with the pastor, the information that follows will provide helpful scheduling information and topics you should discuss at your initial meeting. If you have met with the pastor and started your planning, the information may answer questions you may not have considered so far.
Much thought has gone into the information present here, and we review it regularly. However, because weddings are often planned 12 to 18 months in advance, there may be minimal changes in procedures and fees. If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to contact the wedding coordinator or the pastor who will officiate at your wedding service.


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Archive for category Events
"E.T." + "Esprit De Corps" Opening Ceremony
Posted by admin in Events 2012 on May 15, 2012
Okazi Gallery Berlin and Lucky Gallery NYC invite you for the opening of our art exhibition of "E.T." and the Opening Ceremony for "Esprit De Corps".
"E.T." is a temporary artist collective, comprised of seven artists who have united forces 'to take over the art scene' in Berlin for a short moment of time. "E.T." will be working on site at Okazi Gallery and will be also holding events on behalf of Month of Performance Art, in Berlin.
The root of their collaboration will be in the method of the 'exquisite corpse', a technique invented by the Surrealists in the early 1900's, which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to the composition in a sequence either by following a rule or by being allowed to see the end of what the previous person contributed. "E.T." uses this process as the starting point for their collaboration, which began several months before arrival to Berlin.
"E.T." is also a participant of Month of Performance Art –Berlin, a month-long platform dedicated to highlighting, promoting and interconnecting the wealth and diversity of independent, contemporary and experimental performance art practices thriving in Berlin. E.T. is offering "Esprit De Corps", a series of events to promote, encourage and motivate all ages to become physically active as a means to participate in Art.
The members of "E.T". are Øh1Øm1ke (NYC), Yannis Angelopoulos (Berlin), Laura Arena (NYC), Bittertang (NYC and Guadalajara), Stephanie Homa (London), TJ Hospodar (NYC), and Tina Schott (Antwerp).
Opening Ceremony of "Esprit de Corps" will commence at 7pm on May 18th at Okazi Gallery. All the people of Berlin are encouraged to attend and participate. The opening ceremony will include various performances and programs will be handed out listing "Esprit De Corps" events happening at various times throughout Berlin.
For more information visit luckygallery.com/EspritDeCorps email email@example.com or email@example.com.
Lucky Gallery Invites You to Pierogi Party
Posted by admin in Events 2012 on May 6, 2012
Lucky Gallery invites you to our first fundraiser/art event called Pierogi Party on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 2 – 6 pm, at 136 Lawrence Street in Brooklyn.
Pierogi Party will feature a feast of fresh pierogi made by Lucky Gallery staff and artists on site, live music, live art, and a silent auction. Guests will get to taste a variety of pierogi, both meat and vegetarian available at different filling stations.
Pierogi Party will raise funds to support Lucky Gallery's first international exhibition and performances in Berlin this May 2012. Lucky Gallery formed an international art collective called "E.T.", comprised of seven multidisciplinary artists from New York City, Berlin, London, and Antwerp. "E.T." will exhibit at the Okazi Gallery and are participants in Month of Performance-Berlin. Three of the NYC-based artists from "E.T." will be participating in this event, Øh1Øm1ke, Bittertang, and TJ Hospodar.
Music will be provided by Comadante Zero, Tim Shipman, Marshall Moran, and DJ Spacey Sissick.
Special performance "Color Cycle1″ provided by John Bonafede.
Artists participating in the silent auction:
John Bonafede
Kate Fauvell
Jonnie Flatbush
Diana Ho
Hannah Kasper
Kate Murray
Adam Sperling
Sam Strzelec
Heather Phelps-Lipton
Petros Pappalas
Liz Tomasetti
Elizabeth Turnock
Business sponsors:
Brooklyn Icehouse
Dry Dock Wines + Spirits
Max Piersol's Stoked Wear
Perelandra Natural Food Center
Raaka Chocolate
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Sixpoint Brewery
Please join us for this festive event, there will be a sliding scale of $10-20 donation at the door, which will allow guests access to food, drink, and entertainment. For more info email firstname.lastname@example.com.
"Animamus Art Salon" at the Schoolhouse, April 1, 7-11
Posted by admin in Events 2012 on March 20, 2012
Lucky Gallery and Ventiko invite you to "Animamus Art Salon" at the Schoolhouse in Bushwick, at 330 Ellery Street in Brooklyn, on Sunday, April 1, 2012, 7 – 11pm. Animamus provides a safe, supportive environment for artists of all mediums to debut and discuss their current work while encouraging audience participation. These monthly traveling salons create temporary communities where artists can exchange ideas amongst the peers and the public in NYC.
