Live Growing Jewelry

VIA «Bouquet on a finger»

Until June 2013, that is. Then, new excavations started under the leadership of Dr Chirikure from the University of Cape Town. Chirikure and his team discovered a large area with massive stone walls, huge piles of fossilised animal excrement, pottery, spinning wheels and thousands of glass beads that testify to thriving trade with other countries, probably India and China. Carbon dating indicates that Mapela was as a flourishing community that existed continuously from the early 8th century until well into the 18th.

'Mapela lies virtually untouched in a rather inaccessible area, and is unique in several respects,' says Per Ditlef Fredriksen, associate professor of archaeology at the University of Oslo. Since June 2014 he has been Dr Chirikure's collaboration partner and head of the research project that will dig deeper into the ecological history of Mapela to find out more about how people and the environment mutually affected each other in the Shashi-Limpopo region.

Mapela is unique, but also one of many

Ecological history studies the complex interplay between people and the environment through the centuries.

'In other words, the question is not only how people have adapted to climate change; it's also a fact that urban societies generate climate change,' Fredriksen points out.

The forgotten stonewalled site at Mapela Hill will be used as a case study in the project, but this is only one of a number of urban, historical communities that have been discovered in the Shashi-Limpopo region. The more famous ruined cities of Khami and Great Zimbabwe, both on UNESCO's World Heritage List, are also located in this part of Southern Africa.

'We are undertaking excavations in several locations in the area to obtain a better understanding of the development of all these world heritage sites, since the relationship between them remains unclarified.'

More concerned with the common folk

Until now, researchers have been mostly concerned with the elite and the elite culture that has been uncovered in places such as Great Zimbabwe and other well-known historical sites in the region. The common folk, on the other hand, were not deemed to be of equal interest ‒ until now.

'We wish to learn more about the relationship between the common population and the elite. Part of Mapela's uniqueness is that this site shows traces of all the three elite cultures in the area. The material culture testifies to this fact,' Fredriksen explains.

'Especially the jewellery, but even the fantastically constructed stone walls are extremely rich in symbols. Our findings in Mapela include traces of the stone walls of Khami.'

Using climate data from the start

'Climate and the environment have previously been topics raised in the debate over the urbanisation of Southern Africa. However, this new interdisciplinary project proceeds several steps further in the direction of natural science,' Fredriksen says.

'We include climate data at an early stage when establishing research questions. Our objective is to obtain a deeper insight into the associations between climate, environment and socioeconomic and political strategies.'

Today, Mapela is located in an underdeveloped and marginal agricultural area, and researchers have assumed that this was an arid region earlier as well, and that Mapela was a regional centre of little importance. New findings, however, indicate the opposite.

A society against all odds

Mapela must have been larger than the known locality of Mapungubwe, where the elite is thought to have lived. Perhaps even the climate was quite different in earlier times.

'Was Mapela a community that existed against all odds?'

'That is an extremely interesting question. After all, Mapela continued to exist for centuries, while other communities, such as Mapungubwe, perished. Why? This is one of the questions we will attempt to answer.'

'Could this project provide new knowledge about the ways in which societies have adapted to climate change?'

'It's very complex, but hopefully we will be able to contribute to this,' says Fredriksen. He refers to the achievements of the University of Cape Town in the field of climate research.

'We are in this project to learn from the South Africans, and we have a lot to learn from them,' he concludes.

For more information see: Zimbabwe Culture before Mapungubwe: New Evidence from Mapela Hill, South-Western Zimbabwe. PLoS ONE (2014)

Author: Mari Kildahl | Source: University of Oslo [May 30, 2015]

Marine archaeologist Barry Clifford told reporters he had found a 50-kilogramme (110-pound) silver bar in the wreck of Kidd's ship the "Adventure Gallery", close to the small island of Sainte Marie.

But UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural body, immediately criticised Clifford's methods and said he may have damaged a precious archeological site in his hunt for treasure.

Captain Kidd, who was born in Scotland in about 1645, was first employed by British authorities to hunt pirates, before he himself turned into a ruthless criminal of the high seas.

After looting a ship laden with valuable cargo in 1698, he was caught, imprisoned and questioned by the British parliament before being executed in Wapping, close to the River Thames, in 1701.

