AmplifiedLIFE

Docked at Grand Turk. She cuts quite the profile.

The sights and sounds of the Caribbean longshoremen, from the upper deck of the Nieuw Amsterdam as we slip in beside the good ship Mardi Gras. Big cruise ships often come in before the break of dawn. Sometimes two at a time. And as sophisticated as these colossal ships are, some good old-fashioned muscle and teamwork are still required.

Most modern cruise ships have a Promenade Deck but the idea of having a promenade deck isn’t new at all. A Promenade Deck is a deck located midway through a ship that is open to the air. This deck is usually covered and provides a walkway around the ship. It is common to find lifeboats and other mechanical equipment located on the promenade deck. Many people believe that the term Promenade Deck came from the Swedish word promenaddäck which means walking deck but this is unconfirmed. It is more likely that the deck was named after the use of the word promenade as both a verb and a noun. The word promenade used as a noun dates back to the 16th century and it means the following: “A paved public walk, typically one along the seafront at a resort.” The Promenade deck on a cruise ship is mainly designed as a place for guests to walk or run. On most promenade decks, markers will indicate the distance of the promenade deck. This will typically be something like ‘3 laps = 1 mile’. It isn’t uncommon to see runners running around the promenade deck early in the morning. Titanic had a promenade deck located on A deck which wrapped around the full length of the ship. The promenade deck was only for use of those passengers travelling in first class and because of the enclosed design, it was well protected from the weather. Guests were able to play chess, shuffleboard, and dominos on Titanic’s promenade deck. The Queen Mary had a full promenade deck which was partly sheltered. Access to the promenade deck was split between Tourist Class and Cabin Class. On most ships, you’ll find the promenade deck located mid-way between the lowest and highest decks. Many modern cruise ships have 14+ decks; the promenade deck can usually be found on decks 6, 7 or 8. The promenade deck has to be located here because of the role it plays in safety and the deployment of lifeboats.

Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam features a classically-styled mid-ship atrium with a grand ceiling looking up several to bars and shops.

(Temporarily) alone, on Half Moon Cay. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, is a private island used by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The Bahamas' Half Moon Cay is a picture-perfect castaway island with a white sand beach and quiet, emerald-blue waters. This port of call, which is privately owned by the Carnival Corporation, is only utilised by ships that have this lovely retreat on their schedule. Half Moon Cay usually ranks first despite stiff competition from other private cruise-owned islands. This is mostly because to the lengthy stretch of beach with its incredibly soft, white sand and variety of sports, such horseback riding. This tranquil island, which was formerly known as Little San Salvador Island, is 2400 acres (less than 4 square miles) in size. A large portion of it has been preserved as a nature preserve with native vegetation for nesting birds and fauna. Tenders are now used to bring cruise ships ashore, but a new deep-water dock is soon to be built. When you land, you can anticipate a lovely day at the beach with lots of opportunities for water sports, boat tours, swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. A chapel for marriages, an ice cream shop, a bar, a food pavilion, restrooms, and a welcome centre with information and excursions are all on the island. At the Straw Market, you can look forward to purchasing mementos, regional handicrafts, and beachwear. You can also check out the watersports facility, go horseback riding on the sand, or schedule an appointment at the Half Moon Salon. Children can have fun at the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, which features slides and a pirate ship. Cruise passengers can reserve private cabanas, stingray encounters, and water sports. The ship Henry Hudson owned and that is depicted on the Holland America logo is called Half Moon, and this creates a lovely connection between the island and the cruise line. The cay was initially purchased by Norwegian Cruise Line and sold to Holland America Line (HAL), a division of the Carnival Group, in 1996 for $6 million. For its cruise guests, HAL created a private luxury resort on around 50 acres, and it oversees the remaining 2,400 acres as a wildlife refuge.

This is the Port Everglades cruise terminal in Ft. Lauderdale. The Celebrity Beyond is using its side thrusters to cast off just ahead of us. Whenever our big ship can’t get close enough to dock somewhere, or if the weather is too dramatic, tender boats come out and get us. These tenders will spend most of the day ferrying passengers back-and-forth while we’re in port. This particular ship-to-shore trip will be quick and fun. I love seeing the New Amsterdam from these lower angles. Dry impressive. Built in 2010, 900 feet long, 2,000 passengers, 900 crew, 87 thousand tons of floating ease. We’re heading to Holland-America’s private island - Half Moon Cay - white sandy beaches lapped by calm blue waters.

