Monthly Archives: September 2022

It has not been long since the United Nations Security General outcried an ocean emergency at Lisbon held UN Ocean Conference in June 2022 describing the threats debilitating and pushing healthy ocean ecosystems towards collapse.

It is embarrassing to note that nearly ninety percent of the current temperature rise in the world has concentrated in oceans as per NASAs data and hence, many limnetic zone species may even be extinct before their discovery.

Recently, advocacy failed to reach consensus at a global forum wherein 168 countries on a United Nations treaty for protecting the High Seas and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Although oceans have helped sustain the planet by being the greatest carbon sinks, yet ironically, there existed no dedicated treaty for preserving the health of our oceans and hence this agreement has been called the Paris Agreement for the Ocean.

An Ecologist explains: The policy opportunity this represents is much rarer than once in a lifetime. How we should protect two-thirds of the worlds oceans, [and] its the first time in human history that this has ever been asked.

Water beyond 200 nautical miles or 370 kms of any state, are not included within its Exclusive Economic Zone (within 370 kms), territorial sea (22 kms) or its internal waters and hence, are called open waters or high seas.

As these are way beyond the sovereignty of any particular state, they are free to be accessed by any coastal or land-locked nation and consequently enjoy freedom of navigation, overflight, operate submarine cables or pipelines, fishing, scientific research and even construction of artificial island under exceptions.

High Seas are often termed as the common heritage of all mankind.

But this easy access, least accountability and the greed surfacing to extract a not-so-owned resource has resulted in almost every country to operate freely involving large-scale drilling, bottom trawling to catch fishes and other animals, blast fishing, deep sea mining etc.

This has directly and indirectly impacted ocean ecosystems and every being that depends on it.

A widely signed international agreement in 1982 called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), often termed as the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty provides a legal framework governing all marine and maritime activities.

Although 133 countries have signed and ratified the UNCLOS, there are a few likeIsrael, Canada, USA, Turkey, Venezuelawho have not signed it and others like China who have signed it but are constantly in disputes around its provisions.

The foundation of UNCLOS also created the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and allied conflict-resolution mechanisms for maritime disputes.

For the specific cause, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) works in consonance with the United Nations and other specialized agencies like UNESCO, FAO or ILO.

A treaty was supposed to be negotiated for ocean health and its plethora of resources under the UNCLOS of 1982 itself governing the respective rights of countries beyond the dedicated waters. However, a UN resolution of 2017 with a similar motive set the year 2022 as deadline.

This new negotiation requested to be binding by many States includes establishing marine protected areas (MPAs),environmental impact assessments (EIAs)for marine projects, ecological and scientific expertise sharing etc.

The new deal will also provide for deciding the rights of companies undertaking prospection and exploration of biotic resources in these high seas.

AHigh Ambition Coalition, to be formed with more than 100 countries consisting of India, United Kingdom, United States, have derived a 3030 goal aimed at protecting 30 percent of the oceans by 2030.

This, as per the researchers, couldnt have been possible a few years back.

But the current oceanographic tools basically allow researchers to understand complex scenarios.

For instance, locating and mapping the spawning and feeding grounds those need to be preferably reserved if not all can be conserved? What can happen if the two ecosystems and their beings collide?

An Oceanographer reports: Protecting 30 percent of the area of the high seas doesnt protect 30% of the most valuable conservation features because of the way habitats and species are distributed.

For 30 percent of ecosystem types to be represented, at least 40 percent of open waters need protection.

Several discrete reasons have led to the temporary stalemate over this treaty.

The legalities of this treaty have been a bone of contention for many as many institutions like International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have demanded it to be only binding to be more effective.

Even certain Caribbean countries displayed displeasure on the fact that affluent countries of the Global North anyhow did not actively take up the issue expect last few days to validate the treaty.

Their doubts have remained unaddressed and there is an urgent need for the division of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) equally among all countries and not just dedicated viable interests of a few.

This is not just the only motive for disregard of the treaty but certain countries engaged in deep sea mining of polymetallic nodules or over-fishing have also decided to jeopardize the treaty.

Meanwhile there is another faction composed of climate-centered NGOs, climate scientists, environmental activists as well as delegates of certain countries who want strict preservation and designation of MPAs in high seas while allowing the overfished regions to recover.

Devolution and distribution of potential profits from future exploitation of MGRs ended in quite an inconsolable disagreement.