The fate of much of his booty, however, has remained a mystery, sparking intrigue and excitement for generations of treasure-hunters.

Clifford, who was filmed by a documentary crew lifting the silver ingot off the sea bed, handed it over to Madagascan President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on Sainte Marie on Thursday.

Soldiers guarded the apparent treasure at the ceremony, which was attended by the US and British ambassadors.

"We discovered 13 ships in the bay," Clifford said. "We've been working on two of them over the last 10 weeks. One of them is the 'Fire Dragon', the other is Captain Kidd's ship, the 'Adventure Galley'."

October Films, the British production team behind the project, struck a more cautious note, saying that the silver ingot was of the correct date and appeared similar to other ingots linked to Kidd.

"Further analysis of the ingot will be required to confirm these preliminary findings," the company added.

Archaeologist John de Bry, who attended the ceremony, said the shipwreck and silver bar were "irrefutable proof that this is indeed the treasure of the 'Adventure Gallery'."

The ship, which was armed with 34 big guns, is thought to have been scuttled by Kidd during an expedition to the Indian Ocean.

Treasure hunt criticised

"This is a fantastic find that shows the hidden story of Madagascar," Robert Yamate, US ambassador to Madagascar, said. "This is great for tourism... and it is just as important as historical preservation."

But UNESCO said it was "very worried" about Clifford's methods, and expressed concern that a professional archaeologist had not been permanently on site to oversee the search.

"It is basically a film team going and directly intervening at an archeological site -- that should not be the case," Ulrike Guerin, underwater specialist at UNESCO in Paris, told AFP.

"You should have a competent underwater archaeologist there. We do not say everything that has been done is bad. We will go and check, but there are certain doubts about the scientific handling of the intervention. It is not enough that you find the treasure if you destroy the whole archaeological site with it."

Guerin said that Madagascan authorities last week asked UNESCO to send a team to take control of the site.

UN experts are due to arrive by the end of next month.

UNESCO has clashed with Clifford before when he announced last year he believed he had identified the wreck of Columbus's flagship that sank in 1492 off the northern coast of Haiti.

The claim sparked global publicity but was soon disproved by UNESCO, which determined it was a ship from a later period.

Clifford is best known as the discoverer and excavator of the world's first fully verified pirate shipwreck, the Whydah, in 1984.

Author: Manjakahery Tsiresena | Source: AFP [May 07, 2015]

Kate, whose brother James suffers from dyslexia, is a former pupil at Marlborough College, whose current boarding fees are £29,000 a year, and went on to study at St Andrews University.
This is a rare example of her handwriting before she joined the Royal Family and had flunkeys to check, or even write, letters for her.
Oops: One of Kate Middleton's errors
In a two-page letter displayed in a glass cabinet, she wrote in looping script: ‘Dear Sir. Thank you for your kind hospitality at Wimbledon last week. My friend and I had such a fantastic time and it was great to be able to enjoy the day knowing that we could have a little peace and quite if things got a little too hectic.
‘It was a wonderfully relaxed day and we even spent part of it on the “Henman/Murray Hill”, which was great fun. I really was not expecting to be looked after with such hospitality and I certainly wasn’t expecting to see any of the Centre Court games.
‘I do hope the end of the tournament runs smoothly and this fantastic weather lasts ’till the end of the week.
Rumours: Kate Middleton may attend this year's tournament before going to Canada and the U.S. with Prince William
‘Thank you again for making it such a fun and easy visit.’
The note, whose address is covered by a strategically placed Union Jack flag, is signed off: ‘Best wishes, Catherine Middleton.’
It is believed the duchess was consulted and gave her permission for it to be revealed to the public – perhaps unaware of her errors.
Speculation is rife at SW19 that she will visit with her sister Pippa before leaving for her first official royal tour of Canada and the U.S. with Prince William.
source :dailymail

VIA Grateful Kate and the handwritten Wimbledon thank you letter... with a spelling mistake