This is Key Biscayne, Florida. Suburb of, and short drive to, Miami, there in the distance. When you’re up this early, you get to watch the big Tonka toys grooming the beach. You totally scored, job-wise, if you're the one in the cab. I wonder what they do to relax after work? Let me leave you with this lucky shot of a lucky boy.

Pre flight. Jet A-1 aviation fuel being topped-up. Marshalls with illuminated wands, signalling. Leading our aircraft to the runway Air Canada. As far as the eye can see. Here’s one for you. The wing-span of most large jets is over 200ft, which is almost double the length of the Wright Brothers entire first flight. There’s nothing like that feeling of leaving the earth. Lightening up. Heading for the sky. Heading south. Sunshine and warmth, dead ahead.

I love airports, especially during sunrises and sunsets. Interesting architecture. excited people jetting off on different adventures. An overall sense of movement. Progress. Vitality. In answer to how he was able to sell so many cars, Henry Ford said, “because people always want to be where they ain’t.” I think that applies to all forms of people transportation. People always want to be where they ain’t.

On a 5 am, mid-March flight from Ottawa to Toronto, with a leisurely 2-hour connection cushion. The clouds were ethereal and the light was magical, and of course, I had the window seat… along with my iPhone 13. - - Since the beginning of my career, I’ve always done a lot of flying. And thankfully, always to somewhere fun. Like this morning. Even though I’m 6’2” - I STILL always take the window seat. That’s where you can contemplate. That’s where you can dream. That’s where - for me, I’m not on wifi and I’m not interested in any of the on-board movies - if there even are any. I’m just thankin’. Thinking About anything and everything and nothing… and where I’m headed. In the immediate and in the distant future.

Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence. - Osho. Key Biscayne is an island near Miami, Florida, connected via the Rickenbacker Causeway. The average household income is $120,500.00. Housing prices are 375% higher than all other US city averages.

6-month-old blonde Norwich Terrier puppy, Miles, LOVES to wrestle and play with his father, 3-year-old Russell. And watch out for the camera! :) instagram.com/russell.and.miles/

deep forest winter hearth

An articulated bus, also referred to as a banana bus, bendy bus, tandem bus, vestibule bus, wiggle wagon, stretch bus, or an accordion bus, (either a motor bus or trolleybus) is an articulated vehicle used in public transportation. It is usually a single-decker, and comprises two or more rigid sections linked by a pivoting joint (articulation) enclosed by protective bellows inside and outside and a cover plate on the floor. This allows a longer legal length than rigid-bodied buses, and hence a higher passenger capacity (94–120), while still allowing the bus to maneuver adequately. . Articulated buses are typically 18 m (59 ft) long, in contrast to standard rigid buses at 11 to 14 m (36 to 46 ft) long. . Early examples of the articulated bus appeared in Europe in the 1920s. In 1938, Twin Coach built an articulated bus for the city of Baltimore; this bus, which had four axles on a 47 ft (14.33 m) long body, was only articulated in the vertical direction to accommodate steep grades. 15 examples of the "Super Twin" were built in 1948, but it was not developed further. . In the United States, articulated buses were imported from Europe and deployed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. . The main benefits of an articulated bus over the double-decker bus are rapid simultaneous boarding and disembarkation through more and larger doors, somewhat larger passenger capacity, increased stability arising from a lower centre of gravity, smaller frontal area giving less air resistance than double decker buses thus better fuel efficiency, often a smaller turning radius, higher maximum service speed, the ability to pass under low bridges, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly.

Today is February 15 and for the last few days the snow has been melting away, as if Spring were right around the corner. NOT!

