The Bering Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It has a deep water basin, which then rises through a narrow slope into the shallower water above the continental shelves.

The Bering Sea is separated from the Gulf of Alaska by the Alaska Peninsula. It covers over two million square kilometers, bordered on the east and northeast by Alaska, on the west by Russia's Siberia and Kamchatka Peninsula, on the south by the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands and on the far north by the Bering Strait.  The Strait connects the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean's Chukchi Sea. Bristol Bay is the part of the Bering Sea which separates the Alaska Peninsula from mainland Alaska.  The Bering Sea is named for Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator in Russian service, who in 1728 was the first European to systematically explore it.

The Bering Sea ecosystem includes resources belonging to the United States and Russia, as well as international waters in the middle of the sea.

History
Most scientists believe that during the most recent ice age, sea level was low enough to let humans and other animals move on foot from Asia to North America across what is now the Bering Strait.  This is commonly called the "Bering land bridge" and is believed by some—though not all— to be the first point of entry of humans into the Americas.

Islands
Islands of the Bering Sea include:
 Pribilof Islands
 Komandorski Islands, including Bering Island
 St. Lawrence Island
 Diomede Islands
 King Island
 St. Matthew Island
 Karaginsky Island
 Nunivak Island
 Sledge Island
 Hagemeister Island

Regions
Regions of the Bering Sea include:
 Bering Strait
 Bristol Bay
 Gulf of Anadyr
 Norton Sound

The Bering Sea has 16 submarine canyons including the largest submarine canyon in the world, Zhemchug Canyon.

Biodiversity
The Bering Sea is home to some of the world's most interesting wildlife.  This sea supports many endangered whale species including bowhead whale, blue whale, fin whale, sei whale, humpback whale, sperm whale and the rarest in the world, the North Pacific right whale.  Other marine mammals include walrus, Steller sea lion, northern fur seal, beluga, orca and polar bear.

The Bering Sea is very important to the seabirds of the world. Over 30 species of seabirds and about 20 million individuals breed in the Bering Sea region.  Seabird species include tufted puffins, the endangered short-tailed albatross, spectacled eider, and red-legged kittiwakes.

Two Bering Sea species, the Steller's sea cow and spectacled cormorant, are extinct because of overexploitation by man.  In addition, a small subspecies of Canada goose, the Bering Canada goose is extinct due to overhunting and the introduction of rats to their breeding islands.

The Bering Sea supports many species of fish.  At least 419 species of fish have been reported from the Bering Sea. Some species of fish support large and valuable commercial fisheries.  Commercial fish species include six species of Pacific salmon; also Alaska pollock, red king crab, Pacific cod, Pacific halibut, yellowfin sole, Pacific ocean perch and sablefish.

References

Other websites

Seas of the Pacific Ocean
Geography of Alaska
Seas of Russia
Arctic

Bering Sea


Neuerburg () is a city in the district of Bitburg-Prüm, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

It is situated in the Eifel, near the border with Luxembourg, approximately 20 km north-west of Bitburg and 20 km north-east of Diekirch.

Neuerburg was formerly the seat of the Verbandsgemeinde ("collective municipality") of Neuerburg, and since 1 July 2014 has been the seat of the Verbandsgemeinde Südeifel.

References

Bitburg-Prüm

Neuerburg


The Lamoine Hotel is a historic hotel located at 201 North Randolph Street in Macomb, Illinois. The hotel was built in 1926-27 to be the city's first large modern hotel, a necessity for a city with a busy railroad station and a state university. Architects F.E. Berger and R.L. Kelley of Champaign designed the Classical Revival building; it is the tallest building in downtown Macomb and the most prominent Classical Revival building in the city. In addition to hosting visitors to Macomb, the hotel housed several local businesses and hosted community meetings and the Macomb Chamber of Commerce. The hotel was the city's preferred hotel and community meeting place until the 1950s, when the automobile's rise took away the railroad traffic which gave the hotel much of its business. The hotel became an apartment hotel and ultimately closed for good in the following decades; the Macomb Journal later moved into the building's ground floor.

The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 16, 2010.

References

Hotel buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois
National Register of Historic Places in McDonough County, Illinois
Neoclassical architecture in Illinois
Hotel buildings completed in 1927

Lamoine Hotel


Castle Bromwich Hall is a Jacobean mansion in the Castle Bromwich area of Birmingham, England.  It is a Grade I listed building.

History

The Hall was built between 1557 and 1585 by Sir Edward Devereux, 1st Baronet of Castle Bromwich, MP for Tamworth in Staffordshire.  It was single storey with a plain entrance.  It was then bought by Sir John Bridgeman (son of Orlando Bridgeman, keeper of the Great Seal) in 1657.  He extended and improved the property in 1672, adding the second floor and a large front porch.  The porch projected out by ten feet from the main building.  Above the twisted columns of grey stone of the porch are two figures in niches, called Peace and Plenty.  The coat of arms and monogram of Sir John is carved into the stone above the doorway.

The Bridgemans were created Barons Bradford in 1794 and Earls of Bradford in 1813.  A marriage brought Weston Park into their possession after which the Castle Bromwich Hall was often rented out.

Features

The Hall is famous for having twelve windows (one for each Apostle) and four dormers above (one for each Evangelist).  The garden door passed through a grapevine which was always trimmed into the form of a cross.  The Hall and Long Gallery were panelled with dark oak timber, and the dining room with pitch pine from the United States.  The ceilings were adorned with designs of fruits and shells.  In 1810 a tapestry of three sections made in Brussels was hung in the drawing room.  One of the windows in the Long Gallery had the arms of Sir Edward Devereux and his wife Catherine.  There were many secret doorways and hiding holes.  Built into the high garden wall was a brick open air cold water bath dated 1733.  The garden maze with 6 ft high holly hedges was a mirror image of that at Hampton Court.  The North Garden has double iron gates which lead into the adjacent Church grounds.

The family
The Hall has had many famous visitors including Benjamin Disraeli (while Prime Minister) The Duke of Connaught, The Duke and Duchess of Teck, The Duke and Duchess of York, Prince and Princess Christian, Queen Mary and William Gladstone.

The last family member  to live in the Hall until her death in 1935 was Ida Bridgeman, Countess of Bradford. She really loved this home and the village, holding the garden fete in the Hall grounds and mingling with the villagers.

Modern times

It was then used for storage during World War II. After the war, it was leased out as a Hall of Residence for graduate, student and craft apprentices of General Electric Company, and then used as building company offices while the outbuildings were used by other small companies.

The Hall was sold in 2007 to Theodore Alexander, furniture designers and manufacturers who planned to restore the property and open their European showroom there in 2008. In 2009, Castle Bromwich Hall was put up for sale, with the estate agents Knight Frank, with an asking price of £5 million. It was sold for £1.75 million, then underwent extensive restoration and was opened as a hotel in October 2013.

The Hall is usually open to the public for hotel accommodation only. The surrounding Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens are one of the last examples of Formal English Gardens in the country and have been restored by Castle Bromwich Gardens Trust (established 1985), which holds a long lease from the City of Birmingham. These gardens are a popular tourist attraction and are open to the public.

The conservation area of Castle Bromwich is centred on the Hall.

References

External links

Gardens Trust Website

Country houses in the West Midlands (county)
Grade I listed buildings in the West Midlands (county)
Buildings and structures in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull
Bridgeman family
Thomas Rickman buildings

Castle Bromwich Hall


Black Scorpion Arnis is a distinct Filipino martial art first developed in the late 1960s that focuses on self-defense.  The hands and feet are used extensively in most of the styles moves.

Etymology
The black scorpion or alakdan in Tagalog is a dangerous and poisonous animal that can kill anyone with its sting. The arnis or tungkod baston in Tagalog, is a cane or stick that is used in martial arts practice. Elderly men and women use this weapon as a walking stick for balance and self-defense.

History
The Black Scorpion Arnis International (BSAI) is a self-defense and martial arts organization founded by Capt. Arthur Cuadrante Teodosio, who was a reserve officer of the Philippine Army and the United States Army volunteer reserve. Capt. Teodosio organized and founded Black Scorpion Arnis International in his hometown of Balete, Aklan, Philippines in 1969, and was formalized and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Trade and Industry on November 10, 1982.

Black Scorpion Arnis is a combination of martial art styles. Its development focuses on the field of self-defense and sports competition. The ultimate goal of this association is to introduce the sport locally and internationally for self-defense and competitions. BSAI has been conducting sports competitions, instructor seminars and national and international competitions since 1969. They have promoted thousands of students including experienced tournament players and black-belt holders under the leadership.

Fighting Style
Black Scorpion Arnis uses hands and feet to earn a point in competition. Arnis, or stick fighting, is a Philippine martial art sport, and is also known as Kali, Escrima, or Arnis de Mano. Kali is the oldest known Filipino martial art of stick fighting.

