August 08, 2013

Jane Austen's Sense of Duty and Obligation Has Been Lost in Modern Literature, Study Reveals






                                                                       

                                                                   

I cannot recall how many times I have read and watched “Pride and Prejudice”, as well as other Jane Austen novels. I rarely tire of them. 


My preferred versions of the film depictions are the Greer Garson/ Sir Laurence Olivier version, and the BBC’s Colin Firth/ Jennifer Ehle version.


Part of the charm of these stories lies in the fact that language, and times, have changed so enormously as the following article suggests. 


It is not only ‘a sense of duty and obligation’, although that is very true, but the etiquette as well.(Perhaps etiquette was indeed a duty and obligation?)


It is also learning an appreciation of how things were in a relatively isolated community many years ago. 


No 24-hour graphic news cycle to worry about!



Although “Pride and Prejudice’ is set during the Napoleonic wars one gets the sense of some ongoing conflict but never the full impact of this situation, much less the social aftermath of the French Revolution, and the living conditions in Great Britain at that time.

Maybe Jane Austen herself was not fully conversant with such matters. 

Perhaps she didn’t need to be.

I suspect she probably was, but preferred to write about people and the society she lived in, and the human condition. A lot of these societal characteristics haven't changed  that much. Found love, lost love,,,it's still happening to this day.

Imagine how many other great novels she would have written had we not lost her at the young age of 41.



I think ‘a sense of duty and obligation’ has disappeared from many parts of our lives, not just from literature.


As the research has shown today’s world and words are very different indeed.


I really enjoyed the “Bridget Jones” films. They are not quite literary giants; who knows if they will become classics in 200 years’ time, but they are certainly something many of us can relate to on so many levels whether it is Bridget herself, her friends or even her parents.



What these two stories have in common are mothers trying to marry off their daughters and very eager-to-marry daughters, but most of my friends’ favourite common thread is the fact that Colin Firth is in both of the movies!


‘Feeling’ about something does seem to trump things rather than ‘acting’ on them.

                                                                   

                                                                     

By Hannah Devlin


IN Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet fends off an unwelcome invitation from the self-important Lady Catherine de Bourgh with classic tact, citing pressing family commitments. "I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation," she replies. "But it is not in my power to accept it. I must be in town next Saturday." 
To most, this exchange may simply serve as further evidence of the ability of Jane Austen's favourite heroine to dispatch hectoring superiors and appalling suitors with efficiency and style.

However, according to an analysis of about 1.5 million British and American books, such references to family obligations - a common theme in Regency and Victorian fiction - have dramatically decreased in literature during the past two centuries.

The use of words linked to duty and obligation have become far less frequent, while words linked to individualism and materialism have risen in frequency, the study of books published between 1800 and 2000 has revealed. The words "choose" and "get", for example, have increased significantly while the use of "obliged" and "give" have fallen.

As readers of everything from Bridget Jones to Julian Barnes's novels might confirm, books today are decidedly more "feely".

While 19th-century protagonists were frequently found galloping across fields or dancing at balls, today's spend much more of their time pondering their internal worlds. This turn towards inner mental life and away from outward behaviour is reflected the gradual rise in the use of the word "feel" and a decline in the use of "act".

Professor Patricia Greenfield, a psychologist at the University of California Los Angeles, who carried out the research, believes that this reflects a shift in society away from living in small communities in a rural environment towards materialistic urban living.

"The currently discussed rise in individualism is not something recent but has been going on for centuries as we moved from a predominantly rural, low-tech society to a predominantly urban, high-tech society," she said, suggesting that a trend towards individualism was established well before Thatcherism or celebrity culture made an impact. Rather than reading a selection of books and laboriously interpreting their themes, Professor Greenfield relied on a more efficient, if less literary, method of teasing out the preoccupations and attitudes of the day.

Using Google's word count tool, the Ngram Viewer, which can count word frequencies in millions of books in less than a second, she analysed how the usage of various words has waxed and waned since 1800.

The investigation, published in the journal Psychological Science, involved more than 1 million books published between 1800 and 2000 in the US and about 350,000 books published in Britain during the same period. The body of literature included popular fiction, text books and academic works.

The study showed that the word "duty" declined between 1800 and 2000 to less than one third of its initial level, whereas "decision" showed a five-fold increase. The usage of "get" underwent a temporary decline between 1940 and the 1960s before rising again in the 1970s, which was attributed to a decline in self-interest during the Second World War and the Civil Rights movement.

Gordon Rudd, a computer scientist at the Keele University who has analysed plot structures in work by Shakespeare, Austen and Arthur Conan Doyle, said traditional scholars might not be impressed by Professor Greenfield's method. 