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney. Located on the waterfront of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous landmarks and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. . The Opera House is Sydney's most famous landmark. It is a multipurpose performing arts facility whose largest venue is the 2,679-seat Concert Hall, which often hosts symphonic concerts, choral performances and popular music performances. Opera and dance performances, including ballets, are staged in the Opera House (renamed the Joan Sutherland Theater in 2012 in honour of the famous Australian opera soprano), which seats more than 1,500. . There are also three theaters of different sizes and configurations for plays, film screenings and small musical performances. . The forecourt at the southeastern end of the complex is used for outdoor performances. . The building also houses a restaurant and a professional recording studio. . In 2007, the Opera House was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. . The Sydney opera house was designed by Bertram Stevens and built between 1973 and 1982 . The Sydney Opera House allows visitors to roam freely within the grounds. When the theater is not showing, you can go in and admire the interior. You can click as many photos as you want, use their toilets, and enjoy the view from the huge steps. Catching a show at one of the six theaters that host operas, musicals and other live entertainment is a great way to experience the place. . Some of the regular performances in resident companies include the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bangara Dance Theatre, Opera Australia, Sydney Theater Company, Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Ballet. . The Opera House is also at the center of a culinary experience, the best of which is the Bennelong Restaurant. It is run by renowned Australian chef Peter Gilmore. The restaurant offers a gourmet menu including some of Australia's best wine and food. Book ahead for a table with harbor views, and if not, you can always head to the trendy bar. . Children and theater don't always mix, so the Sydney Opera House offers Teen Adventures to let your little ones experience the joy of live theatre. The tour lasts one hour. You can accompany your children while professional guides share interesting stories and engage them in interactive activities. Finally, the child has a chance to dress up! . You can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, take a short walk along the waterfront from the Sydney Opera House, and visit Circular Quay if you want to take a leisurely stroll south along the Promenade from the Sydney Opera House. . All in all, a trip to Sydney is not worth a trip to Sydney without visiting the Sydney Opera House with family or friends and its musicals, operas, plays, live entertainment and beautiful surroundings. For a blend of architecture, art, culture and incredible harbor views, visit the Sydney Opera House.

Miles, a 6-month-old Norwich Terrier puppy, tries in vain to shake the snow off his face. It certainly doesn’t shake free as easily as water lol —— And here we are on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/russell.and.miles/

Rambunctious Norwich Terrier 6-month-old puppy, Miles, gets to his favourite part of the walk, where his dad lets go of the leash and lets him run and run and run some more! And here we are on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/russell.and.miles/ - - - - Mariachi Snooze by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100166 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

You just know that father & son Russell & Miles are Canadian-born doggies - they're completely confident on a hockey rink, eh! Granted, there is a firm layer of fresh snow over the ice, but all the same, look at those cuties running with abandon! And here we are on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/russell.and.miles/

And there are a lot! Here we softly drift through a few of them. A list, for those interested. Road tunnels Arenatunnel, Amsterdam Beneluxtunnel Botlektunnel Coentunnel and Second Coen Tunnel, Amsterdam Drechttunnel, Dordrecht Heinenoordtunnel Hubertustunnel, The Hague IJtunnel, Amsterdam Ketheltunnel, Schiedam Kiltunnel, Dordrecht Koningstunnel, The Hague Maasboulevaardtunnel, Maastricht Maastunnel, Rotterdam Noordtunnel Piet Hein Tunnel, Amsterdam Roertunnel, Roermond Schipholtunnel, A4 motorway near Amsterdam Airport Sijtwendetunnel, Leidschendam-Voorburg Swalmentunnel Stationsplein, Leiden Stationstunnel, Venlo Thomassentunnel Velsertunnel Vlaketunnel Western Scheldt Tunnel (Dutch: Westerscheldetunnel) Wijkertunnel Zeeburgertunnel Railroad tunnels Botlek Rail Tunnel, Rotterdam Hemtunnel [nl], Amsterdam under North Sea Canal HSL-Zuid Tunnel Groene Hart railroad tunnels at Best, Rijswijk Sophiaspoortunnel, part of Betuweroute Schipholtunnel (railroad near Amsterdam Airport) Velsertunnel under the North Sea Canal Willemstunnel under Nieuwe Maas Metro tunnels northeast side of the Amsterdam metro system central part of the Rotterdam metro system metro tunnel under the Nieuwe Maas waterway metro tunnel under the Nieuwe Waterweg waterway, along Beneluxtunnel Light-rail tunnels tram tunnel Grote Marktstraat (TTGM), The Hague Pedestrian tunnels Maastunnel, Rotterdam also has tubes for pedestrians and cyclists

