Oliver Knott - AquaDesign Consulting Company

http://www.oliver-knott.com/index.php?id=10&L=1

Zebrafish Study With Human Heart Implications

ScienceDaily (Mar. 28, 2010) — Bony fish like the tiny zebrafish have a remarkable ability that mammals can only dream of: if you lop off a chunk of their heart they swim sluggishly for a few days but within a month appear perfectly normal. How they accomplish this -- or, more importantly, why we can't -- is one of the significant questions in regenerative medicine today.

In a paper published in the March 25, 2010 issue of Nature, researchers working at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Center of Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona (CMRB) identified a fish heart cell population that is the source of this astonishing healing feat, a finding that could provide insight into how mammalian hearts might be coaxed into repairing themselves after injury brought on by heart attack.

Juan Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, Ph.D., professor in the Gene Expression Laboratory, and colleagues report that it is not stem cells -- those "usual" regeneration suspects -- that patch up an injured fish heart. Instead, repair is accomplished by differentiated cardiac muscle cells known as cardiomyocytes, those cellular grown-ups whose normal job is to supply the contractile force of the heart.

"What the results of our study show is that mother nature utilizes other ways besides going all the way back to pluripotent stem cells to regenerate tissues and organs," says Izpisúa Belmonte, noting that at least in fish, the body may have evolved surprising repair strategies driven by cell types more seasoned than stem cells.

To identify which cells actually filled in excised zebrafish heart muscle, Izpisúa Belmonte's team first employed some genetic engineering to only make cardiomyocytes "transgenic" by inserting into them a tracer gene that made them glow green under a microscope.

They then literally chopped off about 20% of each fish ventricle and waited a couple of weeks for the hearts to regenerate: if regenerated heart muscle didn't glow, it would mean that cells other than cardiomyocytes, such as a cardiac stem cell population, had replaced the damaged muscle.

But in a striking finding, all regenerated heart muscle cells glowed green, indicating that well established cardiomyocytes remaining after injury had likely regressed to a more "youthful" state, started dividing again to replenish lost cells, and then matured a second time into new heart muscle. The group also showed cardiomyocytes recaptured lost youth in part by re-activating the production of proteins associated with cell proliferation, factors typically expressed in immature progenitors.

Human hearts cannot undergo these types of regenerative changes on their own. When damaged by heart attack, our heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue incapable of contracting. However, prior to heart failure, damaged mammalian heart muscle cells enter a save-yourself state known as "hibernation," in which they cease contracting in an effort to survive.

Chris Jopling, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow of Izpisúa Belmonte's at CMRB and first author of the study, sees human heart "hibernation" as significant. "During heart regeneration in the zebrafish we found that cardiomyocytes displayed structural changes similar to those observed in hibernating cardiomyocytes," he said, noting that those changes were actually necessary before the fish cardiomyoctes could start dividing. "Because of these similarities, we hypothesize that hibernating mammalian cardiomyocytes may represent cells that are attempting to proliferate."

So the good news is that mammalian hearts can undergo a kind of metabolic "downsizing" that is a prelude to cell division. "This idea fits nicely with the findings from a number of groups -- that forced expression of cell cycle regulators can induce cardiomyocyte proliferation in mammals," says Jopling. "Maybe all they need is a bit of a push in the right direction."

A search is on for factors that could supply that "push." Although he is optimistic about the outcome, Izpisúa Belmonte also feels that the study should caution researchers not to overlook potential contributions that mature cells might make to regeneration. "We can no longer view differentiated cells as being a static endpoint of the differentiation process," says Izpisúa Belmonte, who also directs the CMRB. "If we could mimic in mammalian cells what happens in zebrafish, perhaps we could be in a position to understand why regeneration does not occur in humans."

Also contributing to this work were Merce Marti, Ph.D., Angel Raya, M.D., Ph.D., Edward Sleep, and Marina Raya, all of the CMRB in Spain. The study was funded in part by Fundacion Cellex, the Ipsen Foundation, the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and Sanofi-Aventis.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100324141957.htm

Much in the news here in the UK today:

Recovering from a heart attack could soon be as simple as recovering from a broken leg

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8293320/Recovering-from-a-heart-attack-could-soon-be-as-simple-as-recovering-from-a-broken-leg.html

Japanese Mind aquascape

The Popular Volunteer Point

Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. The site is a cornucopia of bird activity, home to king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins – as well as waterfowl and endemic subspecies like the dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush. In 2006/07, Falklands Conservation counted approximately 750 adult king penguins and 550 chicks, making Volunteer Point the largest, most accessible king penguin colony in the world outside of South Georgia.

Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean. Magellanic penguin burrows line the shore; visitors need to tread with care to avoid the unintentional collapse of the homes of these birds. During the summer a warden resides on-site to ensure that tourists abide by the Countryside Code and do not interfere with sensitive breeding birds like the King Penguins.

The Popular Volunteer Point

Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. The site is a cornucopia of bird activity, home to king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins – as well as waterfowl and endemic subspecies like the dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush. In 2006/07, Falklands Conservation counted approximately 750 adult king penguins and 550 chicks, making Volunteer Point the largest, most accessible king penguin colony in the world outside of South Georgia.

Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean. Magellanic penguin burrows line the shore; visitors need to tread with care to avoid the unintentional collapse of the homes of these birds. During the summer a warden resides on-site to ensure that tourists abide by the Countryside Code and do not interfere with sensitive breeding birds like the King Penguins.

Cementerio de la Recoleta

This is arguably Buenos Aires’ number-one attraction, and a must on every tourist’s list. You can wander for hours in this amazing city of the dead, where countless ‘streets’ are lined with impressive statues and marble sarcophagi. Peek into the crypts and check out the dusty coffins – most of which hold the remains of the city’s most elite sector of society – and try to decipher the history of its inhabitants. Past presidents, military heroes, influential politicians and the just plain rich and famous have made it past the gates here. Hunt down Evita’s grave, as all visitors try to do 

Cementerio de la Recoleta

This is arguably Buenos Aires’ number-one attraction, and a must on every tourist’s list. You can wander for hours in this amazing city of the dead, where countless ‘streets’ are lined with impressive statues and marble sarcophagi. Peek into the crypts and check out the dusty coffins – most of which hold the remains of the city’s most elite sector of society – and try to decipher the history of its inhabitants. Past presidents, military heroes, influential politicians and the just plain rich and famous have made it past the gates here. Hunt down Evita’s grave, as all visitors try to do 

Award: Who ??

Well, this was a surprise.

Thank you Child of God,

(Sweet Joy) 

I count this a blessing.

There are rules which go with this award.
And I am to pass it on to others.

Please forgive me for not doing that...
I care for ALL my Blogger Friends..

SHARING of myself....hmmm.

I am not very interesting really.
A bit mad!!
A mad hatter actually..
A butterfly~~>
And a bit like:
Alice in Wonderland, a dreamer.
Pollyanna, have a vivid imagination.
Anne of green Gables, frequently annoy others.

But I have an unusual insight..perhaps a Gift.

I am often given Biblical names for God's followers.
See if you are here?

Carol,      Mary, sweet faithful and true.
Bill,         Luke, precise and concise, a healer of many souls.
Gorges,   Moses, unsure at times but follow through.
Phillip,     Jacob, you wrestle with things in your mind.
Sandie,    Ruth, wither thou goest..you are faithful to others.
Victor,    Paul, strong conviction, no nonsense, your heart is true.
Child of God, I just get, you rejoice in the Lord, sometimes you waver.
Lon,       Peter, there is a stubborned streak, but you are a strong pebble.
Sr Ann Marie, Esther, ever faithful to God.
Geoff,    Timothy, the tender hearted.
Stan,      James, the strong doer.
Jan,       Martha, a backbone and servant to many.
Lloyd,    Job, Oh my brother, you have come through so much.

That's it,

Much love.......
^"O house of Jacob, come ye,
And let us walk in the light of the LORD'"
Isaiah 2:5

                               Crystal and beautiful friend Nancy from TN.
                       Nancy is a retired R.N. a Martha and a blessing to many.