With respect to the treaty, the talks will supposedly be continued next year after the current stalemate unless there is some special provision made to meet on similar lines.

The world needs to find consensus for the fact that we need to urgently address warming and other perils infecting our waters and hence a fundamental shift is required to understand and manage it.

This perception is crucial for an adaptable climate change, consistent food security and above all, our well-being.

Especially the high seas making up nearly 60 percent of the ocean need to be fostered carefully and their protection through international agreements need to be increased from a mere one per cent currently.

It is therefore, not only needed for 3 billion people to survive but thedependence of planets survival is inherent in an absolute marine health.

A Researcher adds to the cause by asserting: Given how fast species have declined in the last 20 years, it will be a catastrophe if we cant capitalize on this momentum.

Continued here:

Without the Paris Agreement for the Ocean and with the High Seas at risk, Climate Action cannot be achieve ... - The Indian Wire

Ubisoft shared a ton of information on the projects, known and never-before-seen, during its Ubisoft Forward event. Here are the highlights.

Ubisoft showed off new gameplay footage of the latest installment in the Mario + Rabbids franchise. We got a deeper look at the world of Tera Flora where Mario, Peach, Luigi, and their weird-ass Rabbid counterparts work together to bring down a corrupted wiggler train. The gameplay trailer emphasizes synergy and teamwork, in which combining each characters unique powers unleash devastating attacks. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope launches on the Nintendo Switch on October 20th.

The release of Skull and Bones, Ubisofts open-world pirate adventure game, is nigh at hand. Ubisoft shared a few more details on the game, highlighting how youll become the pirate lord of the Indian Ocean. Gearing up your ship is key to maintaining your dominance of the sea. Choose from a wealth of options to customize your ships ammo, armor, and look tailored to whatever play style you fancy. Ubisoft also announced that Skull and Bones would feature cross play at launch, making it easier for you and your friends to form a cabal of pirates to pillage the high seas. Skull and Bones launches on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Stadia, and Luna on November 8th.

Riders Republic enters its forthcoming fourth season with an update bringing new cosmetics and a new way to shred. (Do kids still say shred? No? Too bad.) BMX bikes are coming with this latest season along with Vans the accessory necessary to any serious BMX trick rider.

Tom Clancys The Division 2 is still going strong with Ubisoft announcing its committing to a fifth year of development for the post-apocalyptic action RPG. Season 10 and 11 will close out 2022 offering quality of life updates and new gameplay modes. Additionally, Ubisoft announced The Division Heartland, a free-to-play standalone adventure set within The Division universe. In the mobile realm of The Division, The Division Resurgence got a brand new trailer introducing The Divisions popular Dark Zone areas into the mobile experience.

The Division wasnt the only Tom Clancy universe on display. Ubisoft briefly explored its Rainbow Six mobile title, announcing a closed beta will start on September 12th.

Ubisoft took a moment to talk about its Netflix partnership thatll bring three Ubisoft titles to mobile exclusively via the streaming platform. Expect the second installment in the Mighty Quest series, and the sequel to Valiant Hearts, in 2023, and an Assassins Creed mobile game along with a live-action series. No word on if the AssCreed mobile game in question will be either Codename Jade or Hexe that were announced later in the presentation.

As AssCreed enters its 15th year of impractically swan diving into bales of hay, Ubisoft ended its presentation celebrating the history of the companys flagship title. We got several new game announcements as well as news that the final chapter of Assassins Creed Valhalla is coming soon.

Excerpt from:

All the best from the Ubisoft Forward event - The Verge

Typhoon Inday (international name: Muifa)continued to intensify as it started to decelerate over the sea east of Taiwan, weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said the center of the eye of Inday was last spotted 335 km Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (22.5N, 124.5E).

It has maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 205 km/h, and central pressure of 950 hPa.

PAGASA said Indays present movement is west northwestward at 10 km/h.

It also has strong to typhoon-force winds extending outwards up to 310 km from the center.

PAGASA said Inday is forecast to move generally north northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan on Sunday through Monday morning, gradually decelerating during the process.

Rainfall, winds

Based on the bulletin, Inday remains less likely to directly bring heavy rains in the country throughout the forecast period.

However, its outermost rainbands and the Southwest Monsoon may bring rain showers and thunderstorms over Batanes and the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

Further, while the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals remains less likely at this time, PAGASA said that further westward shift in the track forecast and/or expansion in the extent of tropical cyclone winds may result in the hoisting of wind signals over portions of Extreme Northern Luzon.