The signature scorpion kick of the style is executed by pivoting to the back in a complete turn; much like a spinning hook kick or a reverse round house in other martial arts styles, the kick targets the side or back of the head while the practitioner is in mid to punching range.  The degree of effectiveness falls under two classifications: panghilo ("paralyzing blow") and pamatay ("lethal kick"). The first is aimed at less vital parts of the physique, while the target of the second includes the heart, neck, head, groin, and spine.

Sport
Black Scorpion Arnis utilizes the feet and the hands during competition and practice. The player uses his legs for kicking and his hands for blocking and punching. Violation of this injunction, especially in tournaments, is grounds for disqualification.

The entry of Black Scorpion Arnis in tournaments, particularly those of international caliber, presaged certain modifications of its original rules, such as setting a time limit, doubling the size of the fighting area required in the original arena, and wearing armor for safety during full contact competition.

Footnotes

References
A Dying Art: Sikaran, Art of Philippines Foot Fighting, Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin - Black Belt Magazine, April 1966
It All Began 800 Years Ago, Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin - Black Belt Magazine, June 1966
PDF scan of a Sikaran article and Asian Karate Association albums from the 60's and 70's

External links
www.black-scorpion-arnis-real-combat.8m.net
www.blackscorpionarnisinternational.com

Philippine martial arts

Black Scorpion Arnis


Emin Aras oghlu Agalarov (, ), also known as Emin Arazovich Agalarov, is an Azerbaijani singer and businessperson. He is the son of Aras Agalarov, a billionaire. From 2006 to 2015, he was married to Leyla Aliyeva, the daughter of the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev.

A singer, he performs in English, Azerbaijani and Russian languages. In 2018, Agalarov was awarded the honorary title of People's Artiste of Azerbaijan.

Early life
Emin Arasovich Agalarov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is the son of Azerbaijani–Russian oligarch Aras Agalarov, head of the .
Emin's father is Azerbaijani and his mother is Jewish. He considers himself a Muslim. His family moved to Moscow when Emin was four years old. When he was 13, his parents sent him to a school in Switzerland. Agalarov moved to Tenafly, New Jersey in 1994 and graduated from Tenafly High School in 1997. He graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City.

Business career
When he came back to Kuala Lumpur in 1995, he was named as commercial director of Crocus Group. In 2011, he was promoted to vice president of Crocus Group. Since 2014, he has held the position of executive vice president of Crocus Group.

The Crocus Group operates F1RST (three retail-entertainment complexes located in Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow Oblast, and Kuntsevo), several restaurants, the Crocus City Mall, fashion stores and brands, the Crocus City Hall concert venue, and the Sea Breeze Resort in Nardaran, Azerbaijan.

Music career
Emin's interest in music began in high school whilst in the United States. After graduating from high school, he returned to Russia, where he continued to write songs. In 2005 he began working with his vocal and music teacher, the Azerbaijani singer Muslim Magomayev, to whom he pays tribute in his concerts.

In 2006 Emin gained attention for his debut studio album Still which in the first six months sold 70,000 copies in Russia and an additional 30,000 copies in CIS countries.

He then released an album per year: Incredible in 2007, Obsession (a set of classic Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley songs) in 2008; and in 2009, Devotion. Each of these albums was supported by concerts in Moscow and Baku.

In 2010, Emin relocated to London to work with producer Brian Rawling and to focus on the UK music market. Emin's album Wonder was released in Russia and CIS in November 2010 and in the UK on 21 March 2011. The song "Heart Keeps Beating" was the first single in Russia from his second album After the Thunder and received good radio airplay on Russian Radio in 2012.

Emin's first single from his 2012 album After The Thunder was the song "Baby Get Higher" written by David Sneddon, Graham Stack, Mark Read and was added to the BBC Radio 2 A-List in April 2012.

On 26 May 2012, Emin was the local interval act during intermission on the Eurovision Song Contest that was held in Baku. Emin performed "Never Enough", a track taken from the album After the Thunder.

Emin was the opening act for Jennifer Lopez's 23 September 2012, concert in Baku.

Emin performed "In Another Life" in a music video with Donald Trump and Miss Universe 2013 contestants. Contestants were required to appear in the video without pay.

In May 2014, Emin won the award for Best-selling Azerbaijan Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards.

In 2016, Emin with Grigory Leps and Sergey Kozhevnikov started the "ZHARA" International Music Festival.

Relationship with Donald Trump
In January 2013, Agalarov and his father visited Las Vegas, Nevada, after Donald Trump, the beauty pageant's owner, announced at Miss Universe 2012 that the next competition would be hosted at Crocus City Hall, owned by Emin's father Aras, in Moscow.

In November 2013, Agalarov's father hosted Miss Universe 2013 at his Crocus City Hall in Moscow. Agalarov performed during the evening gown competition section. He also made a music video with Trump and the contestants. Contestants were required to appear in the video without pay. Agalarov reportedly "offered to send prostitutes to Trump's hotel room" during Trump's trip to Moscow, "but the repeated offers were rejected by Keith Schiller, Trump's longtime bodyguard."

Herman Gref, who runs Sberbank of Russia, Agalarov and his father hosted a dinner for Trump on the night of the pageant. While in Moscow, Phil Ruffin, who is a partner in Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, and Trump met with Agalarov and his father at the Ritz-Carlton.

Agalarov and his publicist, Rob Goldstone, helped arrange the June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort, Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, and Ike Kaveladze. Goldstone wrote in an email later published by Trump Jr. that the Russian government wanted to leak damaging information on Hillary Clinton to the Trump campaign.

Personal life
Emin Agalarov is the son of Aras Agalarov, an Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire. From 2006 to 2015, he was married to Leyla Aliyeva, the daughter of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The couple had twin sons in 2008 and adopted a girl, Amina, after their divorce, in 2015. In 2018, Agalarov married the former model and businesswoman Alyona Gavrilova and had a baby girl, Afina (Афина) . The couple divorced in 2020.

Discography

Albums

Singles
2011: "Any Time You Fall"
2012: "Heart Keeps Beating"
2012: "Baby Get Higher"
2012: "Never Enough"
2012: "Walk Through Walls"
2013: "Amor" / "In Another Life"
2014: "Смотришь в небо" (with Loboda)
2015: "Boomerang" (feat. Nile Rogers)
2017: "Good Love"
2018: "Азербайджан" (contains Azerbaijani lyrics)
2018: "Розы" (with Grigory Leps)
2019: "Нежная"
2019: "Мой Азербайджан" (with Maxim Fadeev)
2020: "MMM"
2020: "Ну почему?" (with HammAli & Navai)
2020: "Камин" (with JONY)
2020: "Аперитив" (with Grigory Leps)
2022: "О любви"

DVDs
2012: After the Thunder

Filmography

References

External links
Official website

Living people
Businesspeople from Baku
People from Tenafly, New Jersey
Tenafly High School alumni
Singers from Moscow
21st-century Azerbaijani male singers
Azerbaijani expatriates in Russia
Azerbaijani pop singers
Azerbaijani singer-songwriters
Azerbaijani male singer-songwriters
Musicians from Baku
Russian pop singers
Russian male singer-songwriters
Russian singer-songwriters
Russians associated with interference in the 2016 United States elections
Azerbaijani Shia Muslims
Russian Shia Muslims
Azerbaijani people of Jewish descent
Russian people of Azerbaijani descent
People associated with Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections
Marymount Manhattan College alumni
Agalarov family
1979 births
21st-century Russian male singers
People's Artiste of Azerbaijan

Emin (singer)


The A386 is a primary route in Devon, England. It runs from Plymouth on the south coast to Appledore on the north coast.

The road starts in the centre of Plymouth, and forms Tavistock Road, the main route out of the city to the north. It crosses a section of Dartmoor to Yelverton and Tavistock. The A386 then heads northeast across the western fringe of Dartmoor past the village of Lydford to the A30 west of Okehampton. It passes to the west of Okehampton to reach Hatherleigh, where the road joins the valley of the River Torridge. It follows the valley to, Meeth, Merton, Great Torrington, Bideford and finally Appledore.

History
The route is little changed from its original alignment in 1922. It originally ended at Bideford, and was extended north first to Northam and then to Appledore on the former route of the B3236. The route originally went through the town of Okehampton. In about 1971 it was realigned to its present route on the former route of the B3219. In the north of Plymouth the road was rebuilt in the 1970s to bypass the village of Crownhill.

References
SABRE page on the A386

External links

Roads in England
Transport in Devon
Roads in Devon

A386 road


Andrew James Hartley (born August 7, 1964) is a British-born American novelist, who writes fiction for children and adults. He also writes thrillers as Andrew Hart.

Works
The first of three middle grades and young adult adventures, Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact, was released from Razorbill (Penguin) in October 2011. In 2011, he co-authored with David Hewson a novelization of Shakespeare's Macbeth written specially for audio and released by Audible.com in June, narrated by Alan Cumming. His second collaboration with Hewson – an audio novel based on Hamlet, performed by Richard Armitage – was named Audible.com's best book of 2014 and was nominated for two Audie awards.