VIA The blushing bride

There are few people who haven't heard of Bethany Hamilton. She was the 13-year-old amateur professional surfer who had her arm bitten off by 4.3 m tiger shark while surfing off the coast of Hawaii. She lost 60 per cent of her blood, but miraculously survived and returned to the world of professional surfing a champion. Her inspirational tale is the subject ofSoul Surfer; a film that follows her personal struggle to overcome her debilitating injury.
Directed by Sean McNamara (Raise Your Voice, Bratz), this is notJawsmeetsBlue Crush, but rather a Disney-esque version of events. Sure, this is a fairytale, so heart warming sentiments and inspirational monologues are to be expected. But somewhere between lines like “love is bigger than any tidal wave or fear” the film succumbs to family movie cheesiness. Written, produced and directed by McNamara,Soul Surferis elevated by a trio of strong performances from AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany and Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as her parents. Robb is beyond convincing and beautifully balances Bethany's vulnerability and inner-strength. Quaid and Hunt are fantastic as the supportive and highly likable parents. Their love for each other and their family has a tangible presence and one of the best scenes is when the Hollywood veterans take to the waves for a surfing/bonding session. Plus, Hunt is undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful women in the bizz. At 47 she rocks a bikini and in close-ups it’s clear to see she hasn’t had a spot of work done; she’s aging gracefully and looking all the better for it.
Also good is Jack Nicholson's daughter Lorraine Nicholson as Bethany's best friend Alana Blanchard and formerHerculesstar Kevin Sorbo in a meaty role as her dad Holt Blanchard. The Blanchard’s were close friends of the Hamilton family and responsible for saving Bethany's life that day when they dragged her to shore and used a leg rope as a tourniquet. These days Alana is better known for having thebest assin international surfing.Based on Bethany's autobiography of the same name, the surfer has always attributed God and her faith for getting her through the traumatic ideal and back on the board. The Christian elements of Bethany's life are certainly not skipped over. In fact, they're perhaps covered too extensively and the powerful Christian themes are likely to ostracise some viewers. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's performance as a Christian councillor doesn't help. Her big screen debut is so terrible, you would be happy to throw yourself into the mouth of a tiger shark to escape her wooden and preachy portrayal. Her sense of superiority and righteousness would be excruciating enough, but Underwood sports heavy makeup throughout the film which seems especially ridiculous when she's working in the slums of Indonesian in the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami. A Christian missionary with more eye shadow than Hedwig from the Angry Inch strips any sort of believability from the situation.
Despite its shortcomings,Soul Surferisn't a wipe out. It's an inspirational, family-friendly film that might over-do the cheese, but that doesn't mean it can't please.
Soul Surferis out Thursday, May 26.

VIA One thumb up

Taking to the stage to accept the BAFTA, stars Sam Faiers and Amy Childs were literally jumping up and down and screaming with glee, while Mark Wright said: 'We're absolutely overwhelmed to be here tonight, even to be nominated. But to win, it's incredible.'
And Amy wanted to have her own input, leaning over to the microphone and saying her catchphrase 'Shut up!' into the microphone.
Screams all round: The group take to the stage to accept their award
Screams all round: The group take to the stage to accept their award
After winning the prize, Joey Essex told MailOnline: 'It's reem!'
While Mark elaborated: 'I'm in shock. There's no way I thought we were giong to win.
And when they called our names out, and all the screaming... I'm still in shock.'
Amy added: 'I couldn't believe it when they called our names out. I just hope I didn't trip over my dress! Did you see me and Sam jumping up and down on stage?'
Victory! Sam, Amy, Lauren and Lydia pose with their award
Other awards during the ceremony tonight included the best drama series prize, which was presented to BBC1's Sherlock.
The hit series beat shows such as ITV1's Downton Abbey, as well as BBC3's Being Human and E4's Misfits.
Sherlock - based on Conan Doyle's timeless stories - was launched last summer and became a huge hit, despite running to only three episodes although new shows are now in production.
Writer and co-creator of the modern day adaptation of the detective shows Mark Gatiss said: 'It's a huge honour and a fantastic surprise. Thank you so much - it's a huge thrill.'
Big Fat disappointment: Big Fat Gypsy Weddings stars Paddy Doherty and wife Roseanne Doherty must have been disappointed to miss out to TOWIE
The New Media prize went to Wallace And Gromit's World Of Adventure, beating online spin-offs and apps for the BBC's Brain Test Britain, the Thick Of It and Misfits.
Another early winner at the awards bash at London's Grosvenor House was the BBC1 film Between Life And Death which was named best single documentary.
Presenter Graham Norton raised a chuckle as he lined up the International TV Show award when he cracked a gag about Geordie Cheryl Cole's recent recruitment for the US version of the X Factor.