Gusty conditions reaching strong to gale-force strength may also be experienced over Extreme Northern Luzon on Monday due to the channeling of the typhoon circulation in the Luzon Strait.

Coastal waters

A gale warning likewise remains in effect for the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to Inday.

With this, moderate to rough seas over the eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon are expected reaching 1.2 to 3.0 meters high.

PAGASA warned that such sea conditions may be risky for those using small seacraft, while mariners were advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and avoid navigating if possible.

Track, intensity

PAGASA said further intensification of Inday will continue on Sunday through Monday morning as the storm tracks northwestward over the sea east of Taiwan.

However, the slightly cooler waters east of Taiwan and the forecast slow-down period over this sea area may result in a weakening trend beginning late Monday or on Tuesday, it added.

For the rest of Monday through Tuesday, the typhoon will move northward slowly towards the vicinity of Yaeyama Islands and the East China Sea.

Inday may then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday morning or afternoon.Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News

View original post here:

Inday further intensifies, starts to decelerate over sea east of Taiwan - GMA News Online

Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship at 1,188 feet, has a maximum capacity of 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members. The mega-ship has 18 decks and offers eight distinct neighborhoods, including a central park with 20,000 plants and trees. Aboard the ship are 40 restaurants and bars offering diverse fare from homespun southern classics to rustic Italian favorites.

In addition to the tallest water slide at sea, guests can enjoy a childrens playground, 1,400-seat theater, a full-sized basketball court, ice skating rink, surf simulator and zip line 10 decks high.

The ships advanced wastewater purification system treats 570,000 gallons per day, complemented by a reverse osmosis desalination plant, glass crushers, a cardboard baller, aluminum can compactor and food waste pulper.

This reads like a travel brochure, but it also sounds a lot like the SS Aspen.

Docked at the eastern end of the Pitkin County pier, our mega-ship is home to 7,700 permanent passengers who have chosen a unique albeit expensive lifestyle of adventure, eschewing life on terra firma to live where others only aspire to visit.

This number is deceptive, however, because it does not reflect the ships capacity, which is far greater yet mysteriously unspecified; 7,700 represents the full-time passengers (who reside on the various decks) and includes an unknown number of crew members, who earn wages and receive room and board in exchange for working hospitality and service jobs aboard the ship.

Further conflating the 7,700 number is a distinct class of aspirational passengers who have figured out how to work while onboard when not cavorting with the other passengers who are heavily taxed to provide them cabins on a subsidized basis.

Their work is legitimate; theyre not on vacation on this pricey ship. But although they appear busy and generate income to cover their onboard expenses, many are in no way essential to the ships operations. Theyre neither sweating in the engine room nor working the line in the kitchen. Unlike the crew, theyre regularly found poolside and in the casino in their off hours. Theyre along for the ride at a deep discount, the unintended consequence of decisions made in a bygone era.

In this post-pandemic period of rough seas, however, the SS Aspens fragile onboard dynamic has shifted and a malaise is growing, threatening the delicate balance between the ships physical capacity, its ability to charge its paying passengers unprecedented prices for attractive onboard offerings and amenities, and the ships crews ability to deliver them.

The ships officers say its because theyre understaffed and cant hire sufficient crew, attributing this to a shortage of crew cabins and speculating that these are being converted and sold to paying passengers and perhaps even allocated to the aspirational folks who covet the good life onboard.

Paying passengers, permanent and visiting alike, are boarding in record numbers, paying a tidy sum to do so, and are more demanding than ever. Every deck is full, even on the most expensive upper deck, which is now the first to fill. No surprise, word is out and the wait is long for aspirational passengers who look on from shore and clamor to come aboard for a life of smooth sailing.

The aspiring passengers already aboard are the lucky ones, blending in seamlessly with the others and demanding the same high-end benefits and services: fluffy towels, frozen daquiris, Broadway shows and bottomless champagne, and further contributing to the overwhelming pressure on the already understaffed and overworked crew, among which morale is at an all-time low.

Before the SS Aspen hits the figurative iceberg, its time to turn this thing on a dime.

Sadly, it falls to the ships officers, former crew members and aspirational passengers themselves to save the ship. Their judgment is often clouded by the fact theyve never worked anywhere else and are most troubled by making decisions that might hurt the feelings of non-essential passengers.