But he added: "That's a shame, because the underlying idea is a good one."

With many thanks to The Australian

Pictures Credits: FanPop, Handbag and Laredso.
                                                            


                                                                    

Related:
'The Great Gatsby': Seven Life Lessons
Is this pasted note Jane Austen's Last Missive?
Charles Dickens: Literary Legend
Charles Dickens: Literary Legend 
Spain Finds Don Quixote Writer Cervantes' Tomb In Madrid 
Where Do Fairy Tales Come From? 
Winnie The Pooh Named Kids' Favourite Book 
The Top 10 Shakespeare Scenes 
The Best and Worst of Hollywood's Book Adaptations? 
Is This Pasted Note Jane Austen's Final Missive? 
Sherlock Holmes: Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hero Still Going Strong 
Alice in Wonderland at 150 
Father Of Anne Frank Listed As Co-Author Of Diary To Extend Copyright
Sir John Monash: Grantlee Kieza’s Biography
Julia Child’s French Cooking Book Was A Trail Blazer 
Fairy Tales Are Grim! 



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August 06, 2013

Whale-watching in Australia


                                                                     
                                            
                                                                           


                                                                          



Lizzie sent me these great pictures from her whale watching experience in Coolangatta.
                                                                 




"They were not taken by me but by another person, Steve Triance.

My photos where not as spectacular as my digital has a short shutter delay and I sometimes missed the action. Steve had an SLR with tonnes of lenses.

It was a very exciting experience.
Apparently the Humpbacks (these ones) are the only whales that leap (breach) from the surface like this.

We were about 4 KM off shore and watched them leaping every minute or so for over an hour while we were following a pod of juvenile males up the coast.
They were real show offs.

They even swam under the boat and resurfaced in front of the bow and we could smell the air they expelled from the airhole on the top of their heads.
The boat captain said they were unusually active on this occasion.

We were on a 3 hour round trip. The whales were still leaping around as we reluctantly headed back to port. That evening we could see some leaping from the shore at Coolangatta, but they were a lot farther away than we'd got in the morning.

I went whale watching off Alaska a couple of years ago and this was much more exciting. 

Those Alaskan whales were smaller, and never breached, and only occasionally showed their tales before they dived down for several minutes."
I think the sight of a diving whale perfectly illustrates just how awesome these creatures are!
This picture, and more information, with thanks to Noosa News via UQ Whale news, and how interesting that their tales are as unique as our fingerprints!
                                                                    

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August 02, 2013

Where The Wild Things Are: Conservation and Great Photography


                                                                   

The story and pictures were too good not to share,although this picture of a Snow Leopard and her cubs is not from this story.

by Christine McCabe

THANKS to the efforts of conservation-minded companies operating in some of the world's most remote regions, travellers have the opportunity to make like David Attenborough and experience our most charismatic and endangered creatures in the wild. Just pack a zoom lens and your sense of wonder. 
Bengal tiger, Madhya Pradesh, India: There are no guarantees when it comes to spotting the world's biggest "big cat", but in the rustling sal tree and bamboo forests of the Bandhavgarh National Park, home to one of India's largest tiger populations, their spine-tingling presence is palpable, and at dusk villagers on the park's outskirts are careful to pen their cattle. Guests of Taj Safaris' Mahua Kothi Lodge, 20 minutes from the park, head out twice daily to look for tigers. You may see nothing more than scat and prints or could have several sightings in a day. The drier months of April through June are your best bet. More: tajsafaris.com

                                                                     


Spirit bear, British Columbia, Canada: Also known as the Kermode bear, this rare and reclusive creature lives deep in the Great Bear Rainforest, an eerie, fog-shrouded realm of ancient cedars and hemlocks, bound by chilly fjords and forested islands. A curious white version of the black bear, Kermode are concentrated on Gribbell and Princess Royal islands and the best time to catch a glimpse is September when the salmon are running. At King Pacific Lodge, floating accommodation towed into position off Princess Royal every summer and accessible only by seaplane, guides lead guests deep into the forest, an obstacle course of fallen trees and trampoline-springy moss, where, with any luck, you'll spy a white bear gorging on salmon or daintily picking huckleberries. More: kingpacificlodge.com

                                                                         


Elephant, Africa: Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to the largest elephant herds in Africa; the total population probably exceeds 50,000 and hundreds of elephants may be seen in a day. The best viewing is to be enjoyed during the dry season (July-October) and it gets better as it gets drier, says A&K regional managing director Sujata Raman. She recommends the upscale Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge, with day spa, swimming pool and views across the flood plains. More: abercrombiekent.com.au
• Another smaller scale but very accessible hot spot is the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape (70km from Port Elizabeth). Founded in 1931, when only 16 elephants were left in the region, the park now has a population topping 550 and during the dry you'll see large herds gathered around water. Stay at the charming Elephant House. More: elephanthouse.co.za