                                        

Happy Homemaker Monday for January 31

The weather in my neck of the woods:Currently 75 ° FHi: 76 ° Lo: 45 ° Currently partly cloudy, Wind: SE at 7 mph. Humidity: 48%Things that make me happy:Seeing my children enjoy playing together and no one is fighting over toys (for the moment). Book I'm reading:“Follow the Star: Christmas Stories that changed my Life” by T.D. Jakes. I know it is after Christmas but I could not help but pick up

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto, known as Il-Hnejja (meaning 'The Arch') in Maltese, was given its English name by a British soldier who thought it similar enough to Grotta Azzuzza (The Blue grotto) in Capri to deserve the same name. A trip to the Blue Grotto is high on the list of most people's itineraries, and with good reason. Located near Zurrieq in southwest Malta, an area famous for its rocky coastline, the natural sea caves are very appealing.

The boats leave from between 9am and 5pm, weather permitting, from the tiny harbour of Weid iz-Zurrieq and cruise for about 30 minutes before reaching the caves. The water on the west of the island can be quite rough but the captains are adept at handling the boats in choppy seas. During the winter months however, when the weather and water is more unpredictable, less boats run and they are very weather dependent.

All the boats travelling to The Blue Grotto enter under an immense arch into a 140ft high cave cut into the rock face. The system consists of six caves carved by years of relentless pounding by the sea, of which the Blue Grotto is the largest and most impressive. The water seems an impossible cobalt colour as the sky reflects off the white sand bottom. The caves sparkle both with blue reflections of the sea and orange, purple and green of the various minerals present in the rocks.

The Blue Grotto gets almost unbearably busy at various times during the day in the high season so pick your visit carefully. To see the caves at their best, come early in the morning when the water is calmest and the crowds not yet arrived. As they face the rising sun, get there before the sun gets too high in the sky and you'll really see them dazzle with colour. By the end of a busy day the waters can reflect more engine oil than colourful minerals thanks to the volume of boats passing through.

If the sea is too choppy for the boat trip or you're pushed for time, you can still get a decent though less impressive view of the caves from a viewing platform on the side road winding from the harbour to join the main road.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto, known as Il-Hnejja (meaning 'The Arch') in Maltese, was given its English name by a British soldier who thought it similar enough to Grotta Azzuzza (The Blue grotto) in Capri to deserve the same name. A trip to the Blue Grotto is high on the list of most people's itineraries, and with good reason. Located near Zurrieq in southwest Malta, an area famous for its rocky coastline, the natural sea caves are very appealing.

The boats leave from between 9am and 5pm, weather permitting, from the tiny harbour of Weid iz-Zurrieq and cruise for about 30 minutes before reaching the caves. The water on the west of the island can be quite rough but the captains are adept at handling the boats in choppy seas. During the winter months however, when the weather and water is more unpredictable, less boats run and they are very weather dependent.

All the boats travelling to The Blue Grotto enter under an immense arch into a 140ft high cave cut into the rock face. The system consists of six caves carved by years of relentless pounding by the sea, of which the Blue Grotto is the largest and most impressive. The water seems an impossible cobalt colour as the sky reflects off the white sand bottom. The caves sparkle both with blue reflections of the sea and orange, purple and green of the various minerals present in the rocks.

The Blue Grotto gets almost unbearably busy at various times during the day in the high season so pick your visit carefully. To see the caves at their best, come early in the morning when the water is calmest and the crowds not yet arrived. As they face the rising sun, get there before the sun gets too high in the sky and you'll really see them dazzle with colour. By the end of a busy day the waters can reflect more engine oil than colourful minerals thanks to the volume of boats passing through.

If the sea is too choppy for the boat trip or you're pushed for time, you can still get a decent though less impressive view of the caves from a viewing platform on the side road winding from the harbour to join the main road.

Destiny Aquascape

Diatoms

http://www.astrographics.com/GalleryPrintsIndex/GP2006.html

Groundhog Day (Ideas for teaching)

February 2 is a Groundhog day.Punxsutawney Phil is the world's smallest and furriest weather forecaster and the 2nd of February is his day! On Groundhog Day, it is said that if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of bad weather, and if he doesn't, that spring will be here soon. The legend of Groundhog Day is based on an old Scottish couplet: "If Candlemas Day is bright

The Mariana Trench

             The Mariana Trench is a fascinating feature of the ocean.  It is the deepest portion of the entire ocean and it is located near Japan and Guam.  It was created by ocean-to-ocean subduction, which generally does cause the deepest trenches.  The deepest part of the Mariana Trench is the Challenger Deep, named after an exploratory vessel that discovered it.  Though scientists have learned much about the trench, it is still not possible to measure its exact depth with current technology. However, from what we do know and can measure, Mt. Everest could be flipped upside down and placed in the trench, and still be substantially submerged.