He is currently working with Tom DeLonge (of Angels and Airwaves and formerly Blink-182) on a novel series – Sekret Machines – released by DeLonge's To The Stars company in 2016. The series will have three books and a documentary film. The first book in the series, Chasing Shadows, was accompanied by a 4 track EP of the same name by Angels and Airwaves. Hartley is also writing a new Young Adult scifi series to be published by DeLonge's To The Stars Inc. and distributed by Simon and Schuster, called Cathedrals of Glass. The first book, Planet of Blood and Ice, was released in February 2017. A limited signed edition was released through To The Stars in November 2016 and sold out in 36 hours. With DeLonge's company partnered with Simon and Schuster, Hartley also writes the young adult sci-fi Cathedrals of Glass series.

June 2016 saw the release of the first of his new young adult series, SteepleJack, from Tor Teen. The book received several starred reviews from trade journals including Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and ALA Booklist. It was listed as one of Kirkus's Best Teen Books for 2016 and won both the Manly Wade Wellman and International Thriller Writers Awards.  It was followed by Firebrand in 2017 and Guardian in 2018.

Hartley made his UK debut in March 2018 with the publication of Cold Bath Street, a YA ghost story/thriller set in his home town of Preston, Lancashire. The book's title comes from a real street that once housed a public baths for poor Prestonians to bathe in, and is reputed to be haunted. Published by UCLan Publishing, the book was edited, designed, project-managed and produced by students on UCLan's MA Publishing course, the only student-run, student-led publishing house in the world. The book was long-listed for the Carnegie Medal and performed for audio by Christopher Eccleston. The same publisher will release Hartley's Darwen Arkwright series (renamed Monsters in the Mirror) in 2019. The sequel to Cold Bath Street was published in October 2019. Monsters in the Mirror, UK edition of Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact, was published on 1 March 2019.

His latest adult thrillers, authored under the pseudonym Andrew Hart, are Lies That Bind Us (2018) and The Woman in Our House (2019) from Lake Union Publishing.

In addition to the novels based on Shakespeare written with David Hewson, several of Hartley's audiobooks are voiced by celebrity actors including Noma Dumezweni (Steeplejack) and Christopher Eccleston (Cold Bath Street).

Personal life
Hartley was born in Preston, Lancashire. After his undergraduate degree he lived in Japan where he taught English for two years, travelling extensively throughout Asia. He then moved to the United States and obtained Masters and Doctoral degrees in English Literature from Boston University. He taught for nine years at the University of West Georgia and became the resident dramaturg for Georgia Shakespeare. At present he is the distinguished professor of Shakespeare in the Department of Theatre at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a theatre director and dramaturg, and for 10 years was the editor of the performance journal Shakespeare Bulletin, published by Johns Hopkins University press. He is the director of the Shakespeare in Action Center at UNC Charlotte.  His third novel, What Time Devours, draws on his experiences as an academic and centers on a lost Shakespeare play called Love's Labour's Won.

He studied Egyptology at Manchester University and worked just outside Jerusalem at a Bronze Age site. His mystery/thrillers, which have been USA Today and New York Times bestsellers, reflect this interest in the past, and particularly in the history of culture and ideas. Two of his principal characters are Deborah Miller, a Jewish museum curator who lives in Atlanta, and Thomas Knight, a high school English teacher from Evanston, Illinois. On April 30, 2019, he was on campus at UNC Charlotte when a gunman killed two students and wounded four others. Hartley took shelter with some students until the police declared the situation safe. He used this experience in his YA fantasy novel, Impervious, which was published the following year by Falstaff Books, a Charlotte publisher.

His Youtube channel includes videos on writing and walk-through analyses of songs by Japanese rock bands, notably BabyMetal.

He is married to a Japanese-American medical doctor whom he met when living in Japan, and they have one son.

Awards and honors

2001–2002 University of West Georgia Honors Professor of the Year
2012 SIBA Book Award (young adult) for Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact
2016 Named to Kirkus Best Teen Books of 2016 list for Steeplejack
2017 Named on the American Library Association's list of best young adult books for 2017 for Steeplejack
2017 Winner of the Manly Wade Wellman Award for science fiction and fantasy, North Carolina, for Steeplejack
2017 Winner of the Thriller Award (young adult category) from International Thriller Writers, for Steeplejack
2018 Nominated for the Dragon Award (young adult category) for Cold Bath Street
2018 Long-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Cold Bath Street

Bibliography

Academic Books
The Shakespearean Dramaturg: A Theoretical and Practical Guide, November 2005
Shakespeare and Political Theatre in Practice, January 2014
Shakespeare on the University Stage, December 2014
Julius Caesar (Shakespeare in Performance), April 2014
Julius Caesar: A Critical Reader, October 2016
Shakespeare and Millennial Fiction, January 2018

Adult Mystery/Thriller
The Mask Of Atreus, April 2006 (novel)
On the Fifth Day, July 2007 (novel)
What Time Devours, January 2009 (novel)
Tears of the Jaguar, September 2012

Adult Mystery/Thriller - Published under the pen name of Andrew Hart
Lies that Bind Us, June 2018, published by Lake Union Publishing
The Woman in Our House, June 2019, published by Lake Union Publishing

Alternative Detective
Steeplejack, June 2016
Firebrand, June 2017, part of the Steeplejack Saga
Guardian, June 2018, part of the Steeplejack Saga

Essays and Features
How I Got Published, featured, September 2007
How to Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion, (with David B. Coe, Faith Hunter, Stuart Jaffe, Misty Massey, C.E. Murphy), January 2011
Thrillers: 100 Must-Reads, featured (page 11), January 2012

Historical Fiction
 Macbeth, a Novel, (with David Hewson) July 2010 as audiobook (narrated by Alan Cumming), spring 2011 print.'
 Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, a Novel, (with David Hewson) May 2014 (narrated by Richard Armitage), fall 2014 print."
 Sekret Machines: Book 1 – Chasing Shadows, (with Tom DeLonge), April 2016
 Sekret Machines: Book 2 – A Fire Within, (with Tom DeLonge), September 2018

Middle grades Adventure
Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact, October 2011, part of Arkwright Saga
Darwen Arkwright and the Insidious Bleck, November 2012, part of Arkwright Saga
Darwen Arkwright and the School of Shadows, August 2013, part of Arkwright Saga
Monsters in the Mirror, UK edition of Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact, March 2019
The Mirrors Shattered: Beyond the Mirror, UK edition of Darwen Arkwright and the Insidious Black, August 2020.

Young Adult Fantasy
Act of Will, March 2009 (novel), part of Hawthorne Saga
Will Power, September 2010 (novel), part of Hawthorne Saga
The Cerulean Stone: A Will Hawthorne short story, May 2013
The Slave Trader's Wedding: A Will Hawthorne Short Story, June 2013
Cathedrals of Glass: Planet of Blood and Ice, February 2017
Cathedrals of Glass: Valkrys Wakes, January 2019
Cold Bath Street, April 2018, published by UCLan Publishing
Written Stone Lane, September 2019, published by UCLan Publishing
Impervious, April 2020, published by Falstaff Books

References

External links

  on Fantasy Fan
 Magical Words, writers' blog

21st-century American novelists
American male novelists
Living people
1964 births
21st-century American male writers

A. J. Hartley


The Ford L-series is a range of commercial trucks that were assembled and marketed by Ford between 1970 and 1998. They are also known as Ford Louisville or, for the 1990s aerodynamic models, Ford Aeromax. The first dedicated Class 8 truck produced by the company, although Ford had been producing "Heavy Duty" trucks since 1948 and their "Super Duty" lineup since 1958. The L-Series was the successor of the F-900/F-1000 Super Duty and the Ford N-Series (both derived from the Ford F-Series). The line encompassed a wide range of models in GVWR Classes 6 through 8, as either straight trucks or as semi-tractors, with vehicles developed for medium-duty, on-highway, severe-service, and vocational applications.

The L-Series was produced by Ford at its Kentucky Truck Plant near Louisville, Kentucky, alongside medium-duty F-Series trucks, and C-Series COE truck. The truck line accordingly adopted the Ford "Louisville Line" nickname; for its second generation introduced in 1996, the line officially adopted the Ford Louisville nameplate. Both generations featured the Ford Aeromax aerodynamically-enhanced truck, sold primarily as a semitractor.

After the 1996 sale of the Ford heavy-truck line to Freightliner, production of the L-series was ended by Ford in 1998. Freightliner had taken over L-series production and went on to reintroduce the line as the Sterling A-line (Aeromax) and L-line (Louisville) during 1998. It continued to be built alongside the medium-duty Acterra until the end of 2009, when Freightliner closed operations of Sterling Trucks.