                                                                 


Hippopotamus, Masai Mara, Kenya: While Uganda is thought to claim the highest concentration of hippos, guests of the Mara Explorer Camp in Kenya get to spend plenty of quality time with these enormous creatures. Just metres below the camp's tents, tucked away in scrubby forest on a bend in the Talek River, hippos congregate in deep pools, belching and farting, yawning and grumbling. If this doesn't keep you awake, a mongoose frolicking in your outdoor bathtub or a baboon helping himself to tea from your private veranda may do the trick. The camp is also the perfect spot to view lions and cheetahs as well as the great migration in July-September. More: wildlifesafari.com.au

Mountain gorilla, Rwanda: Less than 900 of these gentle giants are thought to survive in the wild, with about half living in the southern Virunga National Park in the Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Daily treks, up to eight hours long, are available in the latter. Park regulations permit one hour with a gorilla family (which is habituated to human presence). It is wise to avoid the wettest months, March to May. More: worldexpeditions.com.au

                                                                     


Crocodile, Northern Territory: The Sampan River is home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the world. Forming the western boundary of Bamurru Plains, a working buffalo run just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River flood plains, the Sampan wriggles with these ancient reptiles, dozing on river banks, gliding through murky waters or lounging on the grey sand beach at the river's mouth. Wild Bush Luxury's Bamurru Plains operates river cruises April-October (the later and drier the season, the more crocs you will see). Also thrilling are the airboat tours of the flood plains and ethereal paperbark swamps. More: bamurruplains.com 

Snow leopard, Ladakh, India: You need pluck and luck to spot the world's most elusive big cat, but these days high-altitude treks to track the endangered snow leopard in Ladakh's Hemis National Park are luring a growing number of intrepid travellers. Winter is your best chance to catch a glimpse of the leopards as they descend from the higher, snow-bound peaks to follow their prey, including bharal (blue sheep) and ibex. And the mid-January to mid-March breeding season is optimum. Even so, this is a pretty hardcore adventure and there's no guarantee of spotting the "ghost of the mountains". Britain-based Responsible Travel claims growing success (with sightings on recent treks) as guides, from the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, become more familiar with the creature's habits and territory. More: responsibletravel.com

                                                              


Great white shark, Neptune Islands, South Australia: During winter mature great whites congregate to feed on New Zealand fur seals off the Neptune Islands, 70km south of Port Lincoln. Several operators offer cage dives but only Rodney Fox, one of the world's leading authorities on the great white, drops this device to the sea floor, allowing qualified divers a thoroughly immersive experience. (He also operates surface cages for non- divers.) The season runs from May to October with May to July being the best time to observe the huge females. More: rodneyfox.com.au

                                                                


Orangutan, Sandakan, Malaysian Borneo: Located in a 4300ha reserve, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary was set up almost five decades ago to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. Raised boardwalks make this an easy stroll into the jungle to observe these beguiling creatures feeding from treetop platforms. Occasionally, a large ape may drop on to the boardwalk in front of you, which is wonderful and also slightly alarming. Leave your handbag at home; these mischievous chaps are partial to a spot of pilfering. Check out Orangutan Odysseys, which operates adventure and educational tours in Indonesia and Malaysia to support conservation efforts. More: sabahtourism.com; orangutanodysseys.com

Chimpanzee, Tanzania: About 800 wild chimps live in the remote Mahale Mountains National Park on Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, where the only way in is by air, then boat. Guests of the rustic, lakeshore Greystoke camp (think beach dinners and sundowners aboard an old dhow) enjoy daily treks into the forest in search of a community of chimps habituated to human visitors. Groups are limited to six trekkers. The season runs June to March. More: classicsafaricompany.com.au


                                                                       

Most pictures and story with many thanks to The Australian

                                                                     

White Lions - A Royal Family 

Lions Gain New Endangered Species Protections

Surprising Facts About Our Favorite Big Cats

Leopard Hunting Banned in South Africa For Remainder of 2016

A Hidden Population Of Up To 200 Lions Has Been Found In Ethiopia
Africa’s Big Five Animals

Tigers Are Coming Back!