Minus 20 Degrees! Is that NICE weather for ducks? I’m looking down from Ottawa’s Bank Street bridge through -20C (-4F) wind, snow and ice at the seemingly perfectly comfortable ducks below. Isn’t nature amazing? How do ducks keep their feet from freezing in cold water? We can understand how feathers protect water birds from almost freezing water, but how do they keep their feet from freezing? Ducks adapt to cold weather by using a counter-current heat exchange system between the arteries and veins in their legs. In ducks, veins that take blood from the extremities back to the heart, surround the arteries that take blood from the heart and pump it away to the extremities. As the warm blood comes from the heart, it goes through the body and to the extremities, particularly the legs, and encounters veins. The warmth from the blood passes through to the surrounding vein and brings warm blood back to the body cavity. As the blood enters the legs, it cools quite significantly. The feathered part of bird can be 25 C while the legs dip to 1 C. The bird therefore doesn't lose much heat to the environment. The birds' legs also have tendons and bonesinstead of muscles and nerves like in mammals, whichneed more oxygenated blood. Ducks can freeze to death in severe cold. Ducks are equipped with natural insulation in their bodies that helps them resist cold but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to death. Adult ducks are less susceptible to the cold than ducklings and, as a whole ducks are more resistant to cold than many other birds. Here are three ways ducks protect themselves from low temperatures: Possession of Preen Glands A preen gland produces sebum (oil) and is located near the tail of ducks. When preening (i.e. rubbing their beak over their body to clean themselves and reposition their feathers), ducks spread the oil produced by the preen gland over their body. Preening makes the feathers of ducks to become waterproof. Waterproof feathers permit very little or no amount of water (which easily gets cold) to reach the body of ducks. So Many Downs The down of birds is a type of feather that is soft with filaments scattered in every direction. Down feathers are below the feathers above. Down feathers are insulators as they trap air, and ducks can be warm even in harsh conditions). Exchange of Blood Temperature in Their Legs Ducks have feathers to protect their bodies from low temperatures. The only parts of the body of ducks without feathers are their legs. Luckily, ducks (and a few other birds) are equipped with a marvelous exchange system in their legs. Their arteries and veins are so close, so when warm blood from their warm body flows into their legs, it increasing the temperature of the cold blood flowing into their body (from their legs). The ability to exchange blood temperature in their legs makes ducks walk on cold (or icy) surfaces for a long time without major impacts.

Russell the Norwich terrier is three years old. His blondie son, Miles, is a three month old puppy. This is Miles very first time out in the country, and it’s a damp but warm September afternoon in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. For Miles, everything is brand new. Everything! And Miles can afford to be a little bit brave, as dad is always nearby. So imagine you are little Miles, experiencing nature in the country for the first time ever. Russell & Miles on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/russell.and.miles/

As I was crossing the Bank Street bridge over Ottawa’s Rideau River early this morning in minus 6 degrees C weather, I glanced down at the frigid water. And what did I spy? A frozen bike? :) - - - - - - - Abandoned bikes: where do they go? (Excerpt from an article by Kathryn Hunt) The police hold an auction a couple of times a year, where they auction off any bikes that aren’t claimed. But how long does a bike have to sit in a public place before someone comes by to remove it? And who does that? Where does the money from the auction go and who comes to the auction? How do you know where to go if your bike’s been left out and taken away? Well apparently the majority of the bikes processed by the police are found; generally stolen and then recovered when they’re abandoned and someone reports finding them. When a bike is left locked in a public place, it’s up to the owner of the property to report it: they have to call the city to get someone to come out and cut the locks. Say the bike is left locked to the rail on the steps of a church: someone from the church has to call it in. If it’s left locked to a city bike rack, presumably someone from the city is charged with monitoring how long it stays there and when it comes down. Anyway, the city collects them, then the bikes are picked up by the police and entered into the Canadian Police Information Centre. If the bike has a serial number, it will be entered into the database. And if you happen to know your bike’s serial number, you can search for it and find out if it’s been turned in anywhere. . . although I’m willing to bet most if not all of the cyclists I know don’t have a clue what their bike’s number might be. Maybe if you paid $1000 or so for your bike you’d know that, but generally bikes are like cats: few people go out and get purebreds. More often they’re adopted, secondhand, bought from friends, acquired, inherited from moves. The police enter the bike into CPIC, and then hold onto it for a minimum of 30 days. If no one has claimed the bike in that time (and 80% of bikes go unclaimed) then the bikes are collected by an organization called Crown Assets Distribution, which is “a federal government organization responsible for the sale, distribution, disposal and re-use of surplus federal goods.” Their website posts items for auction, and sells everything from clothing to cars on a blind bidding system. So the bikes don’t get donated to any non-profit organizations, but presumably they do find a new lease on life, and new owners, sooner or later. . . how much sooner or later depends on where they get left, and who decides to declare them abandoned, and whether they know to call it in. Something tells me most bikes sit on their own a good long while before someone gets irritated with them being there. https://spacing.ca/ottawa/2010/01/12/abandoned/

Miles, our little 3-month-old Norwich Terrier, runs after his dad, 3-year-old Russell, but he takes a bouncy tumble along the way! No problem, as he rolls with it and runs some more! Here we are on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/russell.and.miles/

Or perhaps it’s Devon Island? 😎 Nope. We’re gliding across the surface of my frozen backyard pond. - Peter Beamish Music: Feels. by: @patrickpatrikios2050