Its clearly time for new, more professional leadership. With political will and some tough choices, the ship can still right itself.

Welcome aboard.

We have a housing crisis but its not a shortage. Its time to fundamentally transform our publicly subsidized housing program in order to save it. Contact TheRedAntEM@comcast.net

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Milias: The ship of fools, SS Aspen - The Aspen Times

For the first time in Holland Americas history, it will sponsor college sports via its partnership with the University of Washington Athletics, being named the Official Cruise Line of Husky Athletics.

This multi-year sponsorship agreementwill establish an ideal relationship for two of Seattles iconic brands, and Holland America Lines spirit will be visible throughout Husky Stadium at football games and across UW Athletics media channels.

Coinciding with this years football season, the University of Washington (UW) Athletics will have an Official Cruise Line of Husky Athletics, Seattle-based Holland America Line, through a multi-year sponsorship.

This sponsorship will be the first time the 150-year-old line partners with college sports, reinforcing the foundation of the two Seatle-based brands.

Seattles hometown college team, Husky Athletics, will now feature additional in-game activations, promotions, and on-site branding in collaboration with the cruise line.

The president of Holland America Line, Gus Antorcha stated, Were proud to launch this new partnership with University of Washington Athletics and give fans more ways to create memorable moments.

We have many team members in our organization who are UW alum, and were looking forward to wearing our purple and gold in support of the Huskies, Antorcha added.

Throughout Husky Stadium, the lines partnership will be evident at UW football games and across UW Athletics media channels. Additionally, the cruise line will be integrated into traditional Husky football game-day experiences like the Wave.

Historically, the first wave was created at a University of Washington football game against Stanford at Husky Stadium on October 31, 1981, Halloween day over two decades ago.

A long-standing tradition at Husky Harbor, sailgating, will highlight Holland America Lines nautical foundation during the current and upcoming UW Football seasons, elevating the waterside experience with new dock branding and new activities for sailgaters on game days.

The Chief Revenue Officer,Heath Bennett, stated, We are proud to partner with Holland America Line, the leading premium cruise line in the travel industry.

We both take great pride in representing Seattle with excellence and working toward greatness, so we are thankful for the partnership and look forward to future collaboration, Bennett said.

With its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, Holland America Line currently operates 43 cruises aboard three of its fleet from the Port of Seattle to Alaska, Asia, Australia, and the Panama Canal.

Since the 1970s, the line has been sailing from the Port of Seattle and in May 2002, it began using the port as a home port for its Alaska cruises.

Holland America Line and its Foundation have been giving charitably for decades, particularly in their home port communities, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in cash and in-kind shipboard events to several charitable organizations.

Beginning in February 2013, the cruise line and the Holland America Line Foundation have taken the fight against cancer to the high seas with On Deck for a Cause, a non-competitive 5k fundraising walk on each sailing.

On a day at sea, all guests are welcome to participate in a 5k walk around the ships wide teak decks and invited to donate $20 to the Holland America Line Foundation, with 75 percent ($15) being distributed to partnering organizations.

Read Also: Holland America Details 73-Day Grand Africa Voyage

Additionally, the cruise line hosts shipboard charity luncheons for thousands of guests, providing cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events.

The lines charitable efforts have included long-standing partnerships such as sponsoring the Seattle Mariners Salute to Those Who Serve initiative and donating more than $100,000 to Seattle Childrens Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund.

The rest is here:

Holland America Partners With University of Washington Athletics - Cruise Hive

You may be visiting dozens of port cities featuring some of the worlds finest galleries while cruising, but you dont even need to step foot off your ship to experience fabulous pieces of art.

Regent Seven Seas has a particular dedication to bringing fine art to the high seas. The Seven Seas Splendour alone features museum-quality pieces from more than 200 artists.

We created a contemporary fine art collection that transforms each space with thoughtfulness, colour and inspired creativity to the perfect ambience of luxury, Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd,says on the Regent Seven Seas website.

Del Rio personally commissioned the pieces for the ship.

But its not just pieces of art the line is invested in. Regent recently became a sponsor of the Art Gallery of New South Wales member society, the Australian Ballet and the Queensland Ballet.

In our latest episode of the On Board with Cruise Passenger podcast, we talk ship with Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region for Regent Seven Seas about the lines investment in artful cruising.

