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brianscircle's photostream on Flickr.

Photograph the nature of vision and see the difference between how you see reality and how the camera records it.

Destination Black Bear

You seldom see bears when you live in a city, except when they are made of chocolate, or jelly and found in the lolly section. Seeing a wild black bear is a memory for a life time. You can find black bears in most part of North America, such as mountains, deserts, subarctic tundra, and even in residential areas. If you have bears in your area, minimize availability and odors of food, so put out garbage on the day of pick up and not the night before. Bears will eat everything from the garbage, such as glass, bottle caps, aluminum foil and other package material that can be harmful to their teeth, throat and digestive system.  Bears quickly become accustom to our food and will teach their cubs to do the same. Clean your barbecue area and store the barbecue with pet feed and garbage in a solidly built storage. Also bird feeders should be out of reach for bears and take the feeders down when natural seeds and nectar are available for the birds. If you have fruit trees, pick all ripe fruit from the tree and keep the ground clear from fallen fruit. Most of the wild bears haven´t lost their fear of humans. Bears activity intensify in the spring when they move out from their dens and during the fall when they are bulking up for the winter. Black bears rely on natural food, such as acorns, berries, insects, vegetation, fish and other live prey for proper nutrition.  To prevent bears from becoming a problem. We must keep our food away from them. Plan an area of open land through your community, so bears allow to pas without any disturbance. Establish a neighbor calling network to warn each other if there is a bear in the area.  Clear all vegetation away from playgrounds and position  swings and  play set´s  in the centre with viewable space around them. All wild animals have the potential to be dangerous. Allow them to do their daily routine to earning a living for food. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of wildlife. Warn children never to approach wildlife and squealing, or making animal noises. 

To be bear aware when you are out and hiking. Read all signs where the trail begins and let someone know where and when you coming back. You should never pose for a photo with a wild animal. Use your camera with common sense and photograph from the trail and observation areas. For your safety carry bear spray , make your presence know and hike in a group. Look out for bears signs along the trail, such as claw marks, diggings, torn apart logs and stumps. If you are approach by a bear or other animal, back away and maintain a safe distance. If a bear approaches you, be calm and do not run, face the bear and slowly back away. Use your bear spray if the bear attacks you and fight back with everything in your power. Carefully choose a campsite away from animal trails and place your tent, so there is viewable space around it. Use a sound food storage 3,5-meters up in a tree and about 60-meters from your camp. Place all your scented items, such as soap, tooth past, lotion, and all food and garbage in the tree. Pack everything away and never hide anything underground, or burn it in a fire pit. Keep your sleeping area free from food and odors, also clothes that you wore while cooking or handling fish must be kept away. Have in mind that bears and other wildlife may pass through your campground at anytime. Ask a ranger at the site about bear safety and how to store your food. A bear seeking food from humans can be aggressive and may have to be taking away. Please keep bears wild and do not approach or feed them. 

Staying Fit Above

For a sweet ride in the air, try to relax while flying and dress appropriately. The ultra skinny jeans and sparkling top for super chic seduction, may seemed like a good idea when you are at home, but on a plane they bind in at all wrong places. A thumb rule is if you wouldn't go to bed in your outfit, don't where them on a plane ride.  To be successful, dress lose and casual, take your shoes off and drink plenty of water, avoid  to much alcohol, tea or coffee. When sitting on a crowded plane with the person seat in front of you almost on your lap and someone's foot resting on your armrest from behind - remember that the flight will end, so breath in deeply, relax and walk around.

Deep Vein Thrombosis  has long been associated with air travel. DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein and a thrombosis is a clot inside a blood vessel.  It usually occurs in the leg but can also occur in the arms, neck and abdomen. The danger of blood clots means that parts of your body are not receiving normal blood flow and oxygen, another danger is the clot may come loose and travel to the heart, or lungs which may be life threatening. To avoid DVT, more and more people are wearing Compression Stockings.  These stockings have sharply reduced the levels of DVT in airline passengers.  The stockings are firm fitting, below the knee and applies pressure at the ankles assisting with correct blood flow. Movement is the best way to keep the blood flowing, so make sure you get up and walk around in the cabin and stretching, avoid sitting with your legs crossed as this restrict circulation.  You don´t need to be a physical therapies for to do some exercises.  I have great difficulty in sleeping on planes and have long flights constantly throughout the year.  These exercises can be done every hour and only takes a few minutes, but it breaks up a long flight beautifully and you feel more refreshed when you land.  Here are five easy movements that you can do from your seat, as usual never do anything if it causes pain or injury.