Animamus Salon will feature the work of twelve artists, Karla Carballar, Andy Cavatorta, TJ Hospodar, Jason Martin, Tessa Mauclere, Mihaeko, Kathryn Moise, Mariette Papic, Max Piersol, and Justin Orvis Steimer including a performance by The Push Pops, a radical, queer feminist art collective, and an interactive performance by artist Laura Lee Gulledge.
Celebrate April Fools Day with Animamus, a night full of performance and presentations. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/AnimamusArtSalon for Animamus information. For more information regarding this event email email@example.com.
Lucky Gallery Hosts a Book Release Party for "Here in Red Hook"
Posted by admin in Events 2011, News 2011 on October 31, 2011
Lucky Gallery, after a long hiatus, is pleased to be hosting a book release party for Here in Red Hook, a photography book from Red Hook photographer, Andy Vernon Jones, at 360 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook, on Thursday, November 17, 2011, 7 – 10pm. The book is composed of photos taken in the streets, alleys and abandoned lots of the Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook and combine a documentary approach with an art-photography sensibility. The photos express the beauty and struggle of life in Red Hook. Many of the portraits are of young people who are at the cusp of adulthood; their gazes show their toughness and their hope for the future.
Vernon-Jones manages to capture the many layers of the neighborhood that the average person does not see traversing the main street. There is a sense of nostalgia and romanticism in this work a sense of timelessness; it is hard to tell the time frame of when this work was made. He is so at ease with his subjects and the neighborhood he unobtrusively captures their spirits and weaves together a narrative, through desolate landscapes and candid portraits, of one of the most unique neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Red Hook.
Here in Red Hook presents a body of work that Vernon-Jones has been working on for nearly five years and presents the series in its entirety for the first time. Some of these images have been featured: on Vernon-Jones' blog www.hereinredhook.blogspot.com, at Lucky Gallery's "Made in Red Hook" exhibition and at the Brooklyn Museum. All the photographs in the book were shot on medium format film includes an introduction by Brian Zimbler and a hand-drawn map of Red Hook by artist Adam Thompson. Avni Bhatia and Andy Vernon-Jones designed this 96 page, limited edition book hand-numbed by Vernon-Jones.
Lucky Gallery is very excited to work with Vernon-Jones again after the closure of Lucky Gallery storefront at 176 Richards Street in July 2010. Lucky Gallery's director, Laura Arena is reincarnating "the spirit of gallery" by hosting this event at 360 Van Brunt Street just a few blocks from the where the gallery once was located.
"Lucky Gallery does not need a storefront to exist, the spirit and practice to provide a supportive environment for emerging artists lives on," says Laura Arena. "Having this opportunity to work again with Red Hook artist Vernon-Jones and hosting this event in the community of which this book reflects is fitting for the relaunch of Lucky Gallery as an independent entity working and collaborating with artists, galleries and artist spaces world-wide."
The book release party for Here in Red Hook is on November 17, 2011 from 7 – 10 at 360 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The party will include food, drink, music, and book signing with the artist. There will also be limited editions of photos for sale of Vernon-Jones imagery from Here in Red Hook. For more information email firstname.lastname@example.com.
This event is sponsored by, The Good Fork, Steve's Key Lime Pies, Sixpoint Brewery, Baked, Brooklyn Ice House, Esser Vineyards, and Breuckelen Distilling.
And special! special! thanks to Scott Pfaffman for the use of 360 Van Brunt Street!
Lucky Gallery Closing Party
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on July 7, 2010
On July 30th, 7-12pm is the closing party for the final exhibition "Arc Angle" and for Lucky Gallery. "Arc Angle", is a full scale (floor-to-ceiling), atmospheric installation featuring 13 New York City based artists.
Curated and directed by Yagil in collaboration with Amy Weng, the installation includes sculpture, video, music, painting, poetry, and photography, from thirteen artists, including Benjamin Ayers, Jeremy Holmes, Michael Kondel, Emily Gosweiler, Timothy Shipman, Andrew Rowley, A.M. Breakups, Krystal Kaler, Claire Dickinson, Patrick Lamothe, Ani Sevag, Kelsey Bozler and Kipton Hinsdale.
