text:
Trap shooting

Trap shooting is one of the three major disciplines of competitive clay pigeon shooting. The other disciplines are skeet shooting and sporting clays.

Trap shooting is distinguished by the targets being launched from a single "house" or machine, generally away from the shooter, compared with skeet shooting where targets are launched from two "houses" crossing in front of the shooter. Sporting clays involve a more complex course, with many launch points.

Participation
Trap shooting is practiced all over the world but is most popular in the United States (particularly the Midwest), Canada and Europe. Trap shooting variants include, but are not limited to, international varieties Olympic trap, also known as "International Trap", "Bunker", "ISSF Trap", "Trench". Non-Olympic shooting variants include Down-The-Line, also known as "DTL", Nordic Trap, and double trap. American Trap is the predominant version in the United States and Canada.

American Trap has two independent governing bodies. The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) sanctions events throughout the United States and Canada, as well as the Pacific International Trapshooting Association (PITA) which sanctions events on the West Coast of North America.

History
Trap shooting was originally developed, in part, to augment bird hunting and to provide a method of practice for bird hunters. Use of targets was introduced as a replacement for live pigeon-shooting. Indeed, one of the names for the targets used in shooting games is clay pigeons. The layout of a modern trap shooting field differs from that of a skeet field and/or a sporting clays course.

Trap shooting has been a sport since the late 18th century when real birds were used; usually the now-extinct passenger pigeon, which was extremely abundant at the time. Birds were placed under hats or in traps which were then released. Artificial birds were introduced around the time of the American Civil War. Glass balls (Bogardus) and subsequently "clay" targets were introduced in the later 1800s, gaining wide acceptance.

Equipment

Trap shooting is typically shot with a 12 gauge shotgun. Smaller gauge firearms (e.g. 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 gauge and .410 bore) can be used, but no allowance is given. Trap shooting is shot at either single or double target presentations. This refers to the number of clay targets which are launched simultaneously.

Both general purpose shotguns and more specialized target-type shotguns are used in trap shooting, and may be double-barreled or single-barreled. Shooters who shoot all sub-events will often buy a combination-set of a single and double barrel for shooting both singles and double targets respectively. Semi-automatic shotguns are also popular for recreational shooting due to the lower perceived recoil and versatility because they can be used for singles, handicap, and doubles. Shotguns used in trap shooting can differ from field and skeet guns in several ways and normally are designed with a higher "point of impact" as the targets are intended to be shot as they rise.

Trap shooting shotguns can be adjustable. Stocks may have a "Monte Carlo" (fixed, raised "comb") configuration and/or include a comb height adjustment, a butt plate adjustment for length, angle, or both. Trap guns typically have longer barrels of 762 –, possibly with porting and featuring tighter chokes to compensate for the longer distances at which trap shooting targets are broken. The majority of trap shotguns built today feature interchangeable choke tubes as opposed to older guns, which used chokes of a "fixed" constriction. Interchangeable choke tubes can come in a variety of constrictions and may use names such as "modified", "improved cylinder", and "full". Trap guns are built to withstand the demands and stress of constant and lengthy repeated use—hundreds of shots in a single day of events, whereas typical field guns are built to be lighter, carried afield, and not shot in such quantity.

Common accessories include wearing a vest or pouch that will hold at least 25–50 cartridges. Most ranges and clubs require eye and ear protection due to the extremely loud environment and possible danger of using firearms.

Shooting glasses may be something as simple as the eyeglasses or sunglasses one presently wears. However, this is generally considered unsafe as standard eyeglasses and sunglasses are often not shatter proof. Specialized shooting glasses typically have interchangeable colored lenses, are adjustable, and are designed for high-impact resistance. A spectrum of different colored lenses are offered to compensate for light conditions as well as enhance the color of the target thrown while muting the color of the background. Adjustable glasses allow on-range changes for conditions of light, color, etc.

Hearing protection also comes in a variety of styles. Dense foam and electronics are used to reduce sound levels. Typical hearing protection is either an "earmuff" (worn over the ear) or an "ear plug" (worn in the ear canal). Some shooters use both simultaneously to gain greater noise reduction (NRR). There are also "ear plugs" molded to the shape of the ear, which can be used for listening to music while shooting.

Trap machines and target launching methods
Trap shooting requires the use of a target throwing device(s). American trap and DTL utilize a single trap machine, which is typically enclosed within a traphouse, downrange from the shooters' shooting positions. The house provides protection for the machine (e.g. from weather and errant shots) and also acts to obscure the machine's oscillating throwing position. International or Olympic trap employs 15 trap machines housed within a large elongated traphouse recessed into the ground to form a "bunker" and/or resemble a trench. International or Olympic trap may at times be referred to as bunker trap.

Modern automatic throwing machines can store hundreds of clay targets in a carousel and systematically self-load targets onto the throwing mechanism. Manual electric target throwers require a person in the trap house with the trap machine to set the target(s) by hand onto the machine arm. For both types, an electrical signal, from the push of a button or a sound-activated device, causes the trap machine to throw its targets after the shooter calls for their bird(s).

Temporary or informal trap shooting can utilize other methods to launch targets. The simplest is a "hand thrower" which is a hand-held arm which holds and releases that target when a person swings it. Another type of manual, non-electrical thrower utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism that is cocked and subsequently released by hand or foot.

Ammunition

Trap typically uses lead shot ammunition, with shot sizes (for lead shot) ranging between #7 ½ and #9 (2.0–2.4 mm). The major components of a shotgun cartridge are the "hull" (casing), "primer" (ignition device), "powder" (smokeless gunpowder), "wad" (shot cup and cushion), and "shot" (round pellets).

The "shot" consists of approximately 300–450 small spheres. Cartridges are allowed a maximum payload weight of 32 g of shot. Velocity may vary but is limited based upon shot mass: 1290 ft/s for 32 g, 1325 ft/s for 28 g, and 1350 ft/s for 24 g. Maximum loads are generally only needed for longer "handicap" yardages or the second shot in double trap. Steel shot, which may be required at certain trap clubs or ranges, is used with slightly larger shot size (e.g. #6 or #7).

Reloading or self-loading of ammunition is popular among a segment of trap shooters, due in part to the sheer quantity of ammunition used in trap shooting as well as the fact that many ranges will have casings that are used only once and are able to be obtained by people who reload their own cartridges at little to no cost.

History
Trap shooting has been around since the 18th century. A publication known as Sporting Magazine states that by the year 1793, trap shooting was "well established" in England. The first recorded organized trap shooting in the United States is likely to have taken place at the Sportsman's Club of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1831. Originally, live birds were used as targets, released from under hats. Glass balls came into use as targets in the 1860s and began to partially replace live birds, but live targets are still used in some parts of the United States. The glass ball targets were invented by Charles Portlock, of Boston, and were used by notable shooters such as Annie Oakley, Doc Carver, and Capt. A. H. Bogardus. Most of the glass ball targets were made of colorless glass and had a diameter of 2+1/2 in. Some targets were filled with colored powder to indicate a hit and add a visual effect. For the shooters who liked live game sport, targets were filled with feathers.

Bogardus took up glass ball and clay pigeon shooting in 1868, and went on to win many championships. He was known as one of the most successful trap shooters in the early years of the sport. In the spring of 1883, he was defeated by a competitive shooter named Doc Carver. Carver idolized Bogardus and other renowned shooters. He attempted to attract the great Bogardus, but it wasn't until six years later that the two legends finally came together for a match, and the winner was the less-experienced Doc Carver. Carver won 19 out of 25 matches. In most of those matches they used Ligowsky targets.

In 1880, "clay" birds (disks) were invented by a man named Fred Kimble, although George Ligowsky took credit for the invention. The Ligowsky target was used widely in the early trap shooting community as a replacement for the glass ball targets. The downside of the Ligowsky targets was that they were too hard to break when hit. Fred Kimble made a more breakable target. Unlike the Ligowsky target, which was made of hard baked clay, the Kimble target was made of coal-tar, pitch, and other ingredients. There were many different types of target throwers, also known as “traps,” like one made by Bogardus, which was made to throw glass targets. This trap was able to throw the targets for a distance of 28 to 35 yd. It was operated by a person behind the shooter, who pulled a string and released an elastic spring, launching the target. The first automatic trap machine to launch clay targets was used in 1909. Following the invention of the automatic trap machines, doubles trap was introduced. It was a big success in the competition community. In the 1912 Olympics, Jay Graham became the first American to win the gold medal in doubles trap.