Background

In 1963, Ford produced a short BBC conventional medium-duty truck with the introduction of the N-series Super Duty, supplementing the Super Duty models of the F-series. As Ford did with the H-series cabover (derived from the C-series and nicknamed the "Two-Story Falcon"), an all-new chassis raised the cab upward; while sharing its grille with the H-series, the N-series shared its cab with the F-series pickup trucks.

By the 1960s, Ford sought to modernize and streamline its heavy-truck line. In 1961, the heavy-duty F-series (F-750 to F-1100) became a larger, separate model line along with introduction of the all new H-series Linehauler. In 1966, the H-series was replaced by the all-new W-series cabover. In a change from adapting the F-series to become a heavy truck and to replace the N-series, Ford began design work on an all-new truck range, which became the L-series.  With an all-new heavier-duty chassis, the L-series also featured a larger cab; to improve serviceability, the design included a front-hinged hood.

First generation (1970–1995)

For 1970, the L-series was introduced in four size ranges, two hood lengths and grille styles, and with single or tandem (denoted by the "T" in the model designation) rear axles.  Powertrains included a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, based on GVWR.

In 1971, Ford introduced a set-back front axle configuration.  For the rest of the 1970s, the L-series saw few major changes.  In 1976, the LL/LTL-9000 was introduced.  Designed as a truck for long-haul drivers, the LTL-9000 was a competitor to the GMC General, Kenworth W900, Mack Super-Liner, and Peterbilt 359.  Fitted with a set-forward front axle and a longer hood, this version had more room for larger powertrains.  In 1981, Ford gave the LL/LTL-9000 its own grille and headlight styling, including one of the first uses of the Ford Blue Oval in North America.

Although the L-series would see few revisions throughout its production, elements of its design would see use in other Ford vehicles.  In 1974, the W-series cabover received a larger grille similar to the chrome version on the L series.  For 1978, the F-series/Bronco grille was given a similar egg-crate grille pattern.  In the 1980 redesign of the medium-duty F- series, the hexagonal shape of the grille was carried over; it is a theme used in all Super Duty trucks since their 1998 introduction.

In 1984 (as 1985 model year), the rest of the L-series became one of the last North American Fords to adopt the Ford Blue Oval; as with the LTL-9000, it was placed above the grille.  In 1988, the L-series changed its grille design from an egg-crate design to that of horizontal chrome bars; the Ford Blue Oval became centered.  In addition, rectangular headlights became standard in 1991.

1992 saw the introduction of the set-back front axle version of the LL/LTL-9000, designated the LLS and LTLS-9000, along with the corresponding Aeromax versions that had more aerodynamic bumpers and optional chassis skirting.

Aeromax (1988–1995)

As a response to the aerodynamic Kenworth T600, for 1988, Ford introduced its own aerodynamic semitractor. Named AeroMax L9000, the new design was an extensive upgrade of the L-9000. While sharing the same cab of the medium hood LS-9000, the Aeromax used a set-back front axle to add a form-fitting front bumper with swept front fenders. For the first time in a North American truck, automotive-style composite headlights were used. Other aerodynamic enhancements included skirted fuel tanks and a specially designed "Aero Bullet" sleeper unit. The Aeromax L9000 was one of the most aerodynamic trucks in North America upon its introduction in 1988.

Following its introduction as a semitractor, the AeroMax line expanded into the vocational truck lineup alongside the rest of the Ford L series. A later LA-8000 was introduced for "Baby 8" intra-city delivery.

1992 saw the introduction of the extended hood, set-back front axle Aeromaxes, designated LLA and LTLA-9000. These featured optional full-length chassis skirting, along with the same aero headlights and bumpers of the older medium hood LA series.

Models
The L-series came in a total of four size ranges, designated by GVWR.  As with previous Ford heavy-truck tradition, gasoline-engine trucks received a three-digit model number while diesel-engine trucks were given a four-digit model number.  L-600/L-6000 and L-700/L-7000 series were Class 6/7 medium-duty trucks, typically sold as straight trucks.  L-800/L-8000 trucks were Class 8 trucks, typically sold in severe-service configurations.  L-900/L-9000 chassis were available in all axle configurations, but were typically sold as semitractors; the LTL-9000 was only sold with a diesel engine.

1973–1977 Models

Powertrain
Almost all models had at least one engine option, the 9000 series had several. The 600–800 series had a Ford 361 V8 standard, 700–900 had a 475 V8 optional. The 900 series had a 401 V8 standard. In 1977 the 361 V8 was replaced by a 370, and the 401 V8 was replaced by a 429; the 475 V8 remained an option. Detroit 6-71, 6-92, 8-71 and 8-92 were a option also.

The 7000 and 8000 series had a Caterpillar V175 standard, the 7000 had a V200 and the 8000 had a V225 available. The 9000 series had a Cummins NH230 standard, Cummins N-series with up to  and Caterpillar 3406 series up to  were optional.

1973 engines (not all are shown.)

Second generation (1996–1998)

For 1996, the Ford heavy-truck lines were redesigned, the second-generation heavy-truck line was nearly exclusively for Class 8 weight ranges.

Chassis weights were increased, front axle GAWRs were available up to , single rear axles to  as before, and tandem rear axles to . On tandems a walking beam type was standard and 2 different air suspensions were available.

In the redesign, both the Aeromax and Louisville gained a wider cab with a sloping windshield.  Although Aeromax models would lose their composite headlights, it gained a much larger slope to the hood.  To aid ergonomics, the Aeromax and Louisville would borrow many interior controls from other Ford vehicles. Another redesign was the grille bars, in the second generation the trucks that had extended frame bumpers knocked of the "middle" full painted piece off the grille.

Models
As was the case previously, the heavy truck line was split into aerodynamically optimized semitractors (the newly renamed Aeromax 9500) and vocational/severe-service trucks.  In the case of the latter, the popularity of the Louisville nickname led Ford to drop the L-series nomenclature and adopt the Louisville nameplate officially.

1996 models

Powertrain
The second generation didn't offer gasoline or diesel V8s, all engines were inline 6 turbocharged diesels. The Caterpillar 3406 and Cummins N14 (the evolution of the NTC series) continued as heavy duty engines in the 9000 models.

1996 engines (Not all are shown)

End of Ford production (1998)

At the end of 1996, Ford completed the sale of its heavy-truck operations, selling the rights and production tools of the Louisville, Aeromax, and Cargo to Freightliner. Ford would end production of the Louisville/Aeromax in 1998; the truck lines would re-enter production as Sterling Trucks from 1998 to 2009; both lines were produced concurrently by Ford and Freightliner during 1998.

In 1998 Sterling began production in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, of their L-Line 7500, 8500, 9500, and A-Line 9500. A Mercedes Benz diesel was introduced late in 2000, and a very low profile "CarHauler" model was developed, otherwise there was very little change between 1998 and 2008. Production ended in 2009.

Notes

References

Resources

American Truck & Bus Spotter's Guide: 1920–1985, by Tad Burness.
Ford Trucks Since 1905, by James K. Wagner.
Ford Heavy Duty Trucks 1948–1998, by Paul G. McLaughlin.
Ford Truck Chronicles:  by the Auto Editors of Consumers Guide.

External links

L series
Vehicles introduced in 1970
Class 6 trucks
Class 7 trucks
Class 8 trucks

Ford L series


Artistic roller skating is a competitive sport similar to figure skating but where competitors wear roller skates instead of ice skates. Within artistic roller skating, there are several disciplines:

 Figures: the individual follows the figure circle line on a specific edge. Figures become progressively more complex with the addition of turns and the use of the third circle (similar to compulsory or "school" figures on ice).
 Free Skating: Individual skaters perform solo routines with jumps varying from singles to doubles, triples and quads, and spins to their chosen piece of music. They compete with a Short Program (usually around 2:45 minutes long) and are then classified in Top 10 and Less Top 10 categories depending on their rankings in the Short Program to compete in the Long Program (also known as a Free Program and usually around 4 minutes long).
 Duo Free (also called Pairs): two individuals perform jumps, spins, and lifts to their chosen piece of music.

 Couples Compulsory Dance: two people perform a dance consisting of a set sequence of steps in a pattern around the rink to a piece of music to a given tempo. There are no jumps or spins.
 Solo Compulsory Dance: an individual performs a dance consisting of a set series of steps in a pattern around the rink to a piece of music to a given tempo. There are no jumps or spins.