FEET: With heel on the floor, stretch your toes upwards. Do 10 times, also with other foot. Then, keep your toes on the floor, stretch your heel upward, also with other foot for 10 times.

ANKLES: Lift one foot on the ground. Rotate your foot in circular motions in one direction and then the other. Do the same with the other foot for 15 times. 

KNEES: Lift your knee toward chest, decreasing the amount of joint space at the back of the knee. Do the same with the other knee for 30 times. 

SHOULDERS: With your hands relaxed by your side. Rotate your shoulders in a circular motion in one direction for 5 times. 

LEGS: Bend forward slightly, hold your knee and raise it to your chest for 15 seconds. Do the same with the other leg for 10 times. 

Stock a light traveling bag with items you need for a comfort flight and tuck it all away in the bag when not in use. If you are afraid of flying, there is an App for that, both for iPhone and Android, learn more from the VALK Foundation. 

valk.org

Magnificent 3000 K´s

Traveling across the USA by car has  pretty much everything to offer for an exciting holiday, full of adventures and inspiring  moments of delight. It´s easy to get there from most places in the world, and with access to the Web, airfare has become so much cheaper and detail travel so much easier for a happy holiday. Driving within USA is efficient, convenient and safe, at any time you can find lodging along the way. One of the most iconic road trips is to follow the Pacific Coast, a border to border drive through California, Oregon and Washington State. 

Make it memorable by starting in San Diego, and discover the Spanish and Mexican roots  for to better understand how California came to be. In 1869, Rudolph Schiller photograph Old Town and the San Diego river, where the native Americans Kumeyaay had lived for thousands of years before the Spanish colonization of California began in 1769. Today Old Town pays tribute to the cultural influence that makes California so special. Two hour´s drive north to Orange County, the natural home of TV´s reality show Laguna Beach, The Hills and the off spin The City began exciting careers of tremendously rich nameless youth. Further up coastal highway sprawling Los Angeles, with it´s colorful history of old Hollywood glamour, Venice Beach and architectural landmarks. The weirdest architectural marvel is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, made in curvilinear steel by architect Frank Gehry. A stunning catalyst for masterly architecture and audacious skill of engineering. 

Malibu is not always scenic here are the mansions that links so much of today´s history and its diverse communities. Follow Highway 1 to peaceful Santa Barbara, harmonious Spanish revival architecture, and a sun drenched Mediterranean climate make Santa Barbara to a quiet retreat to the big city bustle. From here on, the road is slow and winding, a good bet for hairpin turns and sublime vistas.  After a thrilling stretch make a stop at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. A holiday paradise for newspaper baron Randolph Hearst and his Hollywood friends. Architect Julia Morgan labored between 1919 and 1947 to create this illusion of southern European Renaissance estate, stuffed with museum pieces from the finest auction houses. After a few minutes north on Highway 1, is the playground of  West Coast sea life. Meet elephant seals bask in the sun on the beaches at Piedras Blancas. The subadult males are exiting to watch, they like to spar and play, and challenging each other with their changing voices. The adult are just here to molt, after their feeding journey to Alaska.  

