AS photos on Flickr

LAY OF THE (IS)LAND: US ARMY JAPAN COMMANDING GENERAL TOURS U.S. INSTALLATIONS, VISITS JSDF LEADERSHIP by John Carkeet

TOKYO – When Army Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette assumed command of U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) July 8, 2015, he immediately took initiative to personally meet the troops under his command as well as key leaders from his host nation partners.

Pasquarette's tour of his area of responsibility began in earnest when he and members of his staff boarded a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter July 10 from Camp Zama, Japan. Flying hundreds of feet above the congested highways at sometimes at level with Japan's sea of skyscrapers, Pasquarette acquired a bird's eye view of the American and Japanese military installations scattered among the urban jungle.

“We overflew Sagami General Depot, Yokohama North Dock and Hardy Barracks, said Milton Jackson, garrison manager at Camp Zama. “Our new commander now has clearer picture of the facilities, equipment and watercraft managed by the Army, and he can better understand where and how these individual installations interact with one another.”

According to Jackson, the USARJ primary mission comprises the rapid deployment of troops and materiel from one theater to another. As the Army's largest logistical hub in Asia, the command must maintain a streamlined sustainment system capable of moving thousands of tons of supplies and equipment via land and sea.

“Sagami Depot has rolling stock and Yokohama North Dock has watercraft,” said Jackson. “We must overcome the challenges posed by Japan's dense population centers by developing methods that rapidly move and load stock onto our watercraft so that we may better project our presence in the Pacific. Fortunately, our Japanese allies are willing to support us if a major threat or disaster called for a sudden mass movement.”

After a brief stop at Yokota Air Base to meet with Air Force Gen. John L. Dolan, commanding general, U.S. Force Japan, Pasquarette touched down near the heart of Tokyo where members of America's staunchest allies welcomed him with the pomp and circumstance befitting a general.

“On behalf of the JGSDF (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force), welcome to Japan,” said Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, chief of staff, JGSDF, to Pasquarette after the two commanders sat in a decorative conference room inside Japan's Ministry of Defense. “We look forward to continuing our dialog of bilateral coordination between our two countries as JGSDF pursues its transformation into a dynamic joint defense force.”

The dialog consisted of one-on-one conversations with not only Iwata but also Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, chief of staff, Japan Self-Defense Force, and Hideshi Tokuchi, vice minister of international affairs, Japan Ministry of Defense. The four men discussed previous achievements, current operations and potential challenges facing their respective commands and presented ideas on how to strengthen interoperability among their forces through combined training exercises and expanded service member exchange programs.

“We currently have several dozen JSDF service members embedded with [U.S. military] units,” said Pasquarette. “I believe extending this program so that our Soldiers can work within the JGSDF will further enhance our partnership.”

Pasquarette also ensured his hosts that the United States Army remains committed to its allies in the Pacific despite looming force reductions and ongoing operations in Europe and the Middle East.

“The Army recently announced that it will cut the number of troops in the active component from 450,000 to about 410,000,” said Pasquarette. “This rebalance of the force has no effect on our strength and readiness in the Pacific. Our alliance is more important than ever. That's why we're keeping our best trained and best equipped Soldiers in Japan and Korea.”

After a two-hour visit that started with with a JSDF band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and ended with a warm exchange of plaques and handshakes, Pasquarette and his team boarded a helicopter bound for Camp Zama.

“I have worked extensively throughout the Pacific during my Army career,” said the former armor officer and chief of staff of U.S. Army Pacific. “The JSDF consists of some of the world's most capable and professional men and women in uniform. I look forward to building stronger relationships with them and become a valuable partner in its transformation."

U.S. Army photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

I dreamed about a human being. Contact Sheet by Fran Simó ( I dreamed about a human being )

I dreamed about a human being is is part of a project exploring the use of artificial intelligence as applied to photography by using online open source code and data.

More information at fransimo.info/?p=1100

ID:338d8a144e3b0323ce33ca3408879cfd

Golden Ratio Ballerina Fine Art Swimsuit Bikini Lingerie Model Goddess LTD Theory Lingerie dx4/dt=ic! The Birth of Venus! Athena, Helen, and Artemis!!! by 45SURF Hero's Odyssey Mythology Photography

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Greetings mate! As many of you know, I love marrying art, science, and math in my fine art portrait and landscape photography!

The gold 45 revolver lingerie is designed in accordance with the golden ratio! More about the design and my philosophy of "no retouching" on the beautiful goddesses in my new book:

www.facebook.com/Photographing-Women-Models-Portrait-Swim...

"Photographing Women Models: Portrait, Swimsuit, Lingerie, Boudoir, Fine Art, & Fashion Photography Exalting the Venus Goddess Archetype"

If you would like a free review copy, message me!

And here's more on the golden ratio which appears in many of my landscape and portrait photographs (while shaping the proportions of the golden gun)!

www.facebook.com/goldennumberratio/

'

The dx4/dt=ic above the gun on the lingerie derives from my new physics books devoted to Light, Time, Dimension Theory!

www.facebook.com/lightimedimensiontheory/

Thanks for being a fan! Would love to hears your thoughts on my philosophies and books! :)

facebook.com/mcgucken

http:/instagram.com/elliotmcgucken

instagram.com/goldennumberratio

Beautiful swimsuit bikini model goddess!

Golden Ratio Lingerie Model Goddess LTD Theory Lingerie dx4/dt=ic! The Birth of Venus, Athena, and Artemis! Girls and Guns!

Would you like to see the whole set? Comment below and let me know!

Follow me!

instagram.com/45surf

facebook.com/mcgucken

instagram.com/elliotmcgucken

I am working on several books on "epic photography," and I recently finished a related one titled: The Golden Number Ratio Principle: Why the Fibonacci Numbers Exalt Beauty and How to Create PHI Compositions in Art, Design, & Photography: An Artistic and Scientific Introduction to the Golden Mean . Message me on facebook for a free review copy!

www.facebook.com/goldennumberratio/

The Golden Ratio informs a lot of my art and photographic composition. The Golden Ratio also informs the design of the golden revolver on all the swimsuits and lingerie, as well as the 45surf logo! Not so long ago, I came up with the Golden Ratio Principle which describes why The Golden Ratio is so beautiful.

The Golden Number Ratio Principle: Dr. E’s Golden Ratio Principle: The golden ratio exalts beauty because the number is a characteristic of the mathematically and physically most efficient manners of growth and distribution, on both evolutionary and purely physical levels. The golden ratio ensures that the proportions and structure of that which came before provide the proportions and structure of that which comes after. Robust, ordered growth is naturally associated with health and beauty, and thus we evolved to perceive the golden ratio harmonies as inherently beautiful, as we saw and felt their presence in all vital growth and life—in the salient features and proportions of humans and nature alike, from the distribution of our facial features and bones to the arrangements of petals, leaves, and sunflowers seeds. As ratios between Fibonacci Numbers offer the closest whole-number approximations to the golden ratio, and as seeds, cells, leaves, bones, and other physical entities appear in whole numbers, the Fibonacci Numbers oft appear in nature’s elements as “growth’s numbers.” From the dawn of time, humanity sought to salute their gods in art and temples exalting the same proportion by which all their vital sustenance and they themselves had been created—the golden ratio.

The Birth of Venus! Beautiful Golden Ratio Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess! Helen of Troy! She was tall, thin, fit, and quite pretty!

Read all about how classical art such as The Birth of Venus inspires all my photography!

www.facebook.com/Photographing-Women-Models-Portrait-Swim...

"Photographing Women Models: Portrait, Swimsuit, Lingerie, Boudoir, Fine Art, & Fashion Photography Exalting the Venus Goddess Archetype"

As "Lois" in "Monkey Business" (1952) 4 by Amara

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Quarry Empties by Gordon Edgar

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As light snow begins to fall, another consignment of empties are tripped to the quarry face from the Raw Materials Plant tippler by 4-wheel diesel-hydraulic Thomas Hill 186V built in 1967. Cemex Barrington Cement Works, 23rd February 2005.

AS 冰夷 by nobodyhan

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Beyond The Singularity by 10 mm

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As I approach, the fabric of space warps,

A kaleidoscope of swirling light,

A symphony of chaos, the cosmos carps,

In this celestial dance of day and night.

The singularity calls, a siren's song,

A gravitational pull, both fierce and dire,

Where time itself seems infinitely long,

And reality bends to a strange desire.

I tread the line between existence and nought,

A journey fraught with peril and with grace,

With every step, my very being is sought,

By forces that no mortal can embrace.

Beyond the singularity, the unknown lies,

Where truth and mystery in darkness rise.

Lindfield, Sussex - 1967 by West Hove

Me as a baby with my brothers, Andy and Jon and Granny Chadwick

Laura Morera, Edward Watson by Dave

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As One - a new work for the Royal Ballet from Jonathan Watkins. Taken at the dress rehearsal at the end of February 2010

as you wish by evil'sdolls

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Krishna as Kali by Yadupati

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Very unusual Appearance of Sri Krishna as Devi (rare picture, Calcutta woodcut)

Stand tall!!! by barrett moore

Old Crow Tattoo and Gallery presents Stand Tall Pt.II: No Ceilings !

New Heights in Urban Contemporary Art

2 OPENING RECEPTIONS, 2 VENUES, 2 DAYS

Alot's happened since the last "Stand Tall" and as we move closer to 2012. We wanted to do it again, one last time....

Sooo here it is on March 4th and 5th, bigger and better with 60 of our favorite artists, covering a wide range of mediums and disciplines.

"Stand Tall" and in essence, is a conceptual installation show, where each artist has a 3ft x 9ft of wall space to exhibit whatever however they see fit. This show is meant to give each artist full liberty to create within a confined area. The concept allows for a visceral gallery presentation and also individual grace and focus from artist to artist.

Stand Tall Pt.II promises all the visual beauty of last years show but this time we'll be working with Photographer's, Skate Artists, Street Artists of all types, Visionary artists and of course Tattooists as well as accomplished fine artists to create a more dynamic event for everyone involved. We really cant say enough about the group of artists participating in this show. If you not familiar with any of they're work follow the links and get familiar.

JAPANTHER will be headlining the event and performing on Friday night @ Addis Habana. This will be a very special performance as they are also exhibiting in the show. This will be a rare time to see the artwork of JAPANTHER along with the music.

Mortar and Pestle will be playing @ Old Crow Tattoo and Gallery on Friday along with other surprises.

Daniel Yasmin w/ special guests will be playing live on Saturday evening.

Hosted by Philip Milic in the house he created.

We really hope you can attend this show, bring yourself and your friends both nights. This is a good one.

2 Venues, 2 Nights, Stand Tall Pt.II

Artist List

John Felix Arnold III / David Young V

felixthethirdrock.com/

ATWA

www.asiaartnow.com/EXHIBITIONS/2010-09-10/94.html

BDS (Terms, Deadeyes, Safety 1st, Ash Rose)

blackdiamondsshining.tumblr.com/

Lupo Avanti / Salem

www.poetryofline.com/

www.salem362.com

Krescent Carasso

www.krescentcarasso.com/

John Casey / Nathaniel Parsons / Obi Kaufmann / Dave Higgins

bunnywax.wordpress.com/

obikaufmann.wordpress.com/

dwhiggins.com/

nathanielparsons.com/

Chez

goldenwesttattoo.com/gallery/brush

Ken Davis

www.artofkendavis.com/

Deuce 7

www.flickr.com/groups/422469@N20/

Max Ehrman

maxehrman.carbonmade.com/

ESK

www.esk18.blogspot.com/

Oliver Fader / Ken Goto

1amsf.com/2010/02/24/the-city-artist-spotlight-oliver-fader/

www.kengotophoto.com/

Kristin Farr / Jeff Meadows

theclumsymonkey.com/

www.kristinfarr.com

Gaia

gaiastreetart.com/

KenyG / AKO

akotheemptyobjects.blogspot.com/

Hyde

www.flickr.com/photos/hydester/

Ian and Matt from Japanther

japanther.com/

Jae54

Kathyrn Ka June

www.serpentfeathers.com/

Junre / Abno / Dr.Sex

blog.ironlak.com/2011/01/video-jurne-dement-twigs-enron-m...

Koleo

www.flickr.com/photos/koleo/

Lango

www.langotattoo.com

Andre Malcolm

www.FTWoakland.com

Jet Martinez / Kelly Ording

www.jetromartinez.com/index.htm

www.kellyording.com/index.htm

Philip Milic

www.oldcrowtattoo.com

Optimist

Ootheca / Marin Camille

www.thrivingink.com/blog/new-art-ootheca-shop

www.marincamille.com/statements.html

Parskid

www.parskid.com/

Ian Ross

www.ianrossart.com

Satyr / Robert Bowen

www.robertbowenart.com

Kola Shobo

kaysjay.zenfolio.com/

Siloette

www.siloette.com/

Snowmonkey

www.flickr.com/photos/46463607@N04/4418735381/in/set-7215...

Swype

humblebeginningstattoo.com/artists.html

Smuggler

www.dayinthelyfe.com

Smear

theartofsmear.com/home.html

Weirdo

Xavi

www.podcollective.com/

Kid Yellow / Henry Gunderson

kidyellow.com/

Vulcan

If you missed last year and wanna see what this year might be like check this link...

oaktownart.com/2010/04/12/the-stylistic-confides-of-lowbr...

Old Crow Tattoo and Gallery

362 Grand Ave.

www.oldcrowtattoo.com

Addis Habana

366 Grand Ave.

Slide Fire Burned Area by Coconino National Forest, Ariz.

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As seen across from Halfway Picnic Area in Oak Creek Canyon. Taken 6/26/14 by Brady Smith. Credit: U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest.

Excetera on the 28 by Surrey Buses

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Arriva Kent & Surrey withdrew their route 28 (Guildford - Woking via Pirbright) as it was not viable for them. The last day was Saturday 24th September 2016.

Surrey CC asked other operators if they would be interested in taking it on. Buses Excetera were, and started on the service on Monday 26th September 2016.

It has reverted to the previous route via Stoughton between Guildford and Worplesdon, rather than the long way round via the uni and Fairlands Arriva had changed it to in March 2016 when they withdrew the 17.

It's also been merged with the Woking - Chobham 73, so now runs as one through Guildford - Pirbright - Woking - Chobham service.

Here, Dart KU52 YLH is seen at Cawsey Way in Woking with a Guildford-bound journey.

The times have sensibly been left pretty much the same as the previous service over the Chobham - Woking and Woking - Guildford sections (they fit quite well to allow this), however it does mean that (as per Arriva's timetable), the Guildford-bound 28 is timed to leave Woking around the same time as the Camberley-bound 34, then follow each other to Knaphill via St Johns. This won't help Excetera's revenues on the service, for 3902 (BX56 VTW) notably picked up most of the passengers here.

Cawsey Way, Woking, Surrey.

Hubble Views a Double Cluster of Glowing Galaxies by NASA Hubble Space Telescope

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This Hubble image features a massive cluster of brightly glowing galaxies, first identified as Abell 3192. Like all galaxy clusters, this one is suffused with hot gas that emits powerful X-rays, and it is enveloped in a halo of invisible dark matter. All this unseen material – not to mention the many galaxies visible in this image – comprises such a huge amount of mass that the galaxy cluster noticeably curves spacetime around it, making it into a gravitational lens. Smaller galaxies behind the cluster appear distorted into long, warped arcs around the cluster’s edges.

The galaxy cluster is in the constellation Eridanus, but the question of its distance from Earth is a more complicated one. Abell 3192 was originally documented in the 1989 update of the Abell catalog of galaxy clusters that was first published in 1958. At that time, Abell 3192 was thought to comprise a single cluster of galaxies, concentrated at a single distance. However, further research revealed something surprising: the cluster’s mass seemed to be densest at two distinct points rather than one.

It was subsequently shown that the original Abell cluster is actually comprised of two independent galaxy clusters – a foreground group around 2.3 billion light-years from Earth, and another group at the greater distance of about 5.4 billion light-years from our planet. The more distant galaxy cluster, included in the Massive Cluster Survey as MCS J0358.8-2955, is central in this image. The two galaxy groups are thought to have masses equivalent to around 30 trillion and 120 trillion times the mass of the Sun, respectively. Both of the two largest galaxies at the center of this image are part of MCS J0358.8-2955; the smaller galaxies you see here, however, are a mixture of the two groups within Abell 3192.

Text credit: European Space Agency

Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, G. Smith, H. Ebeling, D. Coe

For more information: science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/hubble-views-a-double-cl...

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London November 2014 128 - The Shard & City Hall Buildings on The Southbank by Mark Schofield

We went to London the other weekend. This annual trip started as a ladies one day shopping trip, intended to raise funds for Slaithwaite Brass Band. Jayne’s family have a long association with the band. Thirteen years ago I started going on this trip, one bloke amongst, around, 50 women. Eight years ago we persuaded Debbie Booth to organise it as an overnight trip. I’m still the only bloke beside the driver, Richard, from Stotts, who has taken us many times. We stay at the Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch, very central and very nice. It’s a fantastic value trip and once you have a place you don’t give it up. After a clear run down we were at the hotel around 11.45am and we were soon off on foot with the camera gear. The light was terrible, light grey sky bordering on white, rubbish for the daylight shots.

We didn’t have an agenda, we just meandered, no evening show, we just kept walking. For the first time I had taken a small tripod, a bit of a cheap thing but it’s light. We walked on the South Bank as darkness fell, the trouble is you can only target one place in the best light, before total darkness. We were by tower bridge at the time, I wanted to shoot the buildings around City Hall, curious if I could get anything worthwhile. It’s been done to death but I don’t look at other photos before I go, I like to just give it my best shot. It would require a bit of luck to have a situation that produced something out of the ordinary – or more skill than I have.

We worked our way in the dark across to The City. The Lloyds building was another target, again I gave it my best shot – for a first attempt. I had a good time and had a chat with a few curious onlookers. . On our way back to Marble Arch I photographed the big department store window displays and the Christmas lights, trying to find some colour in a drab day. I think it was John Lewis that had the Penguins in every window, very funny. Jayne knew about them from a TV ad, I don’t watch telly so they were new to me.

We were out early on Sunday but again the light was awful. We should count our blessings really, we have had dry and generally nice weather most years on this trip. Dotted around London are the Paddington Bear models which we had read about on our way down. We came across quite a few, mostly with a queue of people wanting their photos taken with Paddington. There were also a lot of model, new shape Routemaster buses, dotted around. It’s the Year of the Bus apparently, they have been painted by well-known or aspiring artists. The added a splash of colour to a very grey day. We walked out to Elephant and Castle, never having been before. It’s a bit run down but I was aiming at a tall building which turned out to be the Strata Building. I had to do the best I could but as you can see, the light was crap. The Strata has three, token gesture windmills built into the roof but you have to be a distance away to see them.

As the Sun Sets by Joe Gellar

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Another beautiful view of the sunset @ Jeffrey Hill along with a glimpse of the moon. Featuring the sculpture at the Hill. Taken on my iPhone.

Please comment in the section below with what you think of this beautiful scene and be sure to visit my profile to see my other pics and comment on them also. Thanks.

As I am by Christine Cueto

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photography: Christine Cueto

model: Kirsten Pickett of Wafer Models Philippines

mua: Dollface Cosmetics Cebu

2013

please do visit and like my facebook page :D www.facebook.com/ChristineCuetoPhotographs

Doo Sheets Burka - Spain by 4thlion

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As the hurricane was hitting full force, our Burka friend stood gallantly for this photo,

"PAH, yuuze eez justio smallio galeeo", taunted Doo Sheets to the wind...;o)

Lainici Monastery Sep 2019 (7) by M. Cristian-Ioan

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During the First World War, in 1916–1918, Lainici Monastery was severely damaged.

The German troops at first were placed there, and then burned the monastery.

The names of soldiers and officers who slept there and desecrated the church are still inscribed on the walls of the altar.

All the valuables, including the bells, were stolen by the German soldiers.

The archive of the monastery was burned, as well.

grey as smoke by jahne walerianczyk

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holme island2b-as by John Leech

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Holme Island juts out into Morecambe Bay and is joined to the mainland by a permanent causeway. Its tricky to photograph from here so I don't tend to consider it very often, but the other morning the breaks in clouds were sending the familar Myseron beams searching aroud the bay. The state of tide and angle of sun was creating some interesting tonal variations. I was hoping for a second beam to highlight Arnside in the background, but it didn't happen, so settled for this composition with a darker, more mysterious background.

1978 Dodge Challenger by Pintopower

As Found on eBay:

This is an amazing opportunity for you to own a nostalgic piece of automobile history!

Dodge marketed this Mitsubishi-built car in the late 70’s and early 80’s as the Challenger. A sister model, the Sapporo was also marketed by