 Quartet: A themed routine performed by a team of four skaters. Team skating, similar to synchronized skating on ice.
 Club Show: A club of skaters perform a themed show routine.
 Original dance: the individual dancer or dance couple performs a routine to a musical medley with a set theme. The original dance includes a section that is a set compulsory dance but the rest of the routine is original choreography in keeping with the given theme. In national and international championships at the Junior and Senior level, original dance has replaced compulsory dance.
 Solo dance: the individual dancer or dance couple performs a routine to their chosen piece(s) of music. Solo dancers first compete with a Style Dance which includes a Pattern Sequence corresponding to the required steps from a compulsory dance and three of: Travelling Sequence, Cluster Sequence, Footwork Sequence and Artistic Footwork Sequence. Only three of the four elements are presented depending on the requirements for the year implemented by the World Skate Technical Commission. After the Style Dance, skaters compete with a Free Dance routine including all four elements in addition to a Choreographic Sequence. In couples free dance there are restrictions on the types of lifts allowed. In this discipline, skaters are allowed to perform one to two single-rotation jumps and/or a basic spin.
 Large Show Group: A group of sixteen (16)to thirty (30) skaters (women and/or men) with a maximum of four (4) extras.
 Small Show Group: A group of six (6) to twelve (12) skaters (women and/or men) with a maximum of two (2) extras.

Artistic roller skaters use either quad or inline skates, though quad skates are more traditional and significantly more common. Generally, quad and inline skaters compete in separate events and not against each other. Inline figure skating has been included in the world championships since 2002 in Wuppertal, Germany.

The sport is similar to its counterpart on ice, with some differences in moves, technique, and judging. Many ice skaters started in roller skating or vice versa. Famous champion ice skaters who once competed in roller skating include Brian Boitano, Tara Lipinski and Marina Kielmann. Artistic roller skating is often considered to be more difficult because ice allows the skater to draw a deep edge to push off from when performing jumps such as a Lutz or an Axel and roller skates are heavier than their ice equivalents, making jumping harder.

Due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Skate banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from its competitions, and will not stage any events in Russia or Belarus in 2022.

Roller skating disciplines

Figures
In figures, skaters trace figure circles painted on the surface of the floor. This is different from compulsory figures on ice, who skate on blank ice and draw their own circles, leaving tracings on the ice as they skate. The official dimension of plain figure circles, measured at their diameter is 6 meters (19 feet,  inches). The official dimension of smaller loop figure circles measure at 2.4 meters (7 feet,  inches). Circles are typically painted in "serpentines"—sets of three circular lobes.

The basic figures skated are typically referred to by numbers, the same as those skated by ice skaters, ranging from simple circle eights through serpentines (figures using one push for a circle and a half), paragraphs (figures using one push for two circles), and loops (smaller circles with a teardrop-shaped loop skated at the top of the circle). There is one category of simple figures (111 and 112) that are unique to roller skaters; these are serpentines that begin with a half circle skated on one foot, then change to the other foot, for the next circle, then change back to the other foot for another half circle.  Some of the more basic figures are numbered 1, 2, 1B, 5A, 5B, 7A, 7B, 111A, 111B, 112A, and 112B, in which the letter B designates starting on the left foot. These figures are often taught as beginning figures for those just starting. They include simple circle eights, circle eights with three turns, and serpentines. More difficult figures include the use of turns like counters, brackets, and rockers, and they are numbered 19, 21, 22, 26, etc.

Judges in figure events consider the quality of the skater's tracing of the circle, clean takeoffs, edges and correct placement of turns. The skater's form and posture is emphasized as well.

Dance
Dance roller skating contains three major sub-disciplines: Compulsory dance, original dance, style dance and free dance.

Compulsory dance contains prescribed compulsory dances and steps that must be performed, such as the Imperial Tango, the 14 Step, the Keats Foxtrot , or the Flirtation Waltz. Some of the dances are the same as performed in ice dancing competition, while others are unique to roller skating.

American Dance is performed only at the United States National level and below, and emphasizes keeping the upper body upright and free from movement. Some examples of American dances are the Fascination Foxtrot, Progressive Tango, and the California Swing.

Original Dance consists of a dance constructed of two rhythms chosen from a set of rhythms that FIRS changes every year . In 2008 the set rhythms were "Spanish Melody" ( Paso Doble, Flamenco, Tango, and Spanish Waltz ).

Free Dance is similar to the ice free dance, although with some rules changes. Skaters do not need to follow a pattern around the floor, but rather must be creative in their interpretation of the music. Dancers cannot do any jumps or spins that are recognizable in freestyle skating.

Another style similar to free dance is called Creative Solo Dance, or CSD. This has a tighter pattern than a free dance, but is created by the skater or their coach. This pattern can be to any music, as long as it does not change speed. The pattern must be repeated twice, with opening and closing steps.

Solo Dance incorporates all three sub-disciplines. Compulsory dances generally utilize the female steps as these are usually more difficult than the male steps. Original dance is referred to as Creative Solo Dance or CSD, and free dance incorporates up to two spins with no more than 3 revolutions and up to two jumps of no more than 1 revolution.

Free skating

Artistic free skating (also known as freestyle) incorporates figure skating jumps, spins, and footwork into a program set to music. Most of the jumps done by freestyle roller skaters are similar to those performed in ice skating, with some nomenclature changed. A "toe loop" on ice is often referred to as a Mapes in roller skating, taking its name from the inventor of the jump. Though both ice and roller skaters perform the Euler jump (also called a "half-loop" or "Thorén"), it is more common in roller skating programs, as lengthy multi-jump combinations are emphasized in roller skating judging. The Euler is a useful connecting jump in such sequences; for example, a five-jump combination might be Axel, loop, double toe loop, Euler, double flip. The hardest part of a five jump combination is usually keeping up enough speed to complete the fifth jump, which can sometimes be the most technically difficult. The "loop" jump is also performed in roller skating, though ice skaters tend to "take off" with two feet, roller skaters do a one-foot take off.

Roller skating also traditionally emphasizes spins that are uncommon on ice, especially the inverted camel in which the skater is on an outside edge  with their body and left leg extended outward parallel to the floor, the skater then rotates their hips 180 degrees while continuing to spin so that they are spinning upside down  The inverted camel is generally performed by women; few men learn to do it and even fewer perform it in competition. Other spins popular in roller skating that would be impossible to do with the blades of an ice skate include the broken ankle, which begins as an inside-edge camel and the skater then pushes the skate over so that the spin is rotating on the edge of the two inner wheels, and the heel camel spin, which is only rotated on the back two wheels, or heel.

Precision

Precision roller skating consists of 12–24 athletes skating on the floor at one time moving as one flowing unit at high speeds. This discipline of Precision skating is named because of the emphasis on maintaining precise formations and timing of the group.

For a precision team to flow in unison, individual skaters must be competent at a variety of skating skills, including speed, footwork and presentation. The team performs a program set to music, with required formations including circles, lines, blocks, wheels, and intersections. The teams are required to perform difficult step sequences involving a number of complicated turns.

There are international synchronized skating competitions at the Senior level, and the Federation Internationale de Roller Sports (FIRS) held the first World Championship in Precision Roller Skating in 2000. Teams may consist of men and women with Senior Teams having 12–24 team members and Junior Teams having 8-16 team members. Two scores are given, one for technical and one for artistic impression.

Precision Roller Skating owes its origin to Synchronized skating on ice. The first synchronized figure skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter, who became known as the 'father of synchronized skating'. The 'Hockettes' skated out of Ann Arbor, Michigan and entertained spectators during the intermissions of the University of Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team. In the early days, precision skating resembled a drill team routine, or a precision dance company such as The Rockettes.

During the 1970s, the interest for this new sport spawned tremendous growth and development. In each season, teams developed more creative and innovative routines incorporating stronger basic skating skills, new maneuvers and more sophisticated transitions with greater speed, style and agility. Due to the interest in the sport in North America, other countries took notice, leading to the World Championships. With the internationalization of the sport, it has evolved rapidly, with increasing emphasis on speed and skating skills.

Although not currently an Olympic sport, fans and participants of this fast-growing discipline have begun to strive for recognition by the rest of the athletic world. Precision Roller Skating has been covered by Roller Skating and the USARS magazine since the sport's inception. It is a varsity sport at a few colleges, and both Precision Roller Skating and its ice counterpart are being reviewed for Olympic eligibility.

Creative Solo/Free Dance

Artistic roller skaters who participate in this event most likely do solo dance or team dance. This event requires the coach and skater to select a song that can stay appropriate for any age. For example, songs from Mary Poppins, Singin' In The Rain etc. It is up to the coach or choreographer to design a routine that has a maximum of three jumps and two spins and has some dance moves such as swings, runs, etc.. As of the 2016–2017 season, USARS has decided to add tumbling to their total score, allowing skaters to do optional cartwheels, splits and other forms of tumbling.

This event is taken to the World Championships, however, only for Junior World Class and World Class Skaters only, these skaters are asked to compete in an international-style creative which can be French theme, African Theme, European Theme and the most popular: Spanish Themed. As of the 2015–2016 skating season, USARS opened up an Elementary International Creative Solo/Free dance event which allows 12 year olds and under to participate in an international-style routine that would be taken to regional and national championships. This event can be a combined, combining with international solo dance scores as a potential spot to go to nationals.

To skate the combined event at regionals/nationals, skater must pay a separate entry fee to have the scores for International free dance and International Solo Dance combined for a chance to get an extra medal and extra ticket to nationals.