He tells us about the meticulously curated onboard collections, lectures from art historians offered during days at sea and about the galleries on shore at about 450. different ports.

Listen to the podcast below, or on your preferred streaming service including Spotify.

The rest is here:

Discover the art of cruising with Regent Seven Seas - Cruise Passenger

Heavy surf, producing rip currents and weather advisories, kept the ocean off-limits to swimmers in most local communities, where lifeguards were on weekend duty following last weeks Labor Day holiday.

(A full update on the rip currents, plus current advisories, continues underneath the photos of todays waves.)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

A sign indicating no lifeguards on duty in Bay Head, N.J. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Lifeguards keep watch over the beach in Ortley Beach, N.J. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Heavy surf leads to dangerous rip currents, Sept. 10, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

In Ocean County, waves whipped up by a combination of the moon phase and the remnants of Hurricane Earl, now a post-tropical cyclone hovering off the Canadian Maritimes, produced seas of more than 5-feet offshore, large waves at beaches and strong rip currents. A rip current advisory was in effect through Sunday, as well as a small craft advisory.

Entering the surf is discouraged, the advisory, which expires 6 p.m. Sunday, said.

The National Weather Service was forecasting 5-foot seas Sunday, foggy conditions at times, and continued rip currents at the shoreline.

Waves and winds should subside a bit, however, a long period easterly swell will continue, the NWS said in a statement. Therefore, a high risk for dangerous rip currents at New Jersey and Delaware beaches continues through Sunday.

By Monday, winds and waves are forecast subside further, leading the NWS to forecast a moderate risk for the formation of dangerous rip currents on Monday.

As a reminder, many beaches now have limited to no lifeguards present, the statement said.

The NWS also warned of a mild to moderate threat of coastal flooding Sunday, though mainly during the AM high tide period.

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Watch: Heavy Surf Keeps Swimmers Out of the Water at Local Beaches - Shorebeat

40 years ago, the future of Star Trek was hanging in the balance. The TV series had been cancelled in 1969, and an attempted revival with 1979s Star Trek: The Motion Picture had been less than successful. The second film grudgingly greenlit by its studio on a vastly reduced budget was itself drifting into the seas of troubled production until, at the eleventh hour, director Nicholas Meyer came aboard. With Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, he not only saved the film, but the franchise.

The story has been repeated so often its now a cliche: Gene Roddenberry first pitched Star Trek to the NBC network as Wagon Train to the stars. Roddenberry had experience with television Westerns, having written for Bat Masterson and Jefferson Drum, and contributed an award-winning episode to Have Gun Will Travel: all part of the extraordinary proliferation of Western series and films that gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Star Treks similarity to Wagon Train pretty much begins and ends with it being constructed from self-contained episodes comprising a wider narrative of forward momentum: the wagon trains journey West, and the Enterprises five-year mission. But space as a frontier would also have been an immediately graspable concept for 1960s audiences steeped in the language of the Western: a context that these days is easy to miss.

Roddenberry was hustling the studio with an eye on what was popular, and its doubtful he ever really envisaged Star Trek as a Space Western per se although Star Trek episodes did occasionally borrow Western tropes: the Enterprise crew visiting settlers scratching a living from the soil of environmentally hostile planets; gunfights (with phasers) and hokey fisticuffs; and of course, theres the wonky third-season Spectre Of The Gun, in which Kirk and Spock find themselves in an alien re-creation of the OK Corral. But Roddenberrys Star Trek was always very plot-driven the characters often reduced to pegs on which to hang the Big Ideas. By the time of The Motion Picture, he was deep down a rabbit hole of sub-Kubrickian philosophising about post-humanism and transformation: viz the merging of Ilia with Vger and then with Decker, and the ungraspable alien vastness of Vger itself. It was all, to coin a pun, alienating to audiences.

Nicholas Meyer's Star Trek would be terror on the high seas just with spaceships, and no actual sea.

Clearly some rethinking was needed. Roddenberry was kept at arms length for the sequel, and although he isnt credited for having done so, Meyer entirely re-wrote The Wrath Of Khans screenplay according to his own whims. Far from a Western or another 2001, his take was that Star Trek was Hornblower in space referring to CS Foresters hero of a dozen novels and various adaptations, most recently on ITV in the early 2000s: an adventuresome naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars. Meyer had previously penned the Sherlock-Holmes-meets-Freud novel and screenplay The Seven Percent Solution, and written and directed the HG-Wells-meets-Jack-the-Ripper time travel romp Time After Time. Conceptual mash-ups were his thing (and hes continued to write novels in which Sherlock Holmes has met the likes of The Mummy and Bram Stoker). His Star Trek would be terror on the high seas just with spaceships, and no actual sea.