Stunned: Misfits star Lauren Socha took home the best supporting actress prize at the awards ceremony
'Just because a programme has subtitles doesn't mean it can't be successful - just look at Cheryl Cole on American X Factor.'
The prize went to epic Danish crime drama The Killing. Norton joked: 'Thank you Denmark - first bacon, now The Killing.'
Gatiss and Steven Moffat first had the idea for Sherlock after a conversation on a train about their love for the Victorian detective but did not take it any further. Moffat said the credit for getting it off the ground should go to his wife.
Delighted: David Attenborough won the specialist factual award for Flying Monsters 3D
Speaking backstage, he said: 'For two-and-a-half-years we just talked about it and I casually mentioned it to my wife, Sue, who is a producer and she leapt at it so we would still be on the train.'
Benedit Cumberbatch, who plays the master sleuth, said he was proud to be in the 'very, very good company' of his fellow nominees.
He said: 'I'm a big Misfits fan so I thought they were in with a shot.'
Moffat also confirmed there could be more series of Sherlock to come, saying: 'Of course it's got legs. It is 100 years old and still a hit.'
Famous friends: Benedict Cumberbatch (left) and Martin Freeman with the best Drama Series award for Sherlock
Success: Vicky McClure won the leading actress award for This Is England '86, presented by Cuba Gooding Jr
Smile please! Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall with the Features award and Mark Austin with the News Coverage award
Delighted: Daniel Rigby with the Leading Actor award
Sir Trevor McDonald with the Bafta Fellowship award and Graham Norton with the Entertainment Performance award
Delight: Sandy Johnston and Izzy Mant of Harry and Paul with Sheridan Smith
Grins all around: The ITV News at 10 team with their news coverage prize


Essex cast pick up their BAFTA

source:dailymail

VIA The Only Way Is Essex beats Downton Abbey and Sherlock to take home the YouTube Audience prize at the BAFTA Television Awards

VIA Michael Sheen :"Rachel McAdams's "Fantastic Actress"