Solo Dance

The style dance is an event only participants can compete in for Junior and Senior World Class (the skaters trying to make it on the world team for their country). The style dance is international, which means it must have an international flare. Music can be in any language, and costume has to match the music theme.

The style dance does not need to have jumps or spins but does require repetitions of the given dance. This event is dance but does require a toe stop as there is footwork that needs to be included.

Equipment

Skates
Artistic roller skaters skate on quad skates or inline skates (for the inline free skating discipline). Skates consist of four essential parts: boots, plates, wheels, and bearings. Skaters may sometimes use jump bars on their plates for added stability. Free skaters (both quad and inline) have a toe stop on their plates. While plates are usually long lasting and durable, boots, wheels, and toe stops need to be replaced as they wear down with use.

Boots
Boots used in artistic roller skating are traditionally made of leather, but contemporary boots are often crafted using synthetic materials. While there are boots made specifically for artistic roller skating, skaters may choose to use ice boots, though the use of ice boots is mostly prominent in inline skating. The style of boot varies based on the personal preference and the discipline the skate is used to skate in. In general, free skating boots are stiff to support skaters' ankles and prevent injury as they spin and jump. In the figures discipline, stiff boots are used for circle figures while slightly softer boots are used for loop figures. Dance boots are the most flexible and soft, with a low cut back for ankle mobility, allowing the skater to point their foot and create aesthetic lines with their leg. Boots come in many different brands, some of the most popular being Riedell, Edea, Risport, Harlick, SP Teri, and Jackson.

Inline frames (plates)
Frames designed for inline artistic skating have three or four rockered wheels with a toe stop or toe "pic" placed at the front. Rockered wheels (wheels which are arranged at different heights so that the baseline of the wheels forms a curve instead of a flat line) are more suitable to simulate the curved blades on ice and achieve deep edges needed to perform footwork and spins. Popular inline frame brands include Snow White, PIC, Roll-line, Golden Horse (GH Skates), and STD Skates.

Quad plates
Quad plates designed for artistic skating vary in design based on the discipline they are created for. Professional and mid-level plates are made of a strong lightweight metal like aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. Entry-level plates can be made of nylon or other plastics. Freestyle and creative solo plates will have toe stops at the front to execute jumps (used in the take-off of jumps such as the toe loop or the flip), spins, and footwork. For compulsory dance and figures where toe stops are unnecessary and may impair the skater's mobility, plates will often have no receptacle for a toe stop; the skater may also choose to remove the existing toe stops from their plate and replace it with a jam plug or mini stopper. For loop figures, skaters will often mount a shorter plate to their boot for maximum maneuverability.  Some dance plates have a lower center of gravity for extra stability. Popular quad plate brands include Roll-line, RollerSkates Italia, Atlas, and Snyder.

Wheels
Quad wheels are made of polyurethane and come in varying sizes and hardnesses. The size of a wheel is determined by two dimensions: height and contact width (how much of the wheel touches the floor). Typically, a 62mm height is used for dance, 63mm used for circle figures, 60mm used for loop figures, and a more maneuverable 55 or 57mm wheel used for freestyle. The contact width of an artistic wheel is very small, around 30–32mm.

The hardness (or durometer) determines the grip and slip of a wheel. Durometer is measured either on the A or D shore scales, where a higher number is a harder and more slippery wheel. Skaters may choose wheels based on their skating discipline and the floor type they are skating on (wood, sport court, concrete, etc.). Normally, a harder wheel with more slip is used for turn figures. Figure skaters often elect to use a mix of wheel hardnesses on their skates to optimize turning and acceleration, with a softer "push" wheel. Freestyle skaters tend to use a mix of hardnesses on skates, using a harder wheel on the edge they need to spin and a softer wheel on the other edges. A typical freestyle wheel will range from 92A–103A or 35D–61D. A softer wheel with more grip is used for dance. Popular quad wheel brands include Roll-line, Rollerbones, Komplex, and Boiani.

Inline wheels have a rounded profile and small contact widths. The typical range for inline wheel heights are 62–80mm. Typical hardness will be from 82A–90A. Inline artistic skaters have a more limited choice in wheels due to the fact that the wheel brand is often specific to and must correspond to the frame's brand to properly fit.

Bearings
Ball bearings are placed in wheels and allow them to roll. Typically, 7mm bearings are used on quad artistic skates, but 8mm bearings can be used on certain plates that have an 8mm axle. Most inline skates use 8mm bearings. The ABEC rating determines the tolerances in the bearing; the higher the ABEC rating, the more tolerance. Steel ball bearings are most commonly used, but many figure skaters may use ceramic bearings for better acceleration and smoother roll when tracing figures.

See also
 Artistic Skating World Championship
 Artistic roller skating at the World Games
 International Roller Sports Federation
 USA Roller Sports
 Figure skating jumps

References

Sources
 Marina Kielmann's official site
 USA Artistic Roller Skating Rulebook, 2000 edition. Lincoln, NE: USA Roller Sports. 2000.
 Dance Skating Patterns & Notes
 World Skate Official Artistic Rulebooks 2021

External links

 International Federation of Roller Sports: Artistic Skating
 USA Roller Sports: Figure Skating
 Federação Gaucha de Patinagem: Patinação Artística
 Skate Australia Artistic
 Roller figure skating at Sports123 Web Archive
 Liga Deportiva Nacional de Patinaje Artístico de Chile

Roller sports
Figure skating
Articles containing video clips

Artistic roller skating


Előre (Forward) was a Hungarian-language socialist magazine published in the United States by activists of the Hungarian Socialist Federation of the Socialist Party of America. Launched in September 1905, Előre was published for 16 years before going bankrupt in October 1921. The discontinued publication was immediately succeeded by a new Hungarian-language communist periodical called Új Előre (New Forward).

Publication history

Hungarian emigration to the United States

Substantial emigration from Hungary to the United States of America dates from the decade of the 1880s, during which more than 25,000 people left the Kingdom of Hungary for the new world. This wave of emigration accelerated in succeeding decades, with more than 55,000 leaving for America in the decade of the 1890s and more than 311,000 in the first decade of the 20th century. Emigration from Hungary to America peaked in 1907, declining precipitously from the 1920s.

A substantial majority of those leaving the Kingdom of Hungary were members of ethnic minority groups, including Slovaks, Germans, and Jews. In the estimate of one leading scholar, ethnic Hungarians comprised only about one-third of those emigrating from Hungary to the United States during the 19th and first decades of the 20th century.

Those emigrating to America from the Kingdom of Hungary were predominantly rural, with about three-quarters of those arriving before World War I coming from agricultural towns and villages. Of these, about half were largely unskilled and impoverished agricultural laborers. Those leaving were driven by unemployment and the low standard of living in rural Hungary — a situation exacerbated by the kingdom's extremely unequal system of land distribution. Only about 20% of emigrants to America in this period can be accurately characterized as members of the urban working class, to which the international socialist movement made its most explicit ideological appeal.

Despite the poor and rural social composition of the émigré Hungarian community in America, certain socialist influence had made itself felt. The Marxist movement in Hungary had emerged in 1880 with the formation of the General Workers' Party of Hungary (Magyarországi Altalános Munkáspárt), a group which renamed itself the Hungarian Social Democratic Party (Magyarországi Szociáldemokrata Párt) in 1890. This organization was particularly strong in the Hungarian trade union movement and that connection of organized politics with organized labor was echoed in the activities of the Hungarian colony on American soil as former peasants became semi-skilled and skilled industrial workers.

Establishment

Socialist Hungarian émigrés first began to engage in organized radical politics in America during the decade of the 1890s. Initial activity was concentrated in the leading American Marxist political party of the day, the Socialist Labor Party of America (SLP), which established a Hungarian language section in New York City in 1892. This activity was paralleled by the formation of a number of Hungarian-American fraternal-benefit organizations, including five national Sickness Benefit and Workers' Aid groups. One of these, the Workers Benefit and Educational Association, launched a newspaper called Népakarat (People's Will) in 1903 and began to take an active role in party politics.

The Hungarian-American socialists split into two camps in 1904, with one part continuing to support the SLP while others gave their allegiance to the upstart Socialist Party of America (SPA), which was established in the summer of 1901. The majority group who remained loyal to the more orthodox and Marxist SLP, formed a new Sickness Benefit association of their own called the Socialist Hungarian Workers Federation, while retaining control of Népakarat. Those minority members giving allegiance to the rival SPA remained with the already existing Workers Benefit and Educational Association and launched a new newspaper called Előre (Forward) in September 1905.

Development

Előre was briefly merged with Népakarat in 1911 under the name of the older publication. This unification of the Hungarian-American socialist movement proved short-lived, however, and the two groups split once more in November 1912, with Előre once again emerging as a separate publication.

The circulation of Előre at the time of its 1912 reemergence was approximately 10,000.