The Wrath Of Khan doesnt require any detailed Trek knowledge from a more general audience. You dont even need to have seen Space Seed, the 1966 first-season episode in which Khan originally appeared. Despite the Roman numeral in its title, Star Trek II is a perfect jumping-on point for people whove never boldly gone into an episode of Star Trek before. Everything you need, you already have through cultural osmosis. Oddly, theres barely even any sci-fi in it obviously, its set in space, on spaceships and, briefly, on a couple of strange new worlds, but there are no androids or robots, and aside from the Vulcans and mind-altering earwig thing (sorry, Ceti Eel), no aliens. Khan and his crew are human augments, but you dont even get much sense of that beyond Khans stated age, his distracting rock-solid cleavage, and his ability to lift people up with one arm.

Instead of technobabble, the terminology and iconography is much more obviously naval than previously. The language is instantly recognisable as that of the sea: ship, dock, admiral, plot a course, bow, stern, helm, belay that order, and these are, of course, the voyages of the Good Ship Enterprise Khan, reconfigured for the film as a mad pirate captain, tells Kirk that hes marooned him, as if on some rocky Pacific island. Kirk has a rack of what look like flintlock pistols on the wall of his ready room, not to mention a scale model of a ship in full sail. Kirk reads Dickens, but Khan has a copy of Moby Dick.

The buccaneering score evokes nothing so much as open oceans and the wind in your sails.

The new uniforms too actually The Motion Picture uniforms dyed burgundy now incorporate naval-style turtlenecks and rank insignia. And theres also James Horners extraordinary soundtrack, replacing Alexander Courages famous TV music and Jerry Goldsmiths rather martial Motion Picture theme (later used for The Next Generation) with a buccaneering score that evokes nothing so much as open oceans and the wind in in your sails. Its so massive and lush that it goes a long way to making The Wrath Of Khan seem like a huge movie, when, with the sound off, it actually looks rather small.

As Khan, Ricardo Montalban a former Mexican heartthrob who found fame in US film and television in a variety of nonsense was only on set for ten days and has surprisingly few scenes (and none with Kirk that arent over a view screen, meaning they never share the same physical space). But he feels like a serious threat because the movie tells you he is, and he looms in your memory thanks to the sheer size and eccentricity of his performance. His dialogue is ridiculous (He tasks me and I will have him!) but even when hes being quiet, theres an insane menace to him. Stories from behind the scenes suggest that the rest of the cast were coasting a bit until Montalbans mad intensity goaded them into upping their game.

And thankfully, the material was there to meet their new-found enthusiasm, Meyer leaning into the characters in a way that Roddenberry never really had. As much as its about ship battles, The Wrath Of Khan is about the interpersonal relationships and enduring friendships of the crew, particularly Kirk, Spock and McCoy, dealing with ageing and exhaustion and by the end of the film loss. Maybe that renewed focus on its actual people is the films greatest Star Trek legacy.

Well, that and KHAAAAAAAAN!

Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan Director's Cut is in UK cinemas and on 4K Ultra-HD now

More here:

How The Wrath Of Khan Saved Star Trek - Empire

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Creating a nursery mural can be as involved or straightforward as you'd like it to be. But however you do it, it's a wonderful way to add charm and character to a little one's room. And, before they become obsessed with Hello Kitty or Pokemon, the Marvel Universe or Disney princesses, you get to put your unique stamp on their space, in a way they'll appreciate and even maybe add to as they grow.

'You don't need to be an artist to be able to create great mural feature walls for your kids,' says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. 'There are many easy ways to do it. Work out a design on paper then scale up for the walls, using good masking tape to create crisp lines. Kids rooms have a license to be fun. Therefore, why not add a bit of playfulness by painting furniture to match or contrast with the walls.'

Cost needn't be a factor either. You could choose to splash out on a full-scale wallpaper mural that covers one or more walls, or you could pick a smaller peel-and-stick design that you can remove without causing damage.