Emotional: Both the boys, Jamie (left) and George were left in tears after their rap
And explaining their act to the judges, George said: 'We don't rap about how hard we are, we rap about making a change. But today we are going to rap about our grandads.'
Afterwards, judge Amanda Holden told them: 'Boys, I thought it was an excellent tribute to both your granddads who obviously had a massive influence in your lives.
'I think you both did your granddads proud.'
Proud: The duo's mothers were waiting in the wings, and seemed equally emotional about the performance
Michael McIntyre added: 'It was good lyrically and it was very heartfelt. It was very impressive.'
And Louis Walsh, who was standing in for David Hasselhoff, concluded: 'You're two great role models for young kids. i liked all the positivity of it. i think your grandads are going to be very proud.'
The Right Path unsurprisingly then received three yeses from the judges and are now through to the next round.
Another young act to impress the judges was seven-year-old Robbie Firmin, performing Frank Sinatra.
Dressed in a pinstripe suit and matching hat, the pint-sized boy belted out a rendition of the Sinatra classic My Way.
Mini Blue Eyes: Kent schoolboy Robbie Firmin, seven, sing Frank Sinatra's My Way on tonight's episode of Britain's Got Talent
Music mogul Louis told him: 'Robbie, that was fantastic. I’ve never heard anybody so young sing that song.'
Despite his tender age, Robbie even showed his cheeky personality by telling Louis his auntie - who was waiting in the wings - was looking for a boyfriend, saying: 'And I think she would want you to be it.'
Michael was equally enthused: 'Robbie I thought that was just brilliant, it had everything, you toyed with the audience, they were up, they were down, they were swaying. Robbie you’re a star.'
And, with three yeses, little Robbie was through to the next round.
Opening the show this evening were illusionist duo David, 39, and Karen, 27, who performed a modernised version of a Houdini trick.
Amazing: Judge Michael praised Robbie's professionalism on the stage
Proud: Robbie's family backstage, as well as presenters Ant and Dec, were thoroughly entertained by his act
Before their audition, Karen said: 'We are going to perform an illusion that was originally performed by Houdini but we have modernised it.'
And David added: 'Magic has struggled in the past on Britain's Got Talent but they haven't seen anything like our act yet.'
Karen and David then took to the stage and performed their act which saw David climb into a Perspex box on stilts which is then covered with a cloth.
Karen then waves a large sheet in front of the box and when it drops, David was holding the sheet and Karen is in the box.
Afterwards, Michael said: 'It was brilliant - it wasn't overly cheesy. I never have any idea how anyone does the trick - I'm a complete sucker for it and it was amazing.'
That's magic! Illusionists David and Karen perform tricks for the audience
Amanda added: 'That was annoyingly good. I am never keen on magic because it’s always so small time, people come on with cards and bits of cotton and no one can see anything.
'This is a massive show and if it goes onto the Royal Variety then that is a huge show to perform on, and there was no orange make-up, there was no Lycra, I hate to say it, but it was really good.'
And David concluded: 'You took to the stage and wowed us. You are what this show is about. Congratulations - it was great.'
Needless to say, the duo made it through.
How did they do that? David and Karen finished to rapturous applause from the audience
Delighted: David said performing in front of the judges and a live audience was 'the best moment of my life'
Next up was dog act Mexican Mayhem, led by 59-year-old Melanie, whose dogs Twizzle and Tucker performed a dancing act for the judges.
But altough Tucker did what he was supposed to during the dog agility course, Twizzle was 'a bit tired' and wasn't so up to par.
However, Melanie didn't let the judges and audience's laughter put her off, attempting to coax Twizzle through props including a windy tube.
Michael said: 'If both the dogs did what they were supposed to do, it wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining as the fact that right off the bat one dog decided, "I’m not going to do this."
That really was mayhem: Melanie and her dogs Twizzle and Tucker's performance didn't quite go to plan
Difficult: Melanie struggled with one of the dogs, who she said was feeling a 'bit tired'
'It was almost like they were a comedy double act and I found it hilarious.'
And Amanda said: 'That doggy debut was hilarious for all the wrong reasons, but I really enjoyed it.'
While David said no tot he act, Amanda and Michael said yes - meaning Mexican Mayhem are through to the next round.
But Mexican Mayhem had some competition from some other dog acts, including Hoover and Jane, who didn't do too well with their tambourine playing act, and Jonathan and Bodhi, whose doggy skateboarding skills were less than impressive.
Up next were 'very good friends' Jon and Jenny, whose act was slightly ruined when Bodhi managed to run back onto the stage, much to the amusement of the audience.
Pianist Paul Gbegaje, 19, was next to take to the stage as the auditions moved up to Manchester.
Before making his way on for his audition, Paul said: 'I wasn't good at football or sports so every lunchtime I was in the music room playing music and composing. What I like about playing the piano is the feeling you get from it, it's a huge high.'
Impressive: Dance Angels Elite impressed the judges with their colourful outfits and enthusiastic performance
And, asked by Amanda if playing the piano was what he wanted to do full time, John replied: 'Definitely. This is how I express myself. I'm not a good talker but I communicate through music.'
While Michael called him sensational and Amanda said he was amazing, David caused drama with the audience when he said the audition was 'really nice'.
He added: 'I'm not sure it was great. But I love your spirit and your tenacity, so come back and show me up.'
Inspired: The Celtic Colleens were praised for their originality thanks to their illuminated Irish dancing routine
Mixed response: Pianist Paul wowed Amanda and Louis, but David wasn't convinced
Lightning fingers: Paul wowed the audience with his super-speedy piano playing
Better than Diversity? Amanda Holden told dance troupe Abyss they weren't as good as their predecessors
2011 Britans Got Talent amazing 7 year old louie kid 21/5/11 2011

Follow The Right Path Britains Got Talent 2011

2011 Britans Got Talent amazing dance group 21/5/11 2011

2011 Britans Got Talent amazing piano boy 21/5/11 2011

David and Karen - Britain's Got Talent 2011 audition.