This is a celebration of more than a year of Lucky exhibitions and events and includes musical performances by Yagil, Mighty Alpacas, Comadante Zero in collaboration with visual artist 0h10M1ke and from Boston, the Gondoliers. In between sets enjoy the sounds of DJ Spacey Sissick who will end the evening with sweaty dance party and with ongoing performance by Boston peformance artist Heidi Jane.
Beer and wine will be provided with special drink specials over the course of the night. Come and say goodbye, buy a Lucky Gallery t-shirt, and enjoy an evening of some of the best entertainment South of Brooklyn in the tropics of Red Hook!
Illustration by Luis Blackaller (blacklog.mitplw.com)
"Arc Angle" Opening Reception, July 10, 7-10PM
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on June 29, 2010
Lucky Gallery invites you to Arc Angle opening reception July 10th, 7-10pm. Arc Angle is a full scale (floor-to-ceiling), atmospheric installation featuring the work of thirteen New York City based artists. The evening will include acoustic performances and special surprises and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The installation conveys the progressive nature of western technology juxtaposed with the organic world and the affect it has on today's modern lifestyle. It questions the benefits and detriments of the Western world's techno-scientific advancements in relation to the natural world. Presented in a lighthearted fashion, the installations borrow and relate to the pace, aesthetic and feel of contemporary Western media.
The installation includes sculpture, video, music, painting, poetry, and photography, from artists Benjamin Ayers, Jeremy Holmes, Michael Kondel, Emily Gosweiler, Timothy Shipman, Andrew Rowley, A.M. Breakups, Krystal Kaler, Claire Dickinson, Patrick Lamothe, Ani Sevag, Kelsey Bozler and Kipton Hinsdale. The installation transforms the Lucky Gallery space to create discussion within the community about the ongoing topic.
"Arc Angle" is directed and curated by Yagil, in collaboration with Amy Weng.
"Look/Listen" May 15th, 6-9 pm
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on May 11, 2010
A special Lucky Gallery evening featuring paintings, words, music and libations.
Saturday evening, May 15th, from 6-9PM, Lucky Gallery hosts an evening that will be a feast for your senses. See fresh new works from painters Valerie Kelemen and Maureen O'Leary, both DC transplants now working in New York. At 6pm, hear the words of six New York-based writers, reading poetry and fiction, Elizabeth Chakkappan, Julie Novacek Godsoe, Travis Godsoe, Susanna Kohn, Michael Novacek, and Michele Serros. At 8pm, because you are so Lucky, take in the guitar work of famed world jazz composer and performer Francis Jacob. All the while drink deep the taste of sparkling prosecco and feel the good vibes around you.
"Made in Red Hook" Opening Reception, May 22, 7-10 PM
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on April 28, 2010
After a brief hiatus – Lucky Gallery is back with the biggest group show to date. Help Lucky celebrate our one-year anniversary, and the Brooklyn Studio Tour with our opening of "Made in Red Hook" a traditional salon exhibition by Red Hook artists Todd von Ammon, Laura Arena, Maria Baraybar, Andy Vernon-Jones, Christina Kelly, Heather Phelps-Lipton, Nate Luce, Rachel Mosler, L. Nichols, Julia Oldham, Anna Ortiz, Joshua Ray Stephens, Eric Taylor, Elizabeth Tomasetti, Tonky and Beriah Wall.
The concept behind the exhibition is to introduce to the public the wide range of artistic capabilities of local artists and to provide an atmosphere to encourage the exchange of ideas between artists and the public. The artists' production is presented through different mediums including photography, drawing, video, book making, collage, painting, contemporary crafts and sculpture.
"Made in Red Hook" is curated by gallery director and participating artist Laura Arena and Ana Bogdanovic, who plan to transform Lucky Gallery into the traditional setting reminiscent of Salon de Paris, the annual public exhibition of the French Royal Academy in the 18th and 19th century that displayed the actual artistic production and presented the cities most established artists at the time.
Artists' works will be exhibited floor-to-ceiling and the artists and visitors are invited to spend time in our seating area where there will be literary materials and videos to view.
Its our anniversary, it is Brooklyn Open Studios, it is "Made in Red Hook" – get yourself here get LUCKY in Red Hook!