Or why not pick up a few pots of leftover paint and have a go at designing your own mural? You can paint freehand or grab some tape and mask out a geometric design. It really is a nursery decorating idea that anyone can try. Just don't be afraid to make mistakes you can always paint over them!

A big fan of pattern and bold colour, Amy Cutmore has been part of the Ideal Home editorial team for 12 years and has taken on more than her fair share of paint-based makeovers. In researching this article, she spoke to decorating experts at Crown, COAT Paints and Dunelm to get their expert take on the best approach for adding a mural to a nursery, including the right paints to use and best approaches to design.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)

You may be tempted to channel your local soft play centre and go big and bold with primary colours in your nursery mural. However, that could prove counterproductive, particularly when you are trying to get baby settled for the night.

'Paler colours work well in a childrens room as they tend to be more relaxingand soothing both for the child and parents,' says Justyna Korczynska. 'A background of soft blues and greens or warm pinkygreys can be a good basis from which to add more colour.'

(Image credit: Future PLC/Julien Fernandez/Amandine et Jules)

A full-scale wallpaper mural is more of an investment, but pick the right design and it can continue to spark the imagination long after your little one is out of nappies.

An enchanted forest has fairytale charm - the mural above can add atmosphere to bedtime stories from The Gruffalo to Goldilocks.

Alternatively, consider a space theme, a jungle, or boats on the high seas.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Photoword LTD)

This is a great idea if you think a mural might otherwise appear too 'random'. Take a simple motif such as triangular 'mountains' above, trees or scalloped waves, and paint your mural. Then either buy or create bedroom wall art that features the same motif and hang it around the room to consolidate the theme.

You could do the same with curtains, a rug or your choice of bedding.

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Who needs lullabies when you can get in the mood for sleep with your nursery mural? This Goodnight Moon inspired wallpaper design by Dunelm will have everyone yawning and is a quick and affordable way to add character to an entire wall.

It would work really well with grey or white walls so if you're reinventing a neutral guest bedroom as a nursery, it's. great pick.

Shop now: Floating Clouds mural, from 50, Dunelm (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Rebel Walls)

Be inspired by the new life you've brought into the world with a mural of spring flowers growing tall on your wall. This large-format design by Rebel Walls will cover a large area quickly, so if you've left decorating to the last minute, it's a quick and super stylish option.

It's also not too 'babyish', so if you aren't a fan of cutesy designs, are toying with switching bedrooms around, or don't plan to stay in the house for years to come, choosing this design means you won't need to redecorate.

Shop now: Bumblebee wall mural in Sand, 38 per sq m, Rebel Walls (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Sir Face Murals at Etsy)

If you're decorating a rental property, it's unlikely you'll be able to daub your own hand-painted mural on the walls without risking the wrath of your landlord. That's where peel-and-stick designs come to the rescue.

This design is made of self-adhesive wall fabric, which is more eco-friendly and resilient than vinyl, and it's printed with non-toxic, kid-safe inks. Best of all, it can be removed and repositioned easily, so you can move it to another wall or room, and it won't leave a single mark behind.

We love the idea of this relaxing view, which might take the edge off those early morning feeds.

Shop now: Large Boho Nursery Arch, from 55.58, Sir Face Graphics at Etsy (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Future PLC)

A mural doesn't have to be complicated it can be as simple as a few diagonal lines. You could use these to zone a twin nursery or shared bedroom (yellow side for one sibling, pink for the other) or to demarcate different areas for sleep and play.

To create a sharp and neat line, we like to use Frog tape for masking.

Shop now: FrogTape Green Multi Surface Masking Tape, 6.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Crown)

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple shape or series of shapes to create the basis of a mural. A semi circle behind a cot or bed, or a series of triangular 'peaks' can form the basis of a mural that you can have fun embellishing over time.

One of my favouritemuralsfor a client was a mountain around the bottom half of her son's bedroom walls,' says Aaron Markwell,COATs Colour Curator. 'This made for a great gender-neutralmuralthat can be complemented with stickers or stencils of your child's favourite things when they are younger and "grows-up" with them.'

It's also a good way to highlight a piece of furniture, such as a changing station, cot, or nursing chair.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Richard Gadsby/25 Beautiful Homes)

Sure you could go for one big peel-and-stick mural. But you can have just as much fun with a series of smaller stickers. Play with scale and cleverly position your stickers around furniture an empty wall can host a larger tree, while a cot or shelf can double as a perch for animal friends.