Three years later, in 1915 the American Amateur Trapshooting Association (AATA) was formed with John Philip Sousa as president. This organization was the first organized and run by amateurs. When the AATA was disbanded in 1919, it was absorbed by an organization called the American Trapshooting Association. In 1923, the American Trapshooting Association was renamed Amateur Trapshooting Association, and the same organization is still active today.

Olympic trap (bunker trap)
Olympic trap, also known as international and/or bunker trap, is one of the ISSF shooting events, introduced to the Olympic program in 1900; the current version was introduced in 1950. In international competitions the course of fire is 125 shots for men and 75 shots for women. There is a 25-shot final for the top six competitors.

Olympic trap uses 15 fixed-angle machines as opposed to the single oscillating machine used in American trap or DTL. The 15-machine, computer-controlled program is designed to deliver 10 left, 10 right and 5 straight-away targets to each competitor in a randomized sequence. A microphone release system is employed to provide uniformity in target release times.

The process of a round is as follows: There are six shooters, one to each station, with the sixth shooter initially starting at a holding station immediately behind shooter number one. At the beginning of first round of the day, test firing is allowed at the referee's permission. Upon receiving the start signal, the first shooter has 10 seconds to call for his target. After firing at his target, the first shooter waits for the second shooter to complete firing, then moves to station two, with the shooter on station six smoothly moving to station one. This procedure continues through the squad until the completion of the round.

Generally, the round is refereed by a person on the line, behind the shooters. They use a bicycle-type horn, or similar, to signal lost targets. The referee is assisted by one or two flankers to either side of the bunker who keep score. With modern technology, computer screens may be used both at the bunker and in the club house to show the rounds' progress. In major matches, there is a board, perhaps 1 × 2.5 m (4 × 8 feet), to one side that shows the scoring status clearly to all with large tiles: white to show hits, red to show misses.

The guns may be loaded—but open-actioned—between stations 1 through 5. Guns must be unloaded and open in the walk from station five back to one. The unloading must be done before the shooter makes the turn to step off station five. This open action requirement alone tends to discourage the use of auto-loading shotguns, as it is time consuming to unload if the second shell is not used. Additionally, there are issues of reliability and the loss of the advantage which a more open choke of the over-under shotgun type can provide for the first shot.

Since the UIT, now ISSF, mandated the 24 gram (7/8 ounce) shot load in 1991, chokes have tended to become tighter. Often competitors will use 0.64–0.72 mm (0.025–0.030 inch) for the first barrel and 0.80–1.00 mm (0.032–0.040 inch) for the second. Guns are regulated to shoot dead on or, at most 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) high. Considerable effort is expended to ensure a perfect fit as the relatively high 100 km/h (62 mph) exit speed of the target allows no time for conscious compensation of a poor fit as it so often can occur in the slower 64 km/h (40 mph) exit speed target games of American trap and skeet.

Double trap
Double trap is a relatively new trap form. An Olympic event since 1996 (from 2008 it has Olympic status only for men), two targets are thrown simultaneously but at slightly different angles from the station three bank of machines. The target speed is about 80 km/h (50 mph), very close to that of ATA doubles.

The only unique item is that the targets are released with a variable delay up to 1 second. This was instituted to minimize the practice of spot-shooting the first target.

The ISSF has continuously adjusted the difficulties of its disciplines (trap, skeet, and double trap) to minimize the number of perfect scores, unlike ATA/NSSA where perfect scores are the norm. Missing a single target in a large ATA or NSSA match means the competitor has a limited chance of winning, whereas missing a target in Bunker or International Trap still allows a competitor a good shot at victory.

With her victory in women's skeet shooting at the 2012 London Olympic games, Kim Rhode became the first American to win medals in five successive Olympic games. Her prior Olympic medals were for doubles trap shooting in 1996, 2000, and 2004 and for skeet shooting in 2008.

American trap
American trap is popular throughout the United States and may be the most popular form of clay target shooting in North America. It is widely practiced at clubs and facilities that offer trap shooting.

Trap shooting outside of any official event is common and arguably the majority of American trap shooting. Most official events are governed by the Amateur Trapshooting Association or ATA and its rules. The ATA is the primary governing body of American trap shooting and is one of the largest shooting sports organizations in the world. The Pacific International Trap Association (PITA) is an independent governing body, and is active in the western US and British Columbia. PITA rules are nearly identical to ATA rules. Trapshooting outside of official events follows ATA rules and norms to widely varying degrees.

The ATA hosts the Grand American World Trap Shooting Championships, which is held every August. After decades in Vandalia, Ohio, the "Grand" moved to the new World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois. The Grand attracts 4,500 (2015 numbers) shooters for the thirteen-day event. It was billed as the world's largest shooting event until the USA High School Clay Target League's Minnesota State Championship held in Alexandria, MN reached over 5,000 participants in June, 2015. The Grand American is still the largest ATA event.

The ATA sanctions registered trap shooting competitions at local clubs and facilities throughout North America, and it coordinates Zone competitions leading up to the Grand American each summer along with "Satellite Grands" throughout the U.S. State organizations hold state championship shoots each year, which are coordinated with and sanctioned by the ATA.

American Trap is broken down into three categories: singles, doubles, and handicap. The targets are thrown by a machine located at approximately ground level and covered by a "trap house." For singles and doubles, there are five "stations", each 16 yards (15.6 m) behind the trap house. In singles, each competitor shoots at five targets from each station. The trap machine oscillates left to right within a 54 degree arc (up to 27 degrees right and left of center), and at least a 34 degree arc (up to 17 degrees right and left of center)., and the competitor does not know where in that arc the target will emerge. In doubles, the machine does not oscillate, but throws two targets simultaneously with each competitor shooting at five pairs (10 targets) from each station. In the handicap events, the machine operates the same as in singles, but the shooters stand farther away from the trap house.

Recent changes specify a minimum handicap yardage of 18 yards (16.5m). Each time a competitor wins an event or shoots a score of 96 or higher, s/he may earn additional yardage (also known as "getting a punch"), and must thereafter shoot from farther away from the traphouse. The increase in effective distance is designed to increase difficulty. The maximum distance at which a handicap sub-event is shot is 27 yards (24.7 m). Safety regulations prohibit members of a handicap squad from shooting at varying yardages of more than 2-3 yards (1.8m-2.7m) apart, depending upon the handicap classification. In American Trap, each shooter is allowed only one shot per target. Unless the target was an illegal target, in which case the target is either broken or has broken regulations the shooter may reshoot that bird.

When shooting American Trap for practice or fun, a squad of up to five individuals will shoot a "round" of trap which equals 25 targets per participant. Registered ATA events may require each shooter to shoot 50, 100 or 200 targets, depending upon the scheduled sub-event. Many of these shoots are for personal average or handicap yardage.

ATA rules specify that shotgun gauges larger than 12 gauge (such as 10 gauge) are not permissible. Maximum shot velocity is 1290 FPS (Feet Per Second) for shot charges up to 1 1/8 oz. and 1325 FPS for shot charges up to 1 oz.

A variant of standard trap is Wobble or Wobble trap. The main difference is a more variable target flight path than in standard trap shooting because the trap machine oscillates up and down as well as side to side. Shooters are allowed two shots per pull, and shooters at stations 1 and 5 stand at the 18 yard (16.5 m) mark while positions 2–4 stand at the 17 yard (15.5 m) mark. Although this version of trap is not sanctioned by the ATA, many shooters consider it to be both more challenging and engaging as well as a more realistic preparation for bird hunting.

Other nationally and regionally recognized forms
Down-The-Line (DTL) is a form of trap popular in Great Britain, Australia, and South Africa. The trap machine oscillates left to right within a 45 degree arc and each competitor shoots in turn, then moves station after having attempted 5 targets from each station in each round of 25 targets. Two shots are permitted at each target, but second shots incur a points penalty. 3 points are awarded for each first-barrel hit, 2 points for a second-barrel hit, and 0 for a miss. A perfect score in a 100-target competition is written as 100/300. The points score, rather than the number of targets hit, determines the winner and is used to determine classifications (AA, A, B and C class).

In the Nordic countries and Great Britain (which is part of the Nordic Shooting Region), a form of trap formerly known as Hunter's trap and now as Nordic trap is popular. It is easier than the Olympic version.

Technique
The technique for trap shooting is fundamentally different from rifle or pistol shooting. The latter shoots one projectile and aims to place accurately at a usually stationary target, and usually with at least a few seconds to aim. Trap shooting involves shooting hundreds of pellets at a time, at a target that is moving quickly downrange, and often quickly laterally, typically with less than a second to move the gun and fire. Most shotguns have a bead at the end of the rib, located on top of the barrel(s), and a smaller bead halfway down the rib, used for aiming the firearm. Instructors generally refer to the process as "pointing" the shotgun rather than aiming it.

Champion shooters
Notable champion shooters include:
 * Capt. Adam Henry Bogardus, born on a farm on Ravine Road in 1834, became the World Champion and United States Champion trap shooter. He is credited with romanticizing trap shooting and he invented the first practical glass ball trap in 1877. He and his sons were renowned crack shots that toured with the Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He is in the Trapshooting Hall of Fame.
 * William Frank Carver, "Doc" William Frank Carver (1840–1927), defeated Captain Adam Henry Bogardus, World Champion and United States Champion trap shooter, 19 times in a series of 25 matches.
 * Vic Reinders (1906–1995), won eleven Grand American championships, including the Clay Target Championship in 1958, and has the distinction of being on more All-American teams than any other shooter in history. He is a member of the Trapshooting Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame, and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.
 * SFC Glenn Eller, won the gold medal in double trap at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and has won double trap gold 12 additional times in International Shooting Sport Federation sanctioned events.
 * Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, won the silver medal while representing India in double trap at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and won gold medals in double trap in 2004 and 2006 ISSF World Cup events. He is a two-time winner of the Commonwealth Games gold medal in individual double trap.
 * Harlan Campbell Jr., won over 125 Grand American awards, including three All-Around and two High Overall championships, and over 60 Satellite Grand titles. He is a member of the Trapshooting Hall of Fame and the Kansas Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame.
 * Kim Rhode, a six-time U.S. Olympic medal winner (1996–2016 games) including three gold medals and six-time national champion in double trap. She won a gold medal in skeet shooting at the 2012 Summer Olympics, equaling the world record of 99 out of 100 clays.
 * Susan Nattrass O.C. Ph.D, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Competing at an elite international level since 1970s, Nattrass has had multiple appearances, in one or both of trap or double trap, at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games. Nattrass is a 7-Time World Champion and repeat medalist at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games. As of the 2012 Olympics, Nattrass is one of only 122 athletes (and one of only 46 still active), all sports, to compete in at least six Olympic Games, appearing in 1976, '88, '92, 2000, '04 and '08. She won a gold medal at the World Championships in 1974, '75, '77, '78, '79, '81, and 2006. She is also a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Amateur Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame.

Youth shooting in the United States
Trap shooting is becoming ever more popular among younger shooters. There are a number of programs geared towards encouraging youth shooting.

The USA High School Clay Target League is the largest youth clay target shooting program in the world, with nearly 50,000 participants yearly. The USAHSCTL runs high-school trap shooting leagues in various states nationwide, the largest of which is Minnesota, where 12,000 students from nearly 450 schools compete. All teams in USAHSCTL leagues are school-sanctioned as a prerequisite for team/league formation. The Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Championship is the largest trap shooting event in the world with over 8,000 student athletes participating in 2018. The League's motto is "Safety, Fun, Marksmanship - In that order."

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is the second largest clay target program in the country, with just under 15,000 participants. SCTP promotes gun safety, personal responsibility, and sportsmanship among primary and secondary students. Teams compete at the local, state, and national level. Athletes are divided into four divisions based on academic grade level and experience: Rookie (fifth grade and below), Intermediate (sixth through eighth grades), Junior Varsity (ninth through twelfth grades), and Varsity (eleventh and twelfth grades with at least two years of experience at the Junior Varsity level). Trophies and college scholarships are awarded to third place, runner-up, and champion squads in each division at the SCTP National Championships, which are held concurrently with the first two days of the Grand American Trapshooting Championships in Sparta, Illinois.

The Amateur Trapshooting Association launched its youth program, AIM in October 2008. With about 3000 participants, the program, focusing on academics, integrity, and marksmanship, seeks to provide a safe and positive experience with firearms for youth, elementary through college age. AIM encourages good sportsmanship and personal responsibility through competition in order to make trap shooting a lifelong avocation. Categories and classes are designed to create a more level playing field and encourage genuine competition. Age based categories are established on the birthday of the shooter. Categories are Pre-Sub (11 and under), Sub-Junior (12–14), Junior (15–18) and Graduates/Collegiate (18–23). For purposes of determining age category the category declared by the participant on the first day he/she shoots shall be used. AIM Shooters have the opportunity to compete at local and State/Provincial levels as well as at the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. The AIM Program offers the opportunity to compete in a unique sport that is heavily reliant on mental focus as well as enjoy the thrill and excitement of registered trap shooting.

To encourage young shooters, the ATA provides "special categories" for younger shooters who compete at ATA events. These categories include 'Junior' class for shooters who have not turned 18, and 'Sub-junior' for those not yet 15 as of the beginning of the ATA trap year (September 1). The ATA also allows shooters under the age of 18 to shoot for half-price at the Grand American as well as many other large ATA sponsored shoots. The ATA and state organizations such as the Texas Trapshooters' Association (TTA) award scholarships to college bound trap shooters based on citizenship, scholarship, and need. Numerous former TTA junior shooters are now attending college with the help of TTA and ATA scholarships.

Additionally, non-scholarship college teams are growing in popularity. Leading college trap teams include those from Texas A & M, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Lindenwood (MO). Teams from these schools dominate the U.S. intercollegiate trap championships.

title: Trap shooting


text:
Mahoba

Mahoba is a city in Mahoba District of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the Bundelkhand region, well known for the ninth century granite Sun temple built in Pratihara style. It is also well known for the 24 rock-cut Jain tirthankara image on Gokhar hill. Mahoba is known for its closeness to Khajuraho, Lavkushnagar and other historic places like Kulpahar, Charkhari, Kalinjar, Orchha, and Jhansi. The town is connected with railways and state highways.

History
Mahoba was a capital of Chandela dynasty that ruled much of Bundelkhand. The 12th century general Udal and his brother Alha were notable for fighting against Prithviraj Chauhan under Chandel king Paramardi.

Topography
Mahoba is located at 25.28°N, 79.87°W. It has an average elevation of 214 metres (702 feet).

Demographics
India census, Mahoba has a population of 95,216 divided into 25 wards. Mahoba has an average literacy rate of 74.91%, higher than the state average of 67.68%: male literacy is 82.03%, and female literacy is 66.88% with 12.68% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) constitutes 14.93% and 0.42% of the total population in Mahoba. Based on the census 75.21% of the total population are Hindus, 23.64% are Muslims and the rest is occupied by other faiths.

Tourist destinations
Tourist destinations in and around Mahoba include:
 * Senapati Mahal

Notable people

 * Rani Durgavati, a Chandela princess of Mahoba
 * Pushpendra Singh Chandel, MP, BJP

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Mahoba


text:
USS Mero

USS Mero (SS-378), a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the mero, any of several large groupers found in warm ocean waters.

Construction and commissioning
Mero was laid down by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on 22 July 1944; launched on 17 January 1945, sponsored by Mrs. Henry G. Taylor; and commissioned at Manitowoc on 17 August 1945. She was the last submarine built at Manitowoc.

United States Navy
Mero got underway for shakedown in Lake Michigan 25 August; thence, between 6 September and 17 November she cruised the Great Lakes and visited several ports including Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago. The Mero tied up at The Michigan Avenue bridge in Chicago and was open to visitors who were allowed aboard for a tour of the boat. Placed in floating drydock 9 November – 2 November, she reached New Orleans via the Mississippi River 29 November, on 6 December sailed for the Canal Zone, trained there a month, then sailed for Pearl Harbor 19 January 1946.

Mero reached Pearl 5 February and operated out of there until sailing for the west coast 22 February. Arriving San Francisco Bay 1 March, after preinactivation overhaul, she steamed to Mare Island 14 March to join the 19th Fleet, and decommissioned there 15 June 1946. Assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet, she remained berthed at Mare Island until converted to a Fleet Snorkel submarine in 1960.

Turkish Navy
On 20 April 1960, Mero was transferred on loan to Turkey under the Military Assistance Program. The Turkish Navy renamed her TCG Hızırreis (S 344). After her voyage from San Francisco, Hızırreis was commissioned into Turkish Navy service on 23 August 1960.

On 1 August 1973, Hızırreis was formally sold to Turkey and struck from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register. She was discarded by the Turkish Navy in 1977 and used for spare parts.

title: USS Mero


text:
Talk:Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Untitled
Does the jab about scantily-clad women on the current Ripley's TV series fall outside of NPOV? I would kind of think it does. --Shawn K. Quinn 04:41, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)
 * It only appears POV if someone has a problem with it, but then sex sells nowadays. Riffsyphon1024 23:51, 23 Jan 2005 (UTC)
 * I haven't watched that much of the show, but I don't remember this being a problem to the point where it just jumped up and said "this is a bunch of women in bikinis". I can live with it if the majority say that's within NPOV, though. --Shawn K. Quinn 06:38, 2005 Feb 19 (UTC)
 * It seems out of place to me, but I haven't watched the new show MechBrowman 16:25, Mar 1, 2005 (UTC)
 * I agree about the scantily-clad women comment. I used to watch the show and it was quite good, then eventually they hired a baywatch actress (Kelly Packard) as co-host and it seemed to get worse and worse as the weeks went by. Eventually, you couldn't even enjoy the non-sexual bits because of all the constant advertisement at the bottom of the screen about all the half-naked women you're about to see in a few minutes. I'm a man and I like hot babes as much as the next guy, but this was rediculous. I can see why it didn't last long after that. - 216.78.96.108 11:34, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
 * It could be rewritten NPOV (an example of going out of its way to sensationalise perhaps?) and the opinion attributed to a reasonably mainstream publication. Did a brief google but couldn't find one though, and I hadn't even heard of the series till reading this article. 65.33.156.96 00:42, 8 April 2006 (UTC)
 * The bit in factuality says "...Ripley's Believe It or Not often does not cite sources[citation needed]", which (while quite funny) should probably be fixed. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 211.30.187.18 (talk) 11:41, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Museums
This article neglects to mention the Original Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine, Florida: CLICK ME! Which I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in ST Augstine, a lovely and historic town which I also highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Florida. You'll usually find best deals and best weather during the "off" season between March and May...Before the heat and hurricanes really start up.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 06:34, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

There are also two in Texas. One across from the Alamo in San Antonio, and one in Dallas. They are both combined with a wax museum. Cornface 00:19, 21 July 2006 (UTC)

http://www.tourpei.ca/site/534/index.php --Dallin Tanjo22 06:47, 25 February 2007 (UTC)

I heard of the Chicago museum being burnt down in a fire. I think there are a few museums that has been destroyed or vandalized (I think one in Indonesia).

-Bill Sun April 8, 2007

The blurb about the Ocean City museum sounds like it was copied from some promotional/behind-the-scenes website or television show. 85.181.91.172 22:35, 25 April 2007 (UTC)

Video game
An adventure game was produced in 1995:

Books
The article also fails to mention the series of books, which frequently appear on bestseller lists.
 * I own so many of them, and yes, I think that they should be included. Go for it. —Lady Aleena talk / contribs 14:49, 13 June 2006 (UTC)
 * PS. Please sign your comments. :)

Museum
Isn't there a Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark?. I recall seeing one there.--Ahmed 00:53, 24 April 2006 (UTC)

And I've been to the one in Hong Kong, but it closed last year (I don't know why, so I'm reluctant to add it to the list of closed Odditoriums).

There is also a meuseum in New Orleans that is still open even after Katrina. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.229.129.38 (talk) 03:33, 10 November 2007 (UTC)

Television series
Should each series be given an article instead of having them jumbled in with this one? —Lady Aleena talk / contribs 14:48, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

Anyone know how to prevent the three television infoboxes from drifting down into the museum section? Perhaps all three boxes could fit across on one row. Mtjaws 00:41, 20 August 2006 (UTC)

I merged them into one to avoid repeating the same things more than once and taking up more room than necessary. hmwith talk  17:24, 17 July 2007 (UTC)

Wisconsin Dells
Does anyone know if the museum in Wisconsin Dells is still open? If it is, it should be added to the list. Zagalejo 14:49, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

Products
A section should be made on where to get Ripley's Believe it or Not products like videos, books, games etc.

-Bill Sun April 8, 2007

Locations
The 'list' of museum locations is completely disorganized, making it difficult to read this page. Suggest following the format of Six Flags to better organize the display of museum locations. Maralia 21:38, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I agree. I'll do it right now. hmwith  talk  15:00, 17 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Done! Feel free to make any changes if you see any way to better organize them, but I think the "Six Flags format" works just fine here. hmwith  talk  16:33, 17 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Thank you - it's much more readable now. Maralia 18:35, 17 July 2007 (UTC)

Other suggestions for improvement
Syndicated panel
 * The second paragraph is nonsensical at the moment; hope someone can clean it up.
 * Oddly enough it was still nonsensical today so I changed it Gr8white (talk) 03:26, 1 September 2008 (UTC)

Films, television, internet and computer game
 * I have removed the description of the computer game, as it was pasted verbatim from http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/ripleys-believe-it-or-not-the-riddle-of-master-lu.
 * Suggest moving the ripleys.com and computer game info to a new section at the same level.
 * The remaining info in the films & television section could benefit from some cleanup.

There are some citation & references issues.
 * I noted within the article one particularly bold claim that should be sourced ([Ripley] 'was the first to broadcast to every nation in the world simultaneously').
 * The external links could use some work. I moved one link to its proper place as a reference (in regards to the Yarmouth museum's closing); I suspect other 'external links' should be cited as references as well.

Thank you for your help! Maralia 18:35, 17 July 2007 (UTC)

Other Formats for Possible Inclusion:

There's very little mention of Ripley's two radio shows: "Ripley's Believe It or Not" and "Ripley's Believe It Or Not 1 Minute Episodes."

The former was broadcast in a half-hour format which Ripley hosted; there were 149 episodes of which only 49 are known to exist according to the Old Time Radio Research Group. Ozzie Nelson and his future wife Harriet Hilliard (Ozzie & Harriet) provided musical entertainment.

The latter broadcast consisted of two Believe It or Not entries with a commercial announcement between them. There were 415 episodes. All of them are still in existence. Gestroud (talk) 03:26, 24 August 2009 (UTC)

New Orleans
Is there a museum in New Orleans? I only ask because the article on Alferd Packer states that his head, dissected and preserved, is on display at the Ripley's museum in the French Quarter of New orleans Blooddraken 12:21, 27 August 2007 (UTC)
 * I know this is an old question, but yes there is. It's either near or in Jackson Brewery. I've never been in it, though. — User:ACupOfCoffee@ 03:43, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Factuality: a synthesis?
I added the template to Factuality.Bettering the Wiki 20:13, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Image copyright problem with Image:Ripley410112.gif
The image Image:Ripley410112.gif is used in this article under a claim of fair use, but it does not have an adequate explanation for why it meets the requirements for such images when used here. In particular, for each page the image is used on, it must have an explanation linking to that page which explains why it needs to be used on that page. Please check

 * That there is a non-free use rationale on the image's description page for the use in this article.
 * That this article is linked to from the image description page.

This is an automated notice by FairuseBot. For assistance on the image use policy, see Media copyright questions. --21:31, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

Accuracy
Where's the part that discusses the accuracy of the Ripley claims? As I recall, research revealed that most of the so-called "facts" were actually unverifiable or just plain false. Whether this is true, and if so whether this is consistent across the various aspects of the franchise, is something worth mentioning.Sonicsuns (talk) 04:27, 14 October 2008 (UTC)

Movie
Jim Carrey is set to star in a movie titled "Ripley's Believe it or Not!" Does anyone have any good sources to make this a part of this article? Cactusjump (talk) 18:55, 29 December 2008 (UTC)
 * Visit my userpage at User:Wildroot/Ripley. Wildroot (talk) 01:02, 27 February 2009 (UTC)

1994 film on Robert Ripley
I have found information on a 1994 film on Robert Ripley, but so far with three different titles. Before I add it in, which one would be preferable?

Allmovie has an image of the box with the title it gives while IMDb and TCM don't have an image. Allmovie and IMDb have 1994 as the date, while TCM has 1996 as the date. TCM does list Richard Portnow as playing Robert Ripley as does IMDb while Allmovie has Portnow as an interviewee.

Okay, I confused myself enough for one day. :) LA (T) @ 13:53, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

Buena Park
The Buena Park website says its closed until further notice. Does anyone know if they closed for good? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cousert (talk • contribs) 17:27, 13 July 2009 (UTC)

Odditoria
I don't Believe It - I don't believe the listing of each odditorium is suficiently notable to consume this much space in the Wikipedia. Rebele | Talk The only way to win the game is to not play the game. 00:23, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

The Gold Key comic
Gold Key put out a "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" comic book: with three subtitles: True War Tales (#1 and #5), "True Demons and Monsters" (#7, #10, #19, #22, #25, #26, and #29), and "True Ghost Stories" and. Think it's worth mentioning?--BruceGrubb (talk) 09:18, 28 September 2010 (UTC)

Yes, but is it true?
The article is sadly deficient as it gives no account of what this enterprise really is. It looks like it was written by someone who works for them. I would like to know what I believe just about any reasonably educated person reading WP would like to know.

1. Are these "factoids" all true. (The illustration given here shows a ship being struck by a meteor, and for one thing, I am pretty sure there is no documentation of such a thing ever happening)

2. While there are stats here on the thousands of drawings and items involved, and deals with the writers, artists, translators, editors and so on, there is nothing at all on who researched all this material, and how it was checked for authenticity. Can anyone throw some light on this? Myles325a (talk) 05:48, 30 September 2010 (UTC)
 * As the article explains, "Ripley hired Norbert Pearlroth as his researcher, and Pearlroth spent the next 52 years of his life in the New York Public Library, working ten hours a day and six days a week in order to find unusual facts for Ripley. Other writers and researchers included Lester Byck and Don Wimmer." Also, "Authorities at the company insist that they thoroughly investigate everything and ensure their accuracy before they publish their research. This is emphasized on their television show, where they often say "If you see it on Ripley's, you can bet that it's real". However, two myths[specify] dispelled by Mythbusters using the scientific method have appeared in their books. One myth dispelled by Snopes had previously appeared in Ripley's books.[11] If one sends a letter questioning an inaccuracy they will receive a card that says "Believe It or Not!"" - SummerPhD (talk) 14:07, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

Replicas
It seems unlikely that there are enough genuine eg shrunken heads to go round all the Odditoriums. It is entirely unclear to me if their collections are in whole or part *replicas*

89.168.93.79 (talk) 22:21, 23 March 2011 (UTC)
 * Based on Shrunken_head, they don't seem to be all that rare. Are some in the Ripley's Museums replicas or, more likely "fakes" of one kind or another? Maybe. Unless we have a reliable source discussing that in direct relation to Ripley's Believe It or Not, though, it has no place in this article. - SummerPhD (talk) 00:23, 24 March 2011 (UTC)

Cartoon illustrators
Anyone know who did the cartoons for this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.56.3.230 (talk) 07:06, 4 May 2011 (UTC)

Yarmouth
I'm fairly sure I remember a Ripley's in Great Yarmouth so I disagree with this edit. Some sources (not necessarily reliable) that say this was a Ripley's are artilib.org, referenceforbusiness.com, and plus44.com. People also mention it on Facebook and Flickr. The reference pointing to the Mercury's article about it closing down implies it was a Ripley's from the article title which was "Believe it or not, collection has gone overseas" (February 28, 1997). The link is dead though and not in the Internet Archive. Angela (talk)
 * Hmmm, that's a tough one. The site mentioned in the edit seems fairly emphatic that is was not a Ripley's: "...which was an exhibition of weird          and wonderful things similar to 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' exhibitions." (That source drew its info from http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/17921 which makes the claim just as clearly.) After a bit of digging, I find a lot of echo: identically worded claims that it was "similar to" a Ripley's and an equal number of claims that it was a Ripley's. I cannot, however, find any particularly reliable sources (or period photos) to provide a solid answer. Anyone else? -  Sum mer PhD  (talk) 21:37, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
 * Perhaps the Internet Archive had a temporary hiccup as today it is showing up here. The site reports a quote from the Mercury which I'll copy here in case it disappears again. Angela (talk) 09:04, 8 March 2012 (UTC)

 * "Believe it or not, collection has gone overseas"

 * "You can believe it - the collection of oddities which made up Ripley's Believe it or Not! odditorium at Great Yarmouth has disappeared. The seafront attraction's lease on the old Windmill cinemas has run out and the collection has been sent back to America."

 * "The attraction was bought last year by leisure group Queensborough Holdings as part of a £4 million deal which also included Pleasurewood Hills American Theme Park at Lowestoft. Peter Hadden, operations director for Pleasureworld, which is part of Queensborough, said the odditorium had attracted 100,000 visitors a year - but it was time for a change."

 * ""There was a option to renew - but 60 per cent of the people who come to Great Yarmouth return, so you need fresh attractions." he said, "Yarmouth demands constant change.""

 * "Windmill owner, Peter Jay, now aims to open a new attraction at the premises and is expected to unveil his plans next week. Orlando-based Ripley's has opened franchises around the world, including one at Blackpool."

 * "Great Yarmouth Mercury" Friday February 28, 1997
 * That locks it up. Thanks, Angela! - Sum mer PhD  (talk) 00:39, 9 March 2012 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 4 external links on Ripley's Believe It or Not!. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20130121032935/http://matineeclassics.com/radio/1930/ripleys_believe_it_or_not/details/ to http://matineeclassics.com/radio/1930/ripleys_believe_it_or_not/details/
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20090309214526/http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/ripleysbelieveitornot/cast_producer_bio.html to http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/ripleysbelieveitornot/cast_producer_bio.html
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120812181917/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/111693--work-on-new-aquarium-could-start-this-year to http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/111693--work-on-new-aquarium-could-start-this-year
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120415043604/http://www.museodecera.com.mx/guadalajara/index.html to http://www.museodecera.com.mx/guadalajara/index.html

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 13:48, 29 November 2017 (UTC)

Most Smoke Ribs Cooked By One Person In A Life Time.
I have cooked over a million sides of smoked ribs by my self. Wanting to see how close I’m to being the most?? Jaxkson007 (talk) 01:53, 30 March 2018 (UTC)

Ripley's BION fan mail
There was previously an edit for this article that included: "If one sends a letter questioning an inaccuracy they will receive a card that says "Believe It or Not!"" (link)

It looks like this did indeed happen, (source) but there is a lack of reliable sources for it. If someone could provide reliable sources, that would be appreciated. --LABcrabs (talk) 05:33, 1 June 2018 (UTC)

Another comparable feature
Parking this here:

https://www.comicskingdom.com/trending/blog/2015/07/16/ask-the-archivist-r-j-scott http://pub.canadiana.ca/view/omcn.PortCreditWeekly_8/136?r=0&s=5

-- Zanimum (talk) 18:25, 23 January 2020 (UTC)

Changes to the Australian Ripley's Exhibit
The animatronic people aren't there anymore, there's a gorilla made out of tyres instead. I don't know when this change was made, but the band is now gone -bb (talk) 22:57, 10 November 2022 (UTC)

Zenescope Entertainment comics
Grand Comics Database lists the two issues on its website #1 (October 2018 - November 2018) and #2 (October 2018 - November 2018) Old issues can be easily found on Amazon. Easily confirmed with not even 5 minutes of googling. Heck, the thing was right there in the list of books Zenescope Entertainment published — Revenge of Wonderland #1—6 (July 2018—January 2019); '''Ripley's Believe It or Not! #1—2 (October—November 2018 )'''; Rise of the Djinn #1—3 (October 2021—March 2022)--174.99.238.22 (talk) 10:25, 10 December 2022 (UTC)
 * Links to the actual issues — ; That should address the reliable source BS we are getting. (we really don't need references that are on the level of 'on a clear day the sky is blue').--174.99.238.22 (talk) 11:08, 10 December 2022 (UTC)

title: Talk:Ripley's Believe It or Not!


text:
Frank Wildhorn

Frank Wildhorn (born November 29, 1958) is an American composer of both musicals and popular songs. His musical Jekyll & Hyde ran for four years on Broadway. He also wrote the hit song "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" for Whitney Houston.

Early years
Wildhorn was born in Harlem and spent his childhood in Queens before moving to Hollywood, Florida, at age 14. Soon after he taught himself how to play the piano, Wildhorn realized he wanted to compose music. During high school, he played in and wrote for various bands, ranging from rock and roll to Rhythm and blues to jazz. He attended Miami-Dade College for two years before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he studied history and philosophy. He started writing Jekyll & Hyde with Steve Cuden, who was working at USC when Frank was a student. He is Jewish.

Popular music
In the popular music arena, Wildhorn has worked with such artists as Stacy Lattisaw, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, Trisha Yearwood, Tracy Lawrence, Trace Adkins, Patti LaBelle, Dennis DeYoung, and Linda Eder, to whom he was married. His "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" was an international number one hit for Whitney Houston in 1988. Wildhorn is Creative Director of Atlantic Theatre, an Atlantic Records division that develops new American musicals. In 2005, he co-founded GlobalVision Records with long-time collaborator Jeremy Roberts. GlobalVision releases include a new concept recording of Dracula, the Musical and a new studio recording of Jekyll & Hyde: Resurrection.

Stage
In 1999, Wildhorn had three shows running simultaneously on Broadway: Jekyll & Hyde at the Plymouth Theatre, The Scarlet Pimpernel at the Minskoff Theatre, and The Civil War at the St. James Theatre; however, all three shows closed without making a profit, for a total loss approaching $20 million. In 2004, he collaborated with Don Black and Christopher Hampton on a musical based on Dracula.

Wildhorn has become a prominent composer globally, with many productions in Europe and Asia having long runs. Jekyll & Hyde is one of the longest running musicals of all time in South Korea. The musical Carmen, with music by Wildhorn and lyrics by Jack Murphy, premiered in Prague in October 2008. The musical Count of Monte Cristo, music by Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Jack Murphy, received a workshop reading in November 2008, and opened at the Theatre of St. Gallen, Switzerland in March 2009. Another musical, with music by Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black, Bonnie and Clyde, received an industry reading in February 2009 and premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in California in November 2009. Also in November 2009, another new musical, Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure premiered at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Art in Tampa, Florida, with another production following at the Alley Theatre, Houston, Texas, in January 2010.

Wildhorn is also the first Broadway musician to work with the Takarazuka Revue on the Cosmos Troupe's production of the musical Never Say Goodbye.

Other musicals include Camille Claudel, which ran in 2003 at the Goodspeed Opera House and a short developmental run at the NYMT Festival in 2004, and Waiting for the Moon starring Lauren Kennedy and Jarrod Emmick in New Jersey in 2005, with the musical being renamed Zelda for a run at Flatrock Playhouse in 2012. In 2015, Wildhorn created a musical based on the popular Japanese manga series Death Note (this would lead to more manga adaptations, such as Fist of the North Star in 2021 and Your Lie In April in 2022). In 2018, he debuted The Man Who Laughs in South Korea, based on Victor Hugo's novel. The Man Who Laughs won three awards at the 2019 Korean Musical Awards, including Best Musical.

Other compositions
Wildhorn composed a full-length commissioned symphonic piece, Danube Symphony, which was recorded by the 96-piece Vienna Symphony. A CD of the work was released on December 10, 2021. The premiere took place on 3rd November 2022 in Wiener Musikverein.

Personal life
Wildhorn married Linda Eder on May 3, 1998. They have a son, and he has another son from an earlier marriage. He and Eder divorced in 2004.

Wildhorn was engaged to Brandi Burkhardt, best known for playing the role of Crickett on Hart of Dixie. He also wrote the roles of Alice in Wonderland and Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde for her. They separated in late 2010.

In 2014, he announced his engagement to Yoka Wao, a former Takarazuka male-role top star who played the lead role in Never Say Goodbye and the Japanese production of Dracula. They were married on July 26, 2015, in Maui, Hawaii.

Works

 * Jekyll & Hyde (1990) – Broke Plymouth Theater Record For Most Performances; World Premiere: Alley Theatre, May 1990. (Pre-B'way National Tour 1995–6; Broadway 1997–2001; Tour: 1999–2003; Tour: 2012–2013; Broadway revival: 2013)
 * Svengali (1991) – World Premiere: Alley Theatre, April 1991. (Houston, TX & Sarasota, FL)
 * Two songs in Victor/Victoria (1995) – World Premiere: (Minneapolis, MN)
 * The Scarlet Pimpernel (1997) – World Premiere: Minskoff Theatre (Broadway), October 1997. Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Music (Broadway: 1997–2000 (split run(s)), Tour: 2000–2002)
 * The Civil War (1998) – World Premiere: Alley Theatre, September 1998. Tony Nomination for Best Original Score and Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Music (Broadway: 1999, Tour: 1999–2000)
 * Camille Claudel (2003) – World Premiere: Norma Terris Theatre/Goodspeed Theatre, August 2003. (Goodspeed CT: 2003; NYMF: 2004; Washington, DC: 2020)
 * Dracula, the Musical (2004) – World Premiere: La Jolla Playhouse, October 2001. (Also: San Diego 2001, St. Gallen 2005, Graz 2007)
 * Waiting for the Moon (2005) – lyrics by: Jack Murphy – World Premiere: Lenape Performing Arts Center, July 2005. Revived in 2012 as Zelda – An American Love Story at the Flat Rock Playhouse, then as Scott & Zelda in 2015 at Tokyo, Japan.
 * Cyrano de Bergerac (2006) Workshops; World Premiere: Japan, May 2009
 * Rudolf – The Last Kiss (2006) – World Premiere: Budapest Operetta Theater, May 2006.
 * Never Say Goodbye (2006) – World Premiere: Takarazuka Grand Theater, March 2006.
 * Carmen (2008) – lyrics by: Jack Murphy; Premiere in Prague, Czech Republic.
 * The Count of Monte Cristo (2009) – lyrics by: Jack Murphy – World Premiere: Theater St. Gallen, March 2009.
 * Bonnie & Clyde (2009) – lyrics by Don Black; World Premiere: La Jolla Playhouse, November 2009.
 * Wonderland (2009) – World Premiere: The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, December 2009; Alley Theatre 2010; Broadway 2011; Japan 2012; UK National Tour 2017)
 * Tears of Heaven (2011) – lyrics by Robin Lerner; opened in Seoul, South Korea.
 * Mitsuko (2011) – written with Jack Murphy and Shuichiro Koike as a musical concert, Vienna in 2005; Tokyo and Osaka, Japan in 2011.
 * Excalibur (2014) – lyrics by Robin Lerner – World Premiere: Theater St. Gallen, March 2014.
 * Death Note: The Musical (2015) – lyrics by Jack Murphy, Japan and South Korea.
 * Mata Hari (2016) - lyrics by Jack Murphy, South Korea and Japan.
 * The Passage to the Light - The Revolutionary Maximilien Robespierre (2017) - World Premiere: Takarazuka Grand Theater, November 2017
 * The Man Who Laughs (2018) - lyrics by Jack Murphy, Art Hall Opera Theater, Seoul, July 10.
 * Fist of the North Star (2021) - World Premiere: Nissay Theatre, Tokyo, December 8, 2021
 * No Longer Human (2021) - lyrics by Tracy Miller and Carly Robyn Green - World Premiere: Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai, December 10, 2021
 * Your Lie in April (musical) (2022) - lyrics by Tracy Miller and Carly Robyn Green - World Premiere: Nissay Theatre, Tokyo, May 7, 2022
 * Peter I (2022) - World Premiere: Theatre of Musical comedy, Saint-Petersburg, December 2, 2022
 * Kane and Abel (2025) - World Premiere: Tokyu Theatre Orb, Tokyo, Japan, January 2025
 * Einstein - A Matter of Time (2025) - lyrics by Frank Ramond, Book by Gil Mehmert - World Premiere: Theater St. Gallen, March 1, 2025
 * The Song of Bernadette - lyrics by Robin Lerner & book by Rinne Groff, In Development
 * Reunion - Book and lyrics by Rinne Groff, In Development

Cast recordings
Wildhorn produced and composed a majority of Linda Eder's solo albums and is widely recognized for his ability to release a score before the show opens and have it sell really well. Below are the major concept and cast recordings he has made over his career that have been released in the United States.

 * Jekyll & Hyde
 * Jekyll & Hyde – Romantic Highlights (1990); Linda Eder and Colm Wilkinson
 * Jekyll & Hyde – The Gothic Musical Thriller: The Complete Work (1995); Linda Eder, Anthony Warlow and Carolee Carmello
 * Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical: Original Broadway Cast Recording (1997); Linda Eder, Robert Cuccioli and Christiane Noll
 * Jekyll & Hyde – Resurrection (2006); Rob Evan, Kate Shindle and Brandi Burkhardt
 * Jekyll & Hyde – New Concept Recording (2012) – Constantine Maroulis, Deborah Cox, Teal Wicks, Corey Brunish
 * The Scarlet Pimpernel – A New Musical (1992); Linda Eder, Chuck Wagner, and Dave Clemmons
 * The Scarlet Pimpernel: Broadway's New Musical Adventure (1998); Douglas Sills, Christine Andreas and Terrence Mann
 * The Civil War – Concept Album (1998); Hootie and the Blowfish, Maya Angelou, Trisha Yearwood, Linda Eder, Betty Buckley, Michael Lanning, etc.
 * The Civil War – The Nashville Sessions (1998); Blend of Celebrities
 * The Scarlet Pimpernel – Encore! (1999); Douglas Sills, Christine Andreas, Terrence Mann, Linda Eder, Rex Smith and Rachel York
 * Dracula, das Musical (2008); Lyn Liechty, Uwe Kroger and Thomas Borchert
 * Count of Monte Cristo – The Musical (Highlights) (2009); Brandi Burkhardt and Thomas Borchert
 * Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure – The Concept Album (2008); Brandi Burkhardt, Andy Señor, Cheryl Freeman and Tracy Miller
 * Tears of Heaven (2011); Linda Eder, Christiane Noll, James Barbour, Rob Evan, Jackie Burns, Morgan James
 * Wonderland: Alice Through A Whole New Looking Glass – Original Broadway Cast Recording (2011) – Janet Dacal, Darren Ritchie, Kate Shindle
 * Dracula, The Musical – New Concept Album (2011); James Stacy Barbour, Lauren Kennedy, Norm Lewis and Kate Shindle (under Global Vision Records)
 * Bonnie & Clyde – Original Broadway Cast Recording (2012) – Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes

The following concept albums were announced, but were never released.
 * Cyrano de Bergerac – The Musical (2006); Douglas Sills, Rob Evan and Linda Eder
 * Death Note: The Musical (2014) – Jeremy Jordan, Jarrod Spector, Eric Anderson, Carrie Manolakos, Adrienne Warren, Michael Lanning, and Laura Osnes (a Japanese cast recording was released in 2016)

Other songs

 * Miracles - Stacy Lattisaw, lead single from Sixteen (album)
 * Love Me Like The First Time - Brenda K. Starr, second single from I Want Your Love (album)
 * Don't Look in My Eyes - Kenny Rogers, from The Heart of the Matter (Kenny Rogers album)
 * Where Do Broken Hearts Go - Whitney Houston, fourth single and Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit from Whitney (album)
 * I Do - Natalie Cole and Freddie Jackson, from Good to Be Back
 * Vienna - Linda Eder, from Linda Eder
 * You Are My Home - Linda Eder and Peabo Bryson, from The Scarlet Pimpernel
 * What I Do Best - Robin S., third single from Show Me Love (album)
 * Someone - Linda Eder and Michael Feinstein, from And So Much More
 * So Slowly - Danny de Munk, from Danny (originally from the musical Svengali)
 * My Father's Eyes - Philip Quast, from Live at the Donmar
 * This Time Around - David Hasselhoff, from This Time Around
 * I Was Born to Love You - David Hasselhoff and Brandi Burkhardt, from This Time Around
 * Freedom - Sabrina Weckerlin, from I'm Not Done Yet

Award nominations
Additionally, Wildhorn's musicals The Civil War and The Scarlet Pimpernel were nominated for Best Musical at the Tony Awards, and The Civil War and Bonnie & Clyde earned Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Broadway Musical. Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War, and Bonnie & Clyde also received nominations for Outstanding Musical by the Outer Critics Circle.

title: Frank Wildhorn


text:
Lauren Lane

 Laura "Lauren" Lane (born February 2, 1961) is an American film, television, stage actress, and professor. She is best known for her role as C.C. Babcock on The Nanny.

Life and career
Lane was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Arlington, Texas. She attended Lamar High School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Lane also earned a Master's degree in the advanced training program at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. In 2013, she briefly taught at Carnegie Mellon University. Lane is on the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Lane was married to businessman David Wilkins and together they have one daughter, Kate Wilkins.

Lane began her acting career in the 1984 film, Interface. She went on to appear in television and film productions such as Positive I.D., Nervous Ticks, Hunter, and L.A. Law, before being cast as C.C. Babcock in The Nanny in 1993. Lane starred in The Nanny until the show ended in 1999. While still performing on The Nanny, she appeared on The Daily Show in August 1997.

Lane voiced Ivana Baiul in the 2000 film Gen13. In December 2004, she joined the rest of the cast of The Nanny for the Lifetime one-hour special, The Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember.

Since 2000, Lane has performed in various productions at the Zachary Scott Theatre, in Austin, Texas. In 2010, she was a guest on The Fran Drescher Show. In 2015, she starred in a one-off performance in A. R. Gurney's Love Letters opposite her The Nanny co-star Daniel Davis with proceeds going to the Texas State BFA Acting Program.

title: Lauren Lane


text:
Palmoplantar keratoderma

Palmoplantar keratodermas are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum of the palms and soles.

Autosomal recessive, dominant, X-linked, and acquired forms have all been described.

Types
Clinically, three distinct patterns of palmoplantar keratoderma may be identified: diffuse, focal, and punctate.

Diffuse

Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma is a type of palmoplantar keratoderma that is characterized by an even, thick, symmetric hyperkeratosis over the whole of the palm and sole, usually evident at birth or in the first few months of life. Restated, diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma is an autosomal dominant disorder in which hyperkeratosis is confined to the palms and soles. The two major types can have a similar clinical appearance:
 * Diffuse epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (also known as "Palmoplantar keratoderma cum degeneratione granulosa Vörner", "Vörner's epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma", and "Vörner keratoderma" ) is one of the most common patterns of palmoplantar keratoderma, an autosomal dominant condition that presents within the first few months of life, characterized by a well-demarcated, symmetric thickening of palms and soles, often with a "dirty" snakeskin appearance due to underlying epidermolysis.
 * Diffuse nonepidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (also known as "Diffuse orthohyperkeratotic keratoderma", "Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma", "Keratosis extremitatum progrediens", "Keratosis palmoplantaris diffusa circumscripta", "Tylosis", "Unna–Thost disease", and "Unna–Thost keratoderma" ) is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition and is present from infancy, characterized by a well-demarcated, symmetric, often "waxy" keratoderma involving the whole of the palms and soles.

Focal
Focal palmoplantar keratoderma, a type of palmoplantar keratoderma in which large, compact masses of keratin develop at sites of recurrent friction, principally on the feet, although also on the palms and other sites, a pattern of calluses that may be discoid (nummular) or linear.
 *  Focal palmoplantar keratoderma with oral mucosal hyperkeratosis (also known as "Focal epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma", "Hereditary painful callosities", "Hereditary painful callosity syndrome", "Keratosis follicularis", "Keratosis palmoplantaris nummularis", and "Nummular epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma" ) is an autosomal dominant keratoderma that represents a clinical overlap syndrome with pachyonychia congenita type I but without the classic nail involvement.

Punctate
Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma is a form of palmoplantar keratoderma in which many tiny "raindrop" keratoses involve the palmoplantar surface, skin lesions which may involve the whole of the palmoplantar surface, or may be more restricted in their distribution.
 * Type 1: Keratosis punctata palmaris et plantaris (also known as "Autosomal-dominant hereditary punctate keratoderma associated with malignancy", "Buschke–Fischer–Brauer disease", "Davis Colley disease", "Keratoderma disseminatum palmaris et plantaris", "Keratosis papulosa", "Keratoderma punctatum", "Keratodermia punctata", "Keratoma hereditarium dissipatum palmare et plantare", "Palmar and plantar seed dermatoses", "Palmar keratoses", "Papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma", "Punctate keratoderma", "Punctate keratoses of the palms and soles", and "Maculosa disseminata") is a skin condition, an autosomal dominant palmoplantar keratoderma with variable penetrance, characterized clinically by multiple, tiny, punctate keratoses over the entire palmoplantar surfaces, beginning over the lateral edge of the digits.  It has been linked to 15q22-q24.
 * Type 2: Spiny keratoderma (also known as "Porokeratosis punctata palmaris et plantaris", "Punctate keratoderma", and "Punctate porokeratosis of the palms and soles") is an autosomal dominant keratoderma of late onset that develops in patients aged 12 to 50, characterized by multiple tiny keratotic plugs, resembling the spines on a music box, involving the entire palmoplantar surfaces.
 * Type 3: Focal acral hyperkeratosis (also known as "Acrokeratoelastoidosis lichenoides", and "Degenerative collagenous plaques of the hand") is a late-onset keratoderma, inherited as an autosomal dominant condition, characterized by oval or polygonal crateriform papules developing along the border of the hands, feet, and wrists. It is considered similar to Costa acrokeratoelastoidosis.

Ungrouped

 * Palmoplantar keratoderma and spastic paraplegia (also known as "Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease with palmoplantar keratoderma and nail dystrophy" ) is an autosomal dominant or x-linked dominant condition that begins in early childhood with thick focal keratoderma over the soles and, to a lesser extent, the palms.
 * Palmoplantar keratoderma of Sybert (also known as "Greither palmoplantar keratoderma", "Greither syndrome", "Keratosis extremitatum hereditaria progrediens", "Keratosis palmoplantaris transgrediens et progrediens" "Sybert keratoderma", and "Transgrediens and progrediens palmoplantar keratoderma" ) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant keratoderma (a skin condition involving horn-like growths) with symmetric severe involvement of the whole palmoplantar surface in a glove-and-stocking distribution. It was characterized by Aloys Greither in 1952.  It was characterized by Virginia Sybert in 1988. An autosomal recessive form which is known as Mal de Meleda has been described. This is associated with mutations in the Secreted Ly-6/uPAR-related protein 1 (SLURP1) gene.
 * Striate palmoplantar keratoderma (also known as "Acral keratoderma", "Brünauer-Fuhs-Siemens type of palmoplantar keratoderma", "Focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma", "Keratosis palmoplantaris varians", "Palmoplantar keratoderma areata", "Palmoplantar keratoderma striata", "Wachter keratoderma", and "Wachters palmoplantar keratoderma" ) is a cutaneous condition, an autosomal dominant keratoderma principally involving the soles with onset in infancy or the first few years of life.
 * Type 1: : DSG1
 * Type 2: : DSP
 * Type 3: : KRT1
 * Carvajal syndrome (also known as "Striate palmoplantar keratoderma with woolly hair and cardiomyopathy" and "Striate palmoplantar keratoderma with woolly hair and left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy", ) is a cutaneous condition inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, and due to a defect in desmoplakin. Striate palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair, and left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy has been described in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms, but only the recessive forms have a clear association with dilated cardiomyopathy.  The skin disease presents as a striate palmoplantar keratoderma with some nonvolar involvement, particularly at sites of pressure or abrasion.
 * Scleroatrophic syndrome of Huriez (also known as "Huriez syndrome", "Palmoplantar keratoderma with scleroatrophy", "Palmoplantar keratoderma with sclerodactyly", "Scleroatrophic and keratotic dermatosis of the limbs", and "Sclerotylosis") is an autosomal dominant keratoderma with sclerodactyly present at birth with a diffuse symmetric keratoderma of the palms and soles.  An association with 4q23 has been described. It was characterized in 1968.
 * Vohwinkel syndrome (also known as "Keratoderma hereditaria mutilans", "Keratoma hereditaria mutilans", "Mutilating keratoderma of Vohwinkel", "Mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma" ) is a diffuse autosomal dominant keratoderma with onset in early infancy characterized by a honeycombed keratoderma involving the palmoplantar surfaces.  Mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss is often associated. It has been associated with GJB2. It was characterized in 1929.
 * Olmsted syndrome (also known as "Mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma with periorificial keratotic plaques", "Mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma with periorificial plaques" and "Polykeratosis of Touraine") is a keratoderma of the palms and soles, with flexion deformity of the digits, that begins in infancy.  Treatment with retinoids has been described. It has been associated with mutations in TRPV3.
 * Aquagenic keratoderma, also known as acquired aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma, transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma, aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma, and aquagenic wrinkling of the palms, is a skin condition characterized by the development of white papules on the palms after water exposure.  The condition causes irritation of the palms when touching certain materials after being wet, e.g., paper, cloth. An association with cystic fibrosis has been suggested. The association with cystic fibrosis suggests an increased salt content in the skin.

Genetics
Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma has been associated with keratin 9 and keratin 16.

Nonepidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma has been associated with keratin 1 and keratin 16.

title: Palmoplantar keratoderma


text:
Mahamastakabhisheka

The Mahamastakabhisheka ("Grand Consecration") refers to the abhiṣeka (anointment) of the Jain idols when held on a large scale. The most famous of such consecrations is the anointment of the Bahubali Gommateshwara statue located at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, India. It is an important Jain festival held once every 12 years. It is an integral part of the ancient and composite Jain tradition.

The festival is held in veneration of a 17.4 m high monolithic statue of the Siddha Bahubali. The anointing last took place in February 2018, and the next ceremony will take place in 2030. The ceremony in 2018 is said to be the 88th in the series that commenced in the year 981 AD and was the second Mahamastakabhisheka of the 21st century. The ceremony is expected to be graced by numerous Jain ascetics. The February 2018 event was held under the leadership of Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola from 17 to 25 February 2018.

Anointment of the Gommateshwara Bahubali image
Bahubali, the son of Rishabhanatha, the first of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras, is worshipped for living with exceptional qualities that he displayed during all stages of his life from conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. This 58.8 feet tall statue is the most magnificent among all Jain works of art. It was built in circa 983. The Bahubali statue is described as one of the mightiest achievements of ancient Karnataka in the realm of sculptural art. The statue stands upright in the posture of meditation known as kayotsarga, reaching a height of nearly 57 feet atop the Vindhyagiri Hills - accessible through a flight of 700 steps.

Procedure
Purified water and sandalwood paste is poured over the statue from a scaffolding. This event continues for weeks. As the Mahamastakabhisheka begins, consecrated water is sprinkled onto the participants by devotees carrying 1,008 specially prepared vessels (kalashas). The statue is then bathed and anointed with libations such as milk, sugarcane juice, and saffron paste, and sprinkled with powders of sandalwood, turmeric, and vermilion. Offerings are made of petals, gold and silver coins, and precious stones. Most recently, the ceremony's finale has included an enormous shower of flowers from a waiting helicopter.

Other Mahamastakabhishekas
Apart from the anointment of the Gommateshwara statue at Shravana Belgola, anointment of the Jaina images take place at Jain temples throughout India. Anointment of the other Gommateshwara statues in Karnataka are also honoured with a Mahamastakabhisheka festival every 12 years.

 * Dharmasthala Mahamastakabhisheka
 * Karkala Mahamastakabhisheka - The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in February 2002, and the next will be in 2015.
 * Venur Mahamastakabhisheka - The last one was from 28 January 2012 to 5 February 2012. The next one will be in 2024.
 * Kumbhoj Mahamastakabhisheka - The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in 2015, and the next will be in 2027.

title: Mahamastakabhisheka