Daily Porn Closing Party
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on March 29, 2010
Chubrub Productions & The Speakeasy Crew present: PDA, March 6, 7-10PM
Posted by admin in Events 2010 on March 2, 2010
Chubrub Productions & The Speakeasy Crew present: PDA -The Daily Porn Closing Party, Saturday, March 6, 7-10PM
This will be a night of visual and aural delights designed to encourage connectivity and creativity.
Music: DJ D'hana (Indie/Pop/Electro/Tropical/Other)
Visuals: The Speakeasy Crew
Games: All Of You
"Daily Porn", a pornographic bonanza of erotic books, collages, drawings, sculpture, and performance by artists Greg Beyer, Will Kurtz, John Lennon, Morgan Miller, Mark Mulroney, Kevin Muth and Iulia Toacaci, exploring the ever-changing role of pornography in the realm of the contemporary art.


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Replication crash proofing: The battle for change
Sometimes two admins might make a change to Active Directory at the same time. Here is one way to make sure that replications won't disagree with each other in those instances.
If two administrators, each connected to a different domnain controller (DC), both tried to change the same user record at about the same time, Active Directory (AD) will decide who's change rules. This tip offers a (kind of sneaky) way to increase the odds that your change wins.
Every object in Active Directory contains version number and modified attributes. These attributes determine how Active Directory reacts during a "replication crash".
Imagine a network with 5 DCs, named DC1 through DC5. Now consider what happens when you change a user record to update the user's manager.
If this is the first change since the record was created, the version number changes from 1 to 2, and the modified attribute is set to the current time according to the DC to which you are connected.
Now replication begins, and by default AD will treat replication within a 5-DC network as a virtual ring, with DC1 connected to DC2, DC2 to DC3, and so on, with DC5 connected to DC1.
Let's say you changed the record on DC3. Come replication time, DC3 tells DC4 about the change, and also tells DC2. Next replication time DC2 tells DC1 and DC4 tells DC5. Next replication time DC5 will talk try to update DC1 (or vice versa) but they will realize they already heard about the change through the back door.
Now consider what happens if you (connected to DC3) change the record at about the same time someone else (connected to, say, DC1) changes the same record. Somewhere down the road there's going to be a "replication crash" when two DCs try to update the same record with different changes.
Here's how AD handles the conflict:
If the version numbers are different, the higher version number wins.
If the version numbers are the same, the later modified timestamp wins.
So, if the user record being altered in this example hasn't been modified in a while (thus all AD replicates agree) then the "winner" normally depends on random variation in time clocks.
If you want to decrease the possibility of a replication crash voiding your modification, you can deliberately increment the version number of the user record you are modifying. If the new manager's name is Mike, for example, you could first change the name to Michael (version 2) then change it to Mike (version 3). Any other pending update will get overruled by your higher-version copy. Of course I suppose there's always the possibility that some other admin incremented a version higher than yours, but if you've got to worry about that sort of problem, then the answer is probably professional counseling for your admins.
Kevin Sharp is a registered professional engineer, writer and yoga teacher living in Tucson, Arizona, and gains his expertise from a variety of professional activities. His writing interests have produced books and articles on the economic impact of technology on manufacturing and distribution organizations.


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Laura Mercier eye pencil in Stone Grey
NEW; Limited Edition
Arabesque collection (spring 2013)
A smoothly textured eye pencil that provides precise definition and easy, smooth application. Applies evenly without "dragging" or pulling the delicate eye area. Produces clean, precise lines. Can be sharpened to an extremely fine point without breaking off.
- Stone Grey is a good neutral liner to have in your stash.
- Formula is richly pigmented.
- Lasts all day on the lower lashline.
- Has long length of wear on my waterline (about 6 hours for me), with no irritation.
- Price is average for a department store eyeliner.
The not-so-good:
- Transfers from my upper lashline to my upper eyelid, even with primer and setting powder.
I love love love the color, and love how it does on my lower lashline and waterline--it's definitely better than your average eyeliner for that type of application. However, it's a MAJOR drawback that it transfers from my lashline to my eyelid. I'm going to use up the product I have, but I'm not sure that I would buy another to replace it once it's gone.
Lipgloss+Spandex rating:


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As far as segues go, this is as artificial as they come. Nevertheless ….
Last book reviewed for GLM V was August by Christa Wolf – translated by Katy Derbyshire. Then there was a meet the translator interview with Katy Derbyshire. The two books reviewed in this post are translated by guess who? You got it!