In 1915 Előre came under direct control of the Hungarian Socialist Federation of the Socialist Party. The publication took a staunchly anti-militarist position towards the European world war, continuing its opposition even after American entry into the conflict in the spring of 1917. This opposition to the American war effort brought the paper into conflict with Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson and the administration of President Woodrow Wilson, and mail distribution to subscribers was hampered and its editors subjected to police pressure.

Dissolution

In 1919 the Socialist Party of America was split into radical and moderate wings. The Hungarian Socialist Federation gave its organizational support to the dissident Left Wing Section of the Socialist Party and was suspended from the SPA along with half a dozen other language federations of the party by the governing National Executive Committee in June. Supporters of the new Communist Party of America gained a dominant position on Előre's editorial board, but financial connections were disrupted in the process.

In October 1921 the entity formally publishing Előre, known as the Elore Publishing Corporation, declared itself financially insolvent and the publication was terminated. This lapse proved brief, however, as within a month a new explicitly communist Hungarian language publication was launched, called Új Előre. This successor publication would continue publication without interruption until its eventual termination in 1937.

See also

 Új Előre
 Bérmunkás
 Non-English press of the Socialist Party of America
 Non-English press of the Communist Party USA

References

Further reading

 József Kovács, A szocialista magyar irodalom dokumentumai a amerikai magyar sajtóban, 1920-1945. (Documents of Hungarian Socialist Literature in the Hungarian Press of America). Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 1977.
 Julianna Puskás, From Hungary to the United States, 1880-1914. Budapest: Studia Historica, 1982.
 Otto Taborszky, The Hungarian Press in America. M.A. thesis. Catholic University of America, 1953.

1905 establishments in New York City
1921 disestablishments in New York (state)
Defunct political magazines published in the United States
Hungarian-American culture in New York (state)
Hungarian-language magazines
Magazines established in 1905
Magazines disestablished in 1921
Magazines published in New York City
Socialist magazines

Előre


The 2S25 Sprut-SD (Russian: 2С25 «Спрут-СД»; 2S25 "Octopus-SD") is a self-propelled anti-tank gun developed and to be manufactured by the Volgograd Tractor Plant to meet the requirements of the VDV. In mid-2001, the Volgograd tractor plant revealed that the development of the 2S25 had lasted several years.

The Sprut-SD is designed to defeat tanks, hard-skinned material and enemy manpower by airborne and amphibious landing forces, as well as by specially designated units of ground forces. Its main armament, the 2A75, is capable of firing APFSDS, HE-Frag, HEAT and ATGM ammunition. This allows the 2S25 firepower to be as powerful as a main battle tank and as maneuverable and amphibious as airborne infantry combat vehicles. The 2S25 can be used by units of ground forces and naval infantry as a light amphibious tank.  the only operators of the 2S25 are the Russian airborne troops with 24 of these vehicles in service.  the South Korean and Indian militaries have expressed interest in acquiring the 2S25 Sprut-SD.

History

In the early 1990s, the Volgograd tractor plant created a new self-propelled tank destroyer based on a modified prototype light tank classified as Object 934. The plant was also the designer and manufacturer of the BMD-1, BMD-2, BMD-3 and latest BMD-4 airborne combat vehicles that are used by the Russian Air Assault Divisions. After the completion of the chassis modification, it received the index "Object 952". The turret was developed in Yekaterinburg artillery plant number 9. In mid-2001, it was stated that the Volgograd tractor plant had been working on the 2S25 for about seven years. Recent information has indicated that production of the BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle has been transferred to the Kurgan Machine Construction Plant, where production of the BMP-3 armored fighting vehicle and its variants are currently undertaken for the local and export markets. As far as it is known, production of the 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun is still being carried out at the Volgograd tractor plant. One of its first trials took place on May 8, 2001, on the "Prudboy" tank firing range located North Caucasian military district for the representatives of the power ministries of Russia and foreign military and diplomatic corps from 14 other countries of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

According to Russian information, the Russian Army placed an initial contract for 15 2S25 SPATG in three batches of five vehicles each in 2005. This was followed by a second batch of 45 units with the total requirement being for up to 85–110 units. However, there were only four batteries (24 vehicles) in service with the airborne forces as of 2009. In 2010, the cancellation of further procurement was announced as well as the termination of release due to a fire caused by a fuel leakage on one of the vehicles after a military parade on Red Square. The cancellation of further purchases was later denied by VDV commander Vladimir Shamarov in an interview with RIA Novosti military commentator Ilya Kramnik. In February 2016 serial production was expected to start in 2018, but is  still being prepared.

Description

The 2S25 is based on the chassis of the BMD-3 Infantry fighting vehicle, which is also produced by the Volgograd tractor factory and is in service with the Russian airborne troops. Notable distinctions from the BMD-3 are the armament, the fire control system and the addition of two wheels to each side of the vehicle; which increases the number to seven on each side. The crew is located at the front of the chassis. The turret and ammunition occupies the middle of the vehicle, while the engine-transmission compartment is towards the rear. The driver has a hatch on the front deck; the commander and gunner have hatches on the turret deck. In the stowed position, the commander sits to the right of the driver, while the gunner sits to the left. Each crew member has available built-in roof observant instruments with the day and night channels. Standard equipment includes an electronic NBC protection system to ensure survivability of the crew in case of nuclear fallout.

Armament

The 2S25 Sprut-SD is equipped with a two-man turret armed with a 125 mm anti-tank gun. The gun is fitted with an autoloader, which ensures the high rate of fire of 6−8 rounds per minute with both conventional projectiles and rounds with guided missiles. It is completely stabilized in the vertical and horizontal planes and conducts fire with the same 125 mm separate case ammunition loadings that are used for the 2A46 smoothbore tank gun installed on Russian main battle tanks. With the fire control system featuring this stabilization of the elevation and azimuth, it also includes a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer that provides ever-changing data about the target. The two-plane stabilization of the commander's sight is aligned with the laser sight for aiming the 125 mm shells onto the laser rangefinder.

The main armament of the 2S25 is a 125 mm smoothbore 2A75 tank gun, which is a derivative of the 125 mm 2A46 tank gun. The angles of elevation and depression for the anti-tank gun are +15° and −5° respectively. When aimed towards the stern of the vehicle, the elevation and depression of the gun changes to +17° and −3° respectively. Given the need to install a gun to a substantially lighter chassis, designers created a new recoil device with a new ejector and thermal insulation jacket; it lacks a muzzle brake. The 2A75's ammunition includes laser guided missiles like the 9M119 Svir, which have a maximum range of 4 km, for defeating armored targets. Reloading the main gun is completed by means of a horizontal autoloader mounted behind the turret. It can carry 40 rounds for the main armament, with 22 ready to use in the autoloader. In case the autoloader is no longer intact, manual loading is possible at the cost of a substantially longer reload time. A coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun mounted to the left side of the main armament serves as the secondary armament of the 2S25; equipped with one tape of 2000 rounds.

Mobility

The weight of the 2S25 is 18 tonnes, which is comparable to that of infantry fighting vehicles. Like the BMD-3, the 2S25 features hydropneumatic suspension with a variable height clearance of 190–590 mm, which can be altered within 6–7 seconds to reduce visibility. Hydropneumatic suspension provides high smoothness while driving and dampens recoil of the main gun. Suspension on each side consists of seven single rollers, four support rollers, rear wheel drive and a front-mounted steering wheel. There are hydraulic track adjusters in assistance for greater mobility. In the engine-transmission compartment, multi-fuel diesel engine 2V-06-2S installed, which develops a power of 510 hp (380 kW). It features an automatic transmission that has five gears forward and five gears reverse.

While driving, the 2S25 can reach a top speed of  on an even road; the average speed being 45−50 km/h (28-31 mph) when driving off-road. The vehicle exerts a ground pressure of 0.36 to 0.53 kg/cm2 depending on the type of tracks. It can overcome vertical obstacles as tall as  and cross  trenches. Like many other Russian armored fighting vehicles, the Sprut-SD is completely amphibious and moves with the help of two water jets that allow it to reach a speed of 8–10 km/h depending on the state of the currents. To increase the buoyancy, wheels are equipped with airtight chambers and powerful water pumps; extracting water from the lower chassis. The vehicle is sea worthy and can cross water obstacles without preparation in a sea state of up to 3. While waterborne, the 2S25 retains the capability of firing the gun within a ±35° sector towards the front of the chassis.

Protection

The hull of the 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun is composed of welded aluminium armor with a composite skin to maintain a light weight. Through the frontal arc, 40° left and right of the frontal armor provides protection against attack from 23 mm weapons at 500 m (550 yd) and against small arms fire and shell splinters through the remainder of the vehicle. Two banks of three smoke-grenade dischargers are mounted towards the rear on each side of the turret as countermeasures to infrared weapons.

Variants

 Sprut-SDM1: New version with fire-control system and remote weapon station. Also received shells with remote detonation.