To see San Francisco in all its glory is sit still in your car and drive, or go to prison on Alcatraz Island for some tremendous vistas. The boat ride give you the best postcard look over the city and Golden Gate Bridge. The architect couple, Irving and Gertrud Morrow gave the iconic bridge its lightning and color. One of California´s  greatest landmarks since 1937. Take Highway 101 north, the route bristles with coves crags and looming pines interspersed with homey wineries along State Road 128. Follow Highway 101 to exploring the Redwood National Park. A monarch of the North Coast, treasures of nature and culture. In 1800 redwood exploration replaced gold fever, the trees start to fell and seeming endless at first. A living link to the age of dinosaurs. Congress created Redwood National Park in 1968 to protect the world´s tallest trees and life along the coast. The park lie also in territories of native Americans groups, who lived along the coast for thousands of years. About 100 K´s north from the Park you crossing the border into Oregon, where the coast mountain range meets the dunes and the ocean. No trip along the coast is complete without a hike through Oregon Dunes between Florence and Coos Bay. The dunes is like no others in North America, formed by forces of wind and water for about 55 million years. Drive north along Highway 101 and finally you reach Astoria, crossing the mighty Columbia River into Washington State. Home to Olympic National Park, one of the rainiest places on earth, which create massive trees and lush vegetation with snow feed rivers. If you here for a hike in the rugged mountains, a stroll in the rain forest, or on intriguing beaches for to see the tides. To really appreciate all this, you need to stay in the park for a day, or more. Heading then to Lake Quinault Lodge, an extravagant lakeside lodging designed by architect Robert Reamer. The perfectly preserved two-story main lodge with its centered fire place was built in 1926. Here you can spend your time in front of the masonry fireplace, playing lawn games, and enjoying quality chair time in front of the lake. From lake Quinault, follow Highway 101 to see the mystical town Forks where Stephenie Meyer based here Twilight book series. Before you leave the Olympic Peninsula, visit the remote native American Makah Museum in Neah Bay. The museum features archaeological discoveries from the coastal village Ozette, where the Makah people have lived for 500 years as whalers, sealer, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, crafts maker and warriors before the white man came in double decker ships. Seattle is the final stop on the trip and was the starting point for gold seekers in 1897. Tens of thousands came to the small waterfront town, for to be outfitted for the goldfields of Alaska and Canada. Discover more of the glory days of Klondike Gold Rush at the historic Cadillac Hotel in Pioneer Square. 

Rock Carving Fever

Many are unaware of the artistic heritage in rune stones and a great way to explore some of them around Stockholm is by bicycle. Bike lines runs through the city and enjoy the rare pleasures, fresh air, birdsong and wind in your hair. You´ll find the most amazing stones interplay between the city and the urban nature and travel in time with public declaration and messages from 400 AC. 

There is around 6000 rock engravings left in the world and 2500 of them are in Sweden, nobody know how many of them they where in the beginning.The carvings was executed by scratching, pecking and grinding the rock to break the surface, then grinding the depth with stone a hammer and point.There is 24 writing signs, each sign represent the sound of the wording, during the viking era the language change drastically and modify to 16 signs. The writing are done between two lines with a dragon like head in the beginning and a snake tail at the end. There is no numbers in rune writing and you have to write all the numbers, for example 1967 is written onethousandninehundredsixtyseven. Rune stones forge a link with the past and must be one of the first twitter messages that´s been executed in Sweden, or Svithiodh as they said in the viking era. It´s breathtaking to know that they twitted already 1600 years ago - so nothing new under the sun. The stones where often placed along the route, coastline and rivers, so they could be seen by many people as possible. There messages is a statement from the past, written as poems or fairy tale, so attractive that everyone that stopped would be seduced by it. Civilization began in a tranquil countryside and the stones is part of the Swedish cultural identity, where many western styles and habits are regarded as the superior. Today´s generation isn´t even sure what Swedish tradition is, they don´t know what is being lost if the stone´s sweeping away in city development and only exist as a collective memory. In the old days, back to 1600 century rune stones where used as building materials in the floors and foundation, in Uppsala Cathedral they have found 14 of them in the floors and foundation. As today´s twitter, there have been very productive and leading rune writers, a couple of them sign there stones with Öpir and Fot and they engage with society, created entire tradition from scratch - it´s 1600 years of ancient tradition that need to keep alive. 

www.stockholmslansmuseum.se/faktabanken/runkarta/

www.raa.se/cms/extern/en/about_us/our_mission/our_mission.html

Contemporary Awareness

Celebrate an earth day more then the annual calendar date by doing it weekly and feel good about contributing as much as you can for the planet, yourself and our future. Here are some tips to get you started on saving for this important resource. 