                The Mariana Trench contains a vast array of highly unique marine life due to its extreme circumstances.  The furthest depths of the trench are highly pressurized and extremely cold, but they also have hydrothermal vents caused by the separating tectonic plates.  These vents emit minerals and fluids that can reach up to 300 degrees F. Thus certain animals such as the Angler Fish, have adapted to the extreme pressure and temperature changes.  Many species of crabs and various invertebrates also inhabit the depths of the trench, many of which live to be hundreds of years old. These animals live off of chemicals emitted by the hydrothermal vents.  Since sunlight cannot reach the depths of the Mariana Trench, plants and animals use a system known as chemosythesis instead of photosynthesis. Other strange phenomena include giant clams, spider crabs, and tube worm colonies.  One site stated that the Mariana Trench has been proposed to be used for disposing of nuclear waste.  Because it is a subduction zone, eventually the waste would be folded deep into the earth’s mantle, but we don’t know what effects these chemicals could have on the ecosystems of the great deep.

                               

                I never knew about the Marina Trench prior to a couple weeks ago.  The trench completely fascinates me because it puts the size of earth into perspective. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around just how deep and vast it is.  I am also thoroughly amazed about the sea life that is able to live down there. There are such odd animals and organisms that are adapted to extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures.  It seems odd that no surface dwellers could ever come close to inhabiting the trench and yet those organisms not only survive but they thrive and are a vital part of the ecosystem.  I think the main thing that interests me about the Mariana Trench, is that there is so much we don’t know and are not able to discover about it.  In a world full of modern technology and all modern conveniences, it amazes me that we are still not able to delve into the depths of the Challenger Deep. To date a submarine vessel developed in Japan has been able to sustain depths of 6,400 meters, but nothing has come close to touching the approximate 11,000 meter depth of the Challenger Deep.  I think it is very neat that there are still some mysteries left on our intricate earth that our technology hasn’t been able to touch. 

Article Links:

Exploring the deep ocean floor 

Mariana Trench 

Mdina by Day

Time travel, as we are all too well aware, remains the stuff of science fiction. One day, maybe, but not for now. Sadly that means we will never be able to flick a switch and appear in the middle of a medieval joust armed with a six pack and digital camera. However, in Malta we do have one of the closest things you will ever find to time travel – the ancient city of Mdina.

From the second you step through its imposing gates it will truly feel like you have turned back the clock several hundred years. The narrow streets, fascinating architecture and overall ambience of this stunning place make it one of Malta’s most visited sites.

As you walk in, try to block out the image of the tourists clicking their way down the cobbled lanes and, instead, imagine knights in armour marching up and down looking important and generally acting as if they owned the place – which they pretty much did. And, to top it all off, if you walk to the end of the city – not that far, so non-walkers need not panic – you will be rewarded with the most magnificent view of the island imaginable.

For the more cultural amongst you there are plenty of attractions within the wall of Mdina like numerous musems and historical sites as well as the city’s imposing Cathedral. Getting there is easy whether by car, bus or taxi and there are plenty of officially organised tours which visit the former capital city every day. Visiting Malta without visiting Mdina is not a criminal offence. But it certainly should be.  So go.

Getting to this must-see location is easy with buses leaving regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for the number 65. Just be careful you don’t miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car then take a quick look at your map before setting off although, due to its touristic importance, Mdina is very well signposted on all major roads.

Mdina by Day

Time travel, as we are all too well aware, remains the stuff of science fiction. One day, maybe, but not for now. Sadly that means we will never be able to flick a switch and appear in the middle of a medieval joust armed with a six pack and digital camera. However, in Malta we do have one of the closest things you will ever find to time travel – the ancient city of Mdina.