Deployment

Possessing a high power-to-weight ratio of 28.3 hp/tonne, the 2S25 can operate in high altitudes of up to 4000 m, while the installed rubber-clad shoes or snow-riding tracks expand the vehicle's capabilities in various climates. According to the manufacturer, the 2S25 can also be employed as a light amphibious tank by rapid deployment forces, airborne, marine and special purpose units. With its low weight, it can become essential in mountains and swamps regions, where heavy equipment cannot travel. The 2S25 is designed to be parachuted from aircraft such as the Il-76 with the crew inside, allowing nearly immediate combat readiness upon landing to provide high firepower alongside paratroopers.

The tank destroyer Sprut-SD is tasked specifically with seeking out and destroying enemy tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, whether from an entrenched position or actively hunting. The relatively large gun provided with such a mobile, airborne chassis allows paratroopers both significant fire support and sustained contact when engaging hard targets, such as entrenchments, fortifications and concrete structures (an often difficult task for airborne or light infantry). While amphibious, it can climb onto ships under its own power during a combat mission.

Operators

 Russian airborne troops – 24 vehicles were in service during 2009 with further orders being cancelled in 2010. In 2013, the Russian airborne troops ordered a new 125 mm self-propelled gun to replace 2S25, based on the BMD-4 chassis with a 2A46M-5 125 mm gun. In August 2022, the Russian state conglomerate Rostec stated that tests were completed and production facilities for mass production were being prepared. In August 2023, it was announced that the gun was ready for series production.

See also
 BMD-4
 T-90
Type 15 tank
General Dynamics Griffin II
Sabrah Light Tank
ST-2

References

External links

Light tanks of Russia
Tank destroyers
125 mm artillery
Airborne tanks
Volgograd Tractor Plant products
Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s

2S25 Sprut-SD


The Vertol VZ-2 (or Model 76) was a research aircraft built in the United States in 1957 to investigate the tiltwing approach to vertical take-off and landing.

Design and development
The aircraft had a fuselage of tubular framework (originally uncovered) and accommodation for its pilot in a helicopter-like bubble canopy. The T-tail incorporated small ducted fans to act as thrusters for greater control at low speeds.

Ground tests began in April 1957 and on 13 August, the VZ-2 took off for the first time in hover mode only. On 23 July 1958, the aircraft made its first full transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. By the time the test program ended in 1965, the VZ-2 had made some 450 flights, including 34 full transitions. The aircraft has been preserved by the National Air and Space Museum in storage at the Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility.

Specifications

See also

References

Z-02, Vertol
Tiltwing aircraft
Vertol VZ-2
NASA aircraft
Single-engined twin-prop tractor aircraft
Turboshaft-powered aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1957
T-tail aircraft

Vertol VZ-2


Gerrit Pietersz Sweelink (1566–1612) was a Dutch Golden Age painter.

Biography
Sweelink was born and died in Amsterdam.  According to Karel van Mander he was first taught to paint by Jacob Lenartsz, a glasspainter of Amsterdam whose father was a seaman from Zandvoort. He was such a good student that he was recommended to the painter Cornelis van Haarlem by Jacob Rauwaert. He was the brother of the Orpheus of Amsterdam, the organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, whose portrait he later painted. He lived in Antwerp many years and was in Rome for even longer. When Van Mander was writing Sweelink was living back in Amsterdam and still painting. Sweelink had taught a few good students, including a painter named "Govert" in Amsterdam, and Pieter Lastman in Italy.

According to the RKD he is known for portraits and mythological and religious pieces. He possibly died in 1612, since the engraved portrait of him in the engraving by Simon Frisius for Hendrik Hondius I refers to him in the past tense.

References

Gerrit Pietersz Sweelink on Artnet

1566 births
1612 deaths
Dutch Golden Age painters
Dutch male painters
Painters from Amsterdam

Gerrit Pietersz Sweelink


KJOC (93.5 MHz) is a commercial FM radio station licensed to Bettendorf, Iowa, and serving the Quad Cities radio market.  It broadcasts an active rock radio format, known as "I-Rock 93.5."  KJOC is owned by Townsquare Media, with studios and offices on Brady Street in Davenport, Iowa.

KJOC has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 6,000 watts.  Its transmitter is located on 205th Street in rural LeClaire in Scott County.

History

Early years as KBQC-FM
The station signed on the air as KBQC-FM, on July 4, 1984.  The call sign stood for "Bettendorf-Quad Cities."  KBQC-FM first began broadcasting live from a bandshell in Middle Park, during the "Old Fashioned 4th of July" event staged by the city of Bettendorf.  For several weeks prior to going live, the station had broadcast The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" continuously, as a teaser to the slogan of the station, "B-93, Where it's Always 93 and Sunny."

KBQC was Bettendorf's first licensed commercial FM radio station, and was built off an FCC construction permit issued in May 1983, after a contentious application process by several proposed owner/operators.

The prevailing party was Stromquist Broadcast Services, owned by Peter Stromquist, of Edina, Minnesota. Stromquist and his first hired employee, Barry Martin, originally from Joplin, Missouri, oversaw construction from the ground up, of the transmitting facilities in LeClaire, Iowa, and of the new studios and offices on State Street in downtown Bettendorf, located adjacent to Omeara's Pub.  When the station premiered, Martin was known as "Martin in The Morning" and served as the host of morning drive time.

Stromquist sold his interest in the station in 1985 and went on to become VP/GM Europe Middle East, Africa for United Press International, CEO of ABC's radio division in Asia, and Director of Mainland China operations for the broadcasting division of Paris-based Hachette media.

Martin subsequently became the morning host of KVON-AM in the San Francisco bay area for nearly 20 years, and later worked in public relations for local government.

The 1990s and early 2000s
The station underwent a number of format changes from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s. Formats included oldies as KGLR-FM and Christian rock as KQCS.

From 1995 to 2004, the station was KORB-FM, broadcasting first an alternative rock format as "Planet 93.5". From 1997 to 2000, the syndicated Howard Stern Show was broadcast in mornings. In early 2000, the station shifted to active rock as "93 Rock".

The active rock format proved successful, with KORB becoming one of the highest rated stations in the Quad Cities for a few years. However, the ratings of sister station WXLP ("97X") were not as good, and it didn't help that the two shared somewhat-similar formats.  In April 2004, Management decided to merge the two stations; the rock format become "97 Rock", while retaining the WXLP call letters. Following the merge, a Hot AC format took over the 93.5 frequency as "Star 93.5" and call letters were changed back to KQCS.

Despite being the only Hot AC outlet in the Quad Cities market, and having 10 years to build a loyal following, "Star" struggled in the ratings.  Year after year, it was among the lowest-rated FM stations in the market. "Star" featured "Intelligence for Your Life" hosted by John Tesh in the evenings, and carried the "Daily Dees" syndicated program hosted by Rick Dees.  Local air talent included Melissa Martin and Steve Donovan.

Sports radio
On August 30, 2013, a deal was announced in which Townsquare Media would acquire 53 Cumulus Media stations, including KQCS, for $238 million. The deal was part of Cumulus' acquisition of Dial Global.  Townsquare and Dial Global were both controlled by Oaktree Capital Management. The transaction was consummated effective November 14, 2013.

On June 13, 2014, it was announced that on June 16, KQCS would flip to sports radio, partially simulcasting KJOC (1170 AM) and carrying ESPN Radio programming as ESPN 93.5.  As a Hot AC station, KQCS registered just a 1.5 in the fall 2013 Arbitron ratings. A number of other changes were announced, including a local sports talk show and broadcasting of area high school games. KQCS became the Quad Cities' home for Chicago Cubs baseball, Chicago Bears football and Iowa State University sports.  On July 9, 2014, KQCS changed its call letters to KJOC-FM to match the call sign on 1170 AM.

Return to Rock
On August 30, 2019, the station flipped back to active rock after a 15-year absence, branded this time as "I-Rock 93.5". Concurrently, the sports format moved to KBOB, replacing classic country on that frequency.
  Despite no longer carrying sports, the KJOC call letters remain on 93.5.

Previous logo

References

External links
I-Rock 93.5 — official website

Active rock radio stations in the United States
Radio stations in the Quad Cities
Radio stations established in 1989
Townsquare Media radio stations

KJOC (FM)


The Final Year is a 2017 American documentary film directed by Greg Barker. The film is a chronicle of the Barack Obama administration's foreign policy team and the events of Obama's final year in office. While President Obama features at certain points, the documentary crew mainly followed the activities of Secretary of State John Kerry, UN Ambassador Samantha Power, National Security Advisor Susan Rice and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes. Although the documentary does not feature Donald Trump, the emphasis among the main players switches as the final year progresses from enacting a foreign policy legacy to taking measures to protect that legacy from being dismantled by the incoming administration.

External links

2017 films
2017 documentary films
American documentary films
Documentary films about American politics
Presidency of Barack Obama
Films directed by Greg Barker
Films about Barack Obama
Foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration
John Kerry
HBO documentary films
2010s English-language films
2010s American films

The Final Year