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

A black wall can provide the backdrop for a truly fantastical nursery mural. Artist and interior designer Lucy Tiffney created this design using Annie Sloan paints (opens in new tab). You could have a go at hand-painting your own masterpiece, or simply dare to paint your walls dark and embellish them with adhesive mofits.

'Children respond to colour,' says Annie. 'Their instinctive attraction towards brighter shades isnt hampered by a learned fear of standing out, and we should capitalise on that! Bright shades inspire, build future confidence with experimentation, and activate fertile imaginations.'

Annie goes on to explain that 'as with white, all colours go with black; but they pop against black rather than sitting more gently alongside a blank canvas of white'.

Lucy has used Annie's Athenian Black here, but Farrow & Ball's Railings is another equally dark and dramatic option.

Shop now: Athenian Black wall paint, 55.95, Annie Sloan (opens in new tab)Shop now: Railings Modern emulsion, 56 for 2.5ltrs, Farrow & Ball at B&Q (opens in new tab)

Our tips on how to paint a wall will help you apply your chosen colours with a professional finish. But before you start, take care to pick the right paint for your project.

If there's one place not to skimp on cheap paint, it's the nursery. It could start to flake, and it could contain a higher level of VOCs volatile organic compounds that are given off by the paint. These pollute the air and are known to be harmful to the environment and can trigger asthma and allergies.

Look for paint low in VOCs, such as Crown Breatheasy, or Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, which is made entirely from raw plant and mineral materials. Graphenstone makes paint that goes one stage further not only does it not emit harmful VOCs but it actually cleans your air by absorbing CO2 as it dries.

Another important consideration when choosing paint for a nursery paint is wipe-ability whether you're dealing with sticky fingerprints or crayon marks. Again, most paint brands offer paints robust enough to deal with multiple clean downs. Crown has its stain- and scrub-resistant Easyclean, while Dulux offers an Easycarerange on similar lines.

Aaron Markwell,COATs Colour Curator recommends COAT's soft sheen finish in bedrooms for young children. 'Any crayon can easily be washed off,' he explains.

Original post:

10 sweet nursery mural ideas that are playful and practical - Ideal Home

Brussels, the once- upon-hometown of Cheyenne Olivier, who is my friend and illustrator, is dotted with thousands of friteries. These are shops where you can only buy French fries, along with an option on dozens of dipping sauces. Among them is currysaus, distinguished by the unmistakable hue and fragrance of curry powder.

Indian spices

It is a commonplace that no one in India cooks with curry powder. But on the other hand, the idea of a masala, a blending of a number of contrasting spices, is fundamental to Indian cooking. The problem with curry powder, which it shares with chicken tikka masala and chai, is less the lack of authenticity than the fact that it turns an incredibly rich and diverse culinary landscape into a kind of a Golden Triangle of eating.

It is not surprising that every culinary tradition tries to find the simplest ways to incorporate other traditions into its cooking vocabulary this is currysaus, currywurst in Germany, katsu curry in Japan (but also gobi 65). What is unfortunate is that this is where, for a vast majority of the worlds cooks, Indian food seems stuck, despite the fact that most eating cultures seem to be groping towards a more vegetarian diet, and the sheer splendour of what India has to offer by way of cooking vegetables. There are thousands of Indian restaurants across the world serving undifferentiated over-spiced glop, millions of packaged tikka masalas get sold every year, and varieties of curry powder show up in almost every kitchen, but relatively few non-desi chefs, other than a small global elite, many of them British, seem to be exploring how they could transform their cooking using everyday ideas from Indian cooks.

What really excites me is not the exotic or the baroque, not the early spring asparagus flown across the high seas to be served with posto-bata (poppy seed paste) in Kolkata, nor even the possibility of serving a freshly made burrata with a perfect Alphonso somewhere in the boot of Italy (much as I would love that), but the pairing of everyday flavours from across the world. The genius of Indian cooking is precisely the ability to figure out ways to use spices to lift the most mundane ingredients to a state of grace think lauki with poppy seeds, or lotus stems in a hing and fennel flavoured yogurt gravy. In a world in which eating the seasonal and local (as our forefathers did) is increasingly an imperative, this idea of using alliums, herbs and spices to make magic out of whatever is available has the potential to do its bit towards saving the world.

Read the original here:

What the world can learn from the Indian kitchen - Cond Nast Traveller India