From the second you step through its imposing gates it will truly feel like you have turned back the clock several hundred years. The narrow streets, fascinating architecture and overall ambience of this stunning place make it one of Malta’s most visited sites.

As you walk in, try to block out the image of the tourists clicking their way down the cobbled lanes and, instead, imagine knights in armour marching up and down looking important and generally acting as if they owned the place – which they pretty much did. And, to top it all off, if you walk to the end of the city – not that far, so non-walkers need not panic – you will be rewarded with the most magnificent view of the island imaginable.

For the more cultural amongst you there are plenty of attractions within the wall of Mdina like numerous musems and historical sites as well as the city’s imposing Cathedral. Getting there is easy whether by car, bus or taxi and there are plenty of officially organised tours which visit the former capital city every day. Visiting Malta without visiting Mdina is not a criminal offence. But it certainly should be.  So go.

Getting to this must-see location is easy with buses leaving regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for the number 65. Just be careful you don’t miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car then take a quick look at your map before setting off although, due to its touristic importance, Mdina is very well signposted on all major roads.

Takashi Amano 2004

Takashi Amano more layouts

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/aquarium-plants/12321-amazing-takashi-amano-tanks.html

Preparing Hemianthus Callitrichoides 'Cuba' for planting in an aquarium

Re-visitng C affinis 'West Pahang' (post)

http://illumbomb.blogspot.com/2011/01/re-visitng-c-affinis-west-pahang.html

Travel to Madagascar - A Dream Made Reality

Travel to Madagascar. It may sound like a remote island, a remote name, somewhere that you would not think at the first time when planning your holidays. Far from reality, the treasures that make Madagascar one of the most beautiful islands in the world are hidden there and mostly still unspoiled. Now it is the time to travel to Madagascar and discover its nature in a privileged way, before the destination becomes too famous to allow you to breath any peace and quiet in the air.

When thinking about Madagascar, my perfect trip would definitely be focused on natural life. 

Towns are amazing and colorful, but the main attractive of the island is the exotic and endemic nature. It seems that an 80% of all the flora and the fauna is endemic, and a 95% of the spiny desert is endemic too. As many islands, such as the case of New Zealand, evolution has been able to take its own course apart from the main continents, so that the natural conditions created can differ a lot from inland. Most time this remote islands are a good paradise for birds, and when you travel to Madagascar you will also discover thousands of other native species living only there in the whole planet.

To travel to Madagascar, there are some companies that organize trips there, but I was specially impressed by the kayaking offer that Explorers Corner has. They always have something hidden there and in this occasion I think the price is really worth it, as it does not go over 4500 dollars for a trip of 18 days in which you will be combining the kayaking in remote inland rivers and sea paddling, looking at other more famous places of world's heritage, trekking natural parks and many different rainforests and bringing home an experience of a lifetime.

It is also said that people living there are some of the most nice people in the world, and this is something that happens usually with islanders. It seems that the fact to live in a relatively small piece of land makes the way of life pretty different than when you are based inland. In this way, travel to Madagascar will make the cultural experience reach the maximum because of the possibility to engage with nice locals.

For sure travel to Madagascar is not the kind of adventure for people looking for luxury establishments and superb dinning opportunities, specially if you consider them superb because of the price. Instead, with a good combination of hotels, B&Bs and some nights at tent camps you will sure get the taste of the real life in the island and, of course, of the good food that generally islanders are recognized to have.

This is an adventure trip suitable for any kind of person, as no special fitness level is required, but you should understand that an adventure trip means that you will be always as much in contact with nature as possible. Travel to Madagascar, far from being dangerous as many people sometimes suggests, it is a great opportunity to come back to your origins, to escape from the stressing city life and even city tourism that guides you from one building to another in noisy and chaotic cities. Let's relax and take it easy. In the end, in the deepness of every one of us, we've got an animal.

Travel to Madagascar - A Dream Made Reality

Travel to Madagascar. It may sound like a remote island, a remote name, somewhere that you would not think at the first time when planning your holidays. Far from reality, the treasures that make Madagascar one of the most beautiful islands in the world are hidden there and mostly still unspoiled. Now it is the time to travel to Madagascar and discover its nature in a privileged way, before the destination becomes too famous to allow you to breath any peace and quiet in the air.