Tracking Sumatran Tigers

Russia Builds A Huge Tunnel To Save A Near-Extinct Group of Leopards

30 Tiger Zoos In Thailand Face Nationwide Checks

The Truth Behind The Tiger Temple

The Black Panther

Russia's 'Extinct' Persian Leopards Reintroduced To Black Sea Mountains

Why Big Cat Rescue Doesn’t Have Cheetah or Jaguars 

The Best Big Cat Videos Come From The Wild 

Pallas's Cats To Get Their Own 'Palace' In Siberian Mountains

Amur Tiger Release

Over 100 Tigers Killed And Trafficked Each Year

Last Wild Ocelots In Texas Get New Paths To Safety



        
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Grandma's Incredible Photo Restoration - Another Achievement in Technology


                                                                   

                                                                       



Surfing the ‘net can get you to all kinds of places. Good, bad and everything in between.

This story was of particular interest to me  not only because it shows yet more advances in technology, but more importantly the selflessness of someone who decided to help out another person in need, and a total stranger at that. I haven't quite gotten to this level of editing pictures and there is a lot to be learned by watching this clip and many others like it.

I can only imagine how appreciative Keitha McCall was, probably more than her thank-you note suggests.
I have to admit I don't go to Reddit but luckily Keitha McCall does.


WHO says the internet can't be a source of good? 
A Reddit user has come to the rescue of a stranger by restoring a damaged black-and-white photo of her grandmother.

Last week Keitha McCall posted a photo of her grandmother, writing: "My grandmother is an awesome lady. Please help fix this picture of her!".

User 'thehatersalad' replied almost immediately, and posted a video capturing the entire process.

The remarkable transformation shows how the image was restored and given colour, to the point it almost looks like it could have been taken today (perhaps with some kind of artsy Instagram filter laid on top of it).

McCall replied to 'thehatersalad' by saying: "I don't know what kind of emotion you hope to elicit with these, but you made me catch my breath."

"I feel - for the first time - like I got to see her, back in time. This is so, so beautiful. Thank you so much!"

Watch the video above and remember what an amazing place the internet can be.
With many thanks to The Telegraph

You Tube clip posted by TheHatersalad


https://www.facebook.com/ThsRestoration
Song is Phoenix - Trying 2B Cool (A-Trak Remix)

Please keep in mind that this was a free request I did for practice and to test time-lapsing.

The photos http://imgur.com/a/Rh1l3 (http://imgur.com/a/2x3SC a good colorization I did)






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August 01, 2013

Wild Bottlenose Dolphins 'Whistle' By Name


                                                                     

                                                                           

                                                                           

Having had the pleasure of playing 'catch' with a dolphin many years ago at Hamilton Island this news about their intelligence comes as no big surprise.

Wild bottlenose dolphins design unique signature whistles to identify themselves, and they answer when a close cohort calls them by name, according to researchers. 
A study of 200 bottlenose dolphins off the eastern coast of Scotland found that they are the only non-human mammals to use the names of those in their close circles to get each other's attention.

"It is the first evidence we really have of naming and labeling in the animal kingdom," said lead author Stephanie King of the Sea Mammal Research Unit in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

"I think it draws some quite interesting parallels between dolphin and human communication, which is something people had thought was the case but hadn't been experimentally proven until now," she told AFP.

Scientists have previously found that each dolphin creates his or her own signature whistle, or name, in the first few months of life.

Then, they spend a lot of time swimming around and announcing themselves.

About half of a wild dolphin's whistles are its own signature whistle, King said.
But King and her co-author Vincent Janik wondered what would happen if a dolphin heard someone else calling out his or her signature whistle.
So they recorded a group of dolphins and played back the sounds of their name whistles, one by one.

"Interestingly, the animals would only respond and only react when they heard their own whistle,'' said King, whose study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a US journal.

"They would then call back very quickly and sometimes multiple times, and they did not respond that way to any of the other whistles we played."

Researchers tried different ways of playing back the sound, both by preserving the voice of the dolphin and by stripping all voice features so it would sound like another dolphin calling out a specific name whistle.

They also played control whistles of unfamiliar dolphins from different populations, as well as the signature whistles from the same population.

"When an animal hears a copy of its whistle it will call back, it will reply very quickly and it doesn't do that for any other whistle type," said King.

"The results were striking," she added. "We actually saw a really strong response. The animals would always call back, sometimes multiple times to hearing their own whistle."
Other animals, including songbirds, bats and parrots, have been shown to be capable of copying sounds in their environment and developing a distinctive repertoire of calls.

But only parrots and dolphins use labels that they have learned for other objects or creatures.

King said her research shows that dolphins call each other by name in their own social circles, such as between mother and calf or from one male friend to another.
"Animals are really using this when they want to reunite with a specific individual," said King.

Since dolphins appear to be whistling their own names about half the time, the next big question is to figure out what else they are talking about, said King.

"We don't know what the other 50 percent is used for," she told AFP. "That is the next step, really, for dolphin communication research."

Story and picture with many thanks to The Australian

Update:



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