The fact that I am now closer to the great 6-0 than not, does not mean that I am banned from reading kid lit or even YA lit. I might even enjoy it – in fact, I really enjoyed The Secret of the Water Knight, finding an unexpected connection with its heroine.
…Move your arms and legs like a frog, keep your head low …
I wave wildly with everything I can move, but I still go under, swallowing a huge mouthful of saltwater. I come up again, coughing and sinking straight underwater again. And again!
Now because this is kid's lit, Kat not only has a happy ending and learns open her eyes under water and swim in the great blue sea, but experiences a fantastic adventure in so doing. Perhaps I would have done so, had I met a talking dolphin (the water knight), a villainous toad, and been chosen to save the world! (As it is, reality has restricted me to swimming within my depth, eyes firmly shut. Treading water remains a mystery.)
Another skill that has passed me by is that of being a traceuse. In fact, I'd never ever heard of it until I'd read This Brave Balance. Can I explain it? No. watch this instead.
Parkour is a key element in these pages. There's no skill more important to survival than balance when executing some of these moves. So too, in surviving the emotional landscape of adolescence: the struggle with school grades, disillusionment with imperfect parents, ravages inflicted by absent parents, raging hormones, competitive peers, the need for oneupmanship … how can the transition from adolescence to adulthood to be negotiated?
Dipper has very little joy in his life. He only feels alive when he is with his pals practicing parkour. These bonds are what hold him together, Yet life has a way of impinging on the little enjoyment he has. There's the emotional mess involving the ex-girlfriend of his mate, Corone, and there's an even bigger mess involving Corone's sister – one which more experienced eyes would have picked up on much quicker (and, which to my eyes, was an unnecessary plot device.)
Still life has tough lessons for the inexperienced and Dipper and his mates are no exception. Quite a gritty little book in places and an eye-opener, not just for the protagonists,
even if it didn't leave me with a desire to learn parkour. I'd still like to become a swimmer though. Actually I'd settle for being a competent water-treader.
© Lizzy's Literary Life 2015


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The title of this blog comes from a Gaelic expression -"putting on the poor mouth"-which means to exaggerate the direness of one's situation in order to gain time or favour from creditors.
28 June 2010
Hi, I'm Calophasia lunula
I am the caterpillar of Calophasia lunula, commonly known as the toadflax brocade moth. Jams and the not-wife were kind enough to plant some yellow toadflax in their front garden. I find this and other linaria species utterly delicious.
According to UK Moths Calophasia lunula is a
"resident species restricted to the south-east and central southern coasts of England, where it frequents mainly shingle beaches.
It is a relatively recent colonist, arriving around 1950 and quickly gaining a foothold, but appears to be now in decline again.
According to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan the moth has declined recently and is seldom reported away from Dungeness.
It has been recorded from almost every country in Europe, from the Mediterranean to southern Norway. Its range extends through Asia Minor east to the Amur and Ussuri regions. It is an established introduction in North America. However, in the UK it is classified as Rare.
Its larvae chiefly occur on yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris, but also on other Linaria spp and on small toadflax Chaenorhinum minus.
According to Arkive adult Toadflax Brocade moths are whitish-grey in colour with bluish-black markings), and are usually found at dusk visiting red valerian flowers.
We are both delighted to find the caterpillars in our front garden, especially are they are not exactly common. Hopefully we will see the brocade moth itself as we have red valerian in the front garden too,
The photo of the moth and its distribution map are from UK Moths
6 comments:
- CherryPie said...
I have not heard of one of those before. I hope you get to see moth too.
- 7:47 pm
- jams o donnell said...
I hadn't till today either! I really hope we get to see some of the moths
- 8:15 pm
- Knatolee said...
I think it's wonderful that you have such an uncommon caterpillar in your garden! And what a fancy name: toadflax brocade moth, ooh! A very handsome moth indeed, and the caterpillar is stunning.
- 10:54 pm
- Claude said...
WOW! I'm envious. If you're born with those colours, you need to wear no clothes. And you know you'll turn out into someone even more beautiful.
- 11:26 pm
- CalumCarr said...
Nothing as common as slugs for you, Jams. :)
- 7:06 am
- jams o donnell said...
We are so pleased to have a rare caterpillar in the garden. With the Red valerian we have a chance of seeing the moth too
THat's true Claudia.. truly a naked beauty!
Ah Calum the slugs are there, providing the background, Their time will come!
- 7:43 am