When thinking about Madagascar, my perfect trip would definitely be focused on natural life. 

Towns are amazing and colorful, but the main attractive of the island is the exotic and endemic nature. It seems that an 80% of all the flora and the fauna is endemic, and a 95% of the spiny desert is endemic too. As many islands, such as the case of New Zealand, evolution has been able to take its own course apart from the main continents, so that the natural conditions created can differ a lot from inland. Most time this remote islands are a good paradise for birds, and when you travel to Madagascar you will also discover thousands of other native species living only there in the whole planet.

To travel to Madagascar, there are some companies that organize trips there, but I was specially impressed by the kayaking offer that Explorers Corner has. They always have something hidden there and in this occasion I think the price is really worth it, as it does not go over 4500 dollars for a trip of 18 days in which you will be combining the kayaking in remote inland rivers and sea paddling, looking at other more famous places of world's heritage, trekking natural parks and many different rainforests and bringing home an experience of a lifetime.

It is also said that people living there are some of the most nice people in the world, and this is something that happens usually with islanders. It seems that the fact to live in a relatively small piece of land makes the way of life pretty different than when you are based inland. In this way, travel to Madagascar will make the cultural experience reach the maximum because of the possibility to engage with nice locals.

For sure travel to Madagascar is not the kind of adventure for people looking for luxury establishments and superb dinning opportunities, specially if you consider them superb because of the price. Instead, with a good combination of hotels, B&Bs and some nights at tent camps you will sure get the taste of the real life in the island and, of course, of the good food that generally islanders are recognized to have.

This is an adventure trip suitable for any kind of person, as no special fitness level is required, but you should understand that an adventure trip means that you will be always as much in contact with nature as possible. Travel to Madagascar, far from being dangerous as many people sometimes suggests, it is a great opportunity to come back to your origins, to escape from the stressing city life and even city tourism that guides you from one building to another in noisy and chaotic cities. Let's relax and take it easy. In the end, in the deepness of every one of us, we've got an animal.

Pachypanchax

http://fish.mongabay.com/species/Pachypanchax_playfairi.html

How to Grow and Decorate with Cryptocorynes

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Plant,%20Cryptocorynes.htm

A Fathers Blessings

 My blessed daughter with her husband David.

My daughter Femia Hope phoned me with an important revelation.
"You know mum, father's need to place a blessing on their son today, as they did in Bible days.
I think the Jewish still do this.?"

(My son Lee-Joel with his son Izaiah. Photo by Femia.)

She continued to inform me that her church was teaching what it meant to receive this age old Approval.


"Older men in our church are standing in the gap and praying for those younger." 
She explained her own husband David,  51yrs, had just received his blessing.

Now in turn, David will bestow a blessings on his own two sons, and on other younger men without Christian fathers.

Many men go through life feeling rejected, unworthy or with low self esteem, because they have never been vindicated by their father.

Men are lost in a system where not much understanding is given to their emotions, desires, frustrations and needs. 

Let's remember to lift up and encourage our men from little boys, through adolescance and on to manhood.
(never forgetting the girls)

 Why am I writing this here??

I am hoping and praying that you readers may carry it with you into your Church's and families.

"Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills."
Genesis 49:26

"Jesus,  took the children in his arms,
Placed his hands on them
And blessed them."
Mark 10:16 

Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth.

Wabi-Kusa

http://www.thegreenmachineonline.com/articles/tips-techniques/wabi-kusa?utm_source=The+Green+Machine+Aquatics+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d228aec666-Jan_2011_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=d228aec666&mc_eid=f9ba6da540

Preparing an Echinodorus for Planting in an Aquarium

Preparing a Cryptocoryne for planting in an aquarium

Cryptocoryne Emersed setup

Borneo Journey by Rayon Vert Aqua

Goa Churches: Epitome of Architectural Splendor

Goa is one of the most picturesque destinations in India. However, the smallest state in India, but yet it attracts a huge number of tourists from across the world. Pristine beaches, attractive shops, and attractive churches, this place is an abode of peace for the tourists. Goa is most popular for the beaches but thousands of tourists visit Goa to explore the majestic churches throughout Goa’s skyline. Once a Portugal colony, Goa has still not lost the charm of colonialism. Old Goa is a world heritage site.