2011 Britans Got Talent dog tryes to disracted the crowed 21/5/11 2011

source:dailymail

VIA Britain's Got Talent 2011: Teenage rappers The Right Path left in tears after heartfelt tribute to their grandfathers

That's magic! Illusionists David and Karen perform tricks for the audience
Music mogul Walsh told him: 'Robbie, that was fantastic. I’ve never heard anybody so young sing that song.'
Despite his tender age, Robbie even showed his cheeky personality by telling Walsh his auntie - who was waiting in the wings - was looking for a boyfriend, saying: 'And I think she would want you to be it.'
McIntyre was equally enthused: 'Robbie I thought that was just brilliant, it had everything, you toyed with the audience, they were up, they were down, they were swaying. Robbie you’re a star.'
That really was mayhem: Melanie and her dogs Twizzle and Tucker's performance didn't quite go to plan
Little Robbie was just one of several acts appearing on tonight's episode of Britain's Got Talent.
Another act impressing the judges were illusionist duo David, 39, and Karen, 27, who performed a modernised version of a Houdini trick.
Karen and David take to the stage and perform their act which sees David climb into a Perspex box on stilts which is then covered with a cloth.
Karen waves a large sheet in front of the box and when it drops, David is holding the sheet and Karen is in the box.
Holden told them: 'That was annoyingly good. I am never keen on magic because it’s always so small time, people come on with cards and bits of cotton and no one can see anything.
Mixed response: Pianist Paul wowed Amanda and Louis, but David wasn't convinced
At the Cardiff auditions, Melanie, 59, and her two dogs Twizzle and Tucker performed their dancing act Mexican Mayhem.
Altought Tucker did what he was supposed to during the dog agility course, Twizzle was 'a bit tired' and wasn't so up to par.
McIntyre said: 'If both the dogs did what they were supposed to do, it wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining as the fact that right off the bat one dog decided, "I’m not going to do this."
Better than Diversity? Amanda Holden told dance troupe Abyss they weren't as good as their predecessors
Back at the Manchester auditions, David Hasselhoff was back as a judge and was booed when he failed to praise teenage pianist Paul.
Paul won over the crowd, McIntyre and Holden with his piano playing, but The Hoff wasn't so sure.
He was booed when he said: 'It was nice, it was really nice. I’m not sure it was great, but it was nice.'
Another act dividing the judges were dance act Abyss, who Holden said weren't as good as Diversity from two years ago.

BGT: Mini Sinatra and illusionists impress

source: dailymail

VIA Britain's Got Talent 2011: Mini crooner Robbie Firmin, seven, stuns the judges with his Frank Sinatra cover

Julian McMahon

Okay, lame title, I know. But serioulsy, there's only so many Gold Coast Film Festival related titles you can write before you hit wall. Sigh, I digress. The festival opens tonight at the Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinemas Australia Fair and there’s a huge line-up of stars coming along for the opening night. Leading the charge is Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon (above), who is in Queensland filming shark action-thriller Bait 3D. McMahon forged a career in Australian television before he broke into Hollywood as Cole Turner on hit TV series Charmed and roles in the Fantastic Four franchise and RED.

McMahon's Bait 3D co-stars Xavier Samuel and Sharni Vinson will also be at the opening night, along with director Kimble Rendall. Samuel was most recently seen in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and Aussie horror flick The Loved Ones, while Vinson had success as the lead in Step Up 3D. They will be joined by Tomorrow, When The War Began stars Lincoln Lewis and Phoebe Tonkin, and other Australian actors including John Jarratt, Dan Wylie, Adrienne Pickering, Cindy Nelson, Francesca Gasteen, and Alex Russell, star of the opening night film Wasted On The Young.

However, it is not just big name actors who are attending, with a who's who of international industry professionals. Along with Hollywood horror screenwriter Todd Farmer (My Bloody Valentine, Jason X), will be producers Chris Adams (Syriana, An Inconvenient Truth ) and Steve Kearney (Jucy) , the founders behind industry consultation company Adams Kearney. Local guests include Oscar-winning special-effects whiz John Cox, producer Chris Brown (Daybreakers, The Proposition) and Emmy-award winning make-up effects artist Jason Baird.

I will be on the read carpet chatting to all of these lovely peeps and I’m off to chat to a few of them at their hotel now, so, keenly stand by for the latest and greatest dets from the festival.

VIA Open Wide, Movies Inside