Unlike energy, we can control our usage of water relatively easily, and with seemingly small steps you can help our individual impact on water protection. Use only water you need when you clean your vegetables and fruits by swishing them around in a bowl of water instead of rinsing them under a tap that is constantly running, and reuse that water for houseplants. Wait until you have enough laundry to run a full load for your washer, and same goes for your dishwasher. Both options will save water and your appliance runs more efficiently. Consider what you eat as this accounts for about half of your water footprint.  Water is required to produce the meat we buy therefore, by eating less meat will help reduce water use and be kind to animals at the same time.  Paper creates waste and takes its toll on the water supply, and reducing your shower time by just one minute will save 9.5 liter of water. Have you heard of the Australian 3 minute shower - first minute shampoo and rinse hair, second minute condition hair and soap body and third minute rinse. Plastic is also bad for our water consumption, 3 liters of regular water goes into making just one liter of bottled water, use the tap instead and buy a reusable bottle, but check first with your local water drinking regulations. You can also shop to support the environment, buy items that are energy efficient, made from recycled materials, buy multi packs and try to buy used, or trade with friends. We might not think of it as essential when we do your holiday shopping, but by avoiding items that damage the natural resources. It´s easy to be misled and get false information, and if you plan to by a product from crocodile, snake and coral, check that your product has a permit from endangered species of wild fauna and flora before your purchased, and don´t buy any tiger products, it´s illegal. By supporting World Wildlife Found you can make a different for the wildlife, a meaningful animal adoption helps to protect wild animals and their habitats. Use public transportation, or walk, jog or ride a bike to get from one place to another. Think in different steps, reuse and take something that is disposable and transform it into something of use instead, and always recycle metals, plastics and paper. Environmental action means taking simple steps in different places on the planet where we all live. 

http://worldwildlife.org/home-full.html

Kites for all

Somewhere in a park in central China you see kites swinging high in the air. During the Cultural Revolution kite flying was banned and kite makers who ignored the ban were sent to jail by the Red Guards. During the Qing Dynasty, it was believed that flying a kite and then letting it go might send off one's bad luck and illness. Kite flying originated some 2300 years ago, Mo Zi a Chinese philosopher and skilled carpenter spent years making a mechanical bird from wood which flew. Mo Zi whittled bamboo into pieces put them together and wound up with a magpie shaped model that flew up in the air. Todays kite making following an old traditional Chinese handicraft, with a bamboo frame covered by silk or paper. The invention of paper made kites cost less and quickly spread among the common people. Kites has served many purposes since its invention. In the southern Dynasties era an emperor flew a kite with a secret message which he hoped would get out of his capital besieged by rebel forces to his remote reinforcement. In the summer of 1752 Benjamin Franklin did his famous experiment with a kite to prove that lightning is an electric phenomenon and his discovery became the basis for the invention of lightning rod. The kit flying tradition has evolved over many centuries in  China. Beijing has produced many big names Kite artisans including Cao Xueqin who ancient Chinese classics dream of Red Mansion. He made a passing references in his novel to a few kite like Big Phoenix, Big red bat, Big fish and Seven geese. He also discribed a game called kite scramble in which one kite flyer was supposed to screw up the thread of another and capture his or her kite. Nantong have an excellent kite museum full of local kite tradition. Famous for being outfitted with whistles that could be heard whir above the Nantong sky. The international kite festival in Weifang each year in April, is all about flying kites and sharing them with other competitors from all over the world. 

www.weifangkite.com/index1.asp

Generation filmjölk

Or fil as they say in Sweden, is a cultured dairy product similar to yoghurt from the most fantastic parts of Sweden. Technically it is a fermenting cow's milk with a variety of bacteria from the species Lactocococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, it helps achieve your goals when it comes to improving one´s health. Filmjölk is a taste from childhood, when I was growing up there was just one type. You added table sugar, fruit and knäckebröd packed with fiber, to treat your tummy to a power breakfast. It taste a little bit like natural yoghurt full of nutrition, and is a great start for a big day, or a snack in the afternoon before dinner. Today´s filmjölk is completely different, you don´t need any table sugar anymore,  you have a great range of smooth tasting fruits to choose from, top it with knäckebröd, nuts and berries full with antioxidants. Every occasion has all you need for a healthy nutrisional meal, and to fill your hungry tummy with yummy stuff. If you once started with filmjölk there is no turning back. I love my filmjölk, and I love the smooth taste of fresh fruit and crunchy knäckebröd and nuts - it doesn´t get better than this and it´s quick and easy.

Language of less

A 2005 art pice made in Perth, Australia. My favorite artwork for many years, that take its own measure, a measure of its place. I take impulses from spatial relations and social systems, it has no boundaries. A space within a space that proclaims its social function, a space we cannot enter. Like transparency in architecture, a contradictory camouflage, an illusion of absolute openness, sexual abstinence, strict equality and collective morality. All the things in our society is organized in some terms of simple permutations. Its a moment of amazement when turning the audience into the public display, a new way of seeing, and to understand the building itself as a medium. I have a great interest in architecture and architectural codes. My attitude to material is central and determines its own language. I like the fact that you can purchase the materials in any hardware store, and anyone can make them. I also liked the idea, that after display they could be used for anything else, and have no value as art.

Vaccination is your life

If you are a traveler, you have should consider Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. If you come in contact with contaminated food or water, injections, piercing, tattoos, or have parenteral contact with infected body fluids. There are some lessons to be learn. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, and most commonly caused by a virus infection. The disease is closely connected with lack of sanitation and poor personal hygiene. You may have seen an ad or commercials on TV about Hepatitis. They can be hard to understand and difficult to know if it actually helps you. Hepatitis occurs worldwide.  Hepatitis A symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine. Recovery from symptoms following infection may be slow and take several weeks or months. Hepatitis B virus can cause an acute illness with symptoms that last for a long time, including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It can take you several months to a year to recover from the symptoms, can also cause a chronic liver infection, that can later develop into cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. You don´t have to worry about the diseases if you being vaccinated with Twinrix. The Hepatitis vaccine has an excellent record of safety and effectiveness. 

who.int/en/

Winterland

When we moved to an arctic climate some years ago, we knew you had to start wearing hats, gloves, scarfs and thick socks for winter activities. To make winter activities even more fun it´s important to dress right before heading out into the cold crispy snow. Always use the three layer principles when you dress and you will be rewarded. First layer should be a functional base layer that transports moisture from your body, through a second warming layer to the third protective layer. When you come home, warm your cold cheeks with hot chocolate, or spiced wine. To make a yummy chocolate, heat milk and mix it with chocolate powder, add brandy and serve with a topping of cream and cinnamon. A spiced wine, mix  red wine with a strong liquor, heat it up carefully with sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamon seeds, serve it with raisins and blanched almonds.   

Laundromat

It´s easy order in the laundromat and you become Mr. Clean. Make shore before you wash to separate darks from whites.  Wash darks in a short cycle and to keep brights bright, separate color by intensity and turn the items inside out. Always wash whites separately in the hottest water and if you have a desire to boost the whites, increase the cleaning power of detergent, adding bleach, bicarb soda or color remover. When you wash pillows or winter clothes with filling material, throw a clean tennis ball into the dryer to restore it´s fluffiness. With the right equipment and proper way to iron, you can save a lot of time and trouble. Try always to work with damp garments, such as cotton, linen, rayon and silk. Work in sections, for example collar, back, front and then sleeves and cuffs, and always hang the garment after ironing. 

This is Melbourne

City of charm and easy living. Bold ideas with good example of both new and Victorian architecture. Visit Palace Cinema Como at Chapel Street in South Yarra, which has an impressive, sensual and modern looking interior design. Loose yourself in the comfort of the big black leather sofa's while you are served drinks from the magnificent majestic bar. Have fish and chips in charming Williamstown it is well worth the visit. A 50-minutes boat tour that goes down the Yarra River and into Hobsons Bay. Experience spectacular scenic views from Melbourne´s tallest building. The Eureka Tower, a new generation of skyscraper that captivates more through stylistic shape than its measurement. The tower dominates Southbank skyline, which is lined by wide pedestrian promenades offering cafes and eatery strip. End up your day with a picnic at majestic Royal Botanic Gardens, it´s open to sunset.

eurekaskydeck.com.au

melbcruises.com.au/

This is Stockholm

With so much accessible history nearby for example Gamla Stan with it´s medieval history, classical architecture and narrow alleys where you can lose yourself. The Royal Palace, this gigantic 600 room palace in Italian baroque style was completed in 1754. It is the official  residence and entertainment place for His Majesty the King and Queen. The impressive and beautiful Royal apartments are open to public between official receptions. Close to the Palace is Storkyrkan where Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel got married in the summer of 2010. Also spend your time at one of over seventies museums with in the city and enjoy quality time. Nobel Museum is worth a visit, check out the yummy cakes and sandwiches at the café. Make sure to take a dinner cruise to the beautiful archipelago with Waxholmsbolaget. Stay at the fantastic hostel af Chapman and Skeppsholmen in front of the Royal Palace. At Chapman you can also have all your traditional Swedich dishes with a international touch. If you visit during winter, try some ice skating through out the city. It´s amazing experience that takes your breath away. Learn from someone who has professional knowledge and always wear safety equipment. The best way to get to the city from the airport is by the incredible fast train arlandaexpress, which is a 20 minute ride at 200 km per hour.

stfchapman.com
iceguide.se