The majestic architecture of the Goa churches draws the attention of a number of globetrotters. Most of the churches in Goa feature two or three types of architecture. The architectural grandeur of these churches reflects the flavor of Portugal. The most distinct architectures that are reflected in the churches are baroque style of architecture or the ornate altars. Gothic staircases are the most prevalent feature in most of these churches.

Goa churches make the place a pilgrimage site for Asian Christians. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most important and attractive churches in Goa. The church features a tomb of St Francis Xavier. Basilica of Bom Jesus keeps up the charm of Old Goa. Old Goa’s another very charming church is the Church Of St Francis Of Assisi. The church boasts of glorifying history. The rich culture of Goa is reflected in these churches.

Tourists from all over the world visit Panaji to explore the splendor of the Se Cathedral church. This church is dedicated to St. Catherine. The most interesting story of the church revolves around its construction. It took three fourth of the century in the construction. The magnificent beauty of the church is a result of joint efforts from engineers Julio Simao and Ambrosio Arguero. Made in the shape of a church, this is one of the best attractions for tourists. Another Goan church is the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception situated in Panaji.

Goa Churches: Epitome of Architectural Splendor

Goa is one of the most picturesque destinations in India. However, the smallest state in India, but yet it attracts a huge number of tourists from across the world. Pristine beaches, attractive shops, and attractive churches, this place is an abode of peace for the tourists. Goa is most popular for the beaches but thousands of tourists visit Goa to explore the majestic churches throughout Goa’s skyline. Once a Portugal colony, Goa has still not lost the charm of colonialism. Old Goa is a world heritage site.

The majestic architecture of the Goa churches draws the attention of a number of globetrotters. Most of the churches in Goa feature two or three types of architecture. The architectural grandeur of these churches reflects the flavor of Portugal. The most distinct architectures that are reflected in the churches are baroque style of architecture or the ornate altars. Gothic staircases are the most prevalent feature in most of these churches.

Goa churches make the place a pilgrimage site for Asian Christians. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most important and attractive churches in Goa. The church features a tomb of St Francis Xavier. Basilica of Bom Jesus keeps up the charm of Old Goa. Old Goa’s another very charming church is the Church Of St Francis Of Assisi. The church boasts of glorifying history. The rich culture of Goa is reflected in these churches.

Tourists from all over the world visit Panaji to explore the splendor of the Se Cathedral church. This church is dedicated to St. Catherine. The most interesting story of the church revolves around its construction. It took three fourth of the century in the construction. The magnificent beauty of the church is a result of joint efforts from engineers Julio Simao and Ambrosio Arguero. Made in the shape of a church, this is one of the best attractions for tourists. Another Goan church is the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception situated in Panaji.

Be Spontaneous

Surprise yourself!!

I just realised, I have lived my whole life like this.

No New Year Resolutions.
I just do it!
As long as I am not hurting someone else.

When returning to live in Australia with American hubby Ray,
we decided to travel around Oz.
So before settling in our home, we bought a caravan..
And off we went...

It was a different life.

Cruising the outback

Camping where it took our fancy.

Meeting wonderful people.

And eating when and how we liked.

                            Wherever the birds are, you will find Ray.
                             I'm sure they recognise him and pose..



                    "Hi Ray, forget the rest of them and make me your star."

                   Native birds,cockatoos here, travel alone or in huge flocks.

There is nothing as beautiful or serene than sunset with the light fading and the birds flying in.

                     Peace be still.....tranquility, early morn in a Caravan Park.

Look like gravestones?? Not so!

They are termite nests.

It's amazing how these insects know to build their nests with the narrow sides facing towards the sun. Limiting heat.

It took God to organise such an incredible fete.

Evolutionists have no explaination?????

You can't imagine how tall they are unless you stand beside them.

Ray (on right) is 5'10" so that gives you an idea.

It may also surprise you to know, these are formed from fecal matter.

With so much to see and do, it makes one ponder.

How can anyone dispute the validity of a creator God?

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."

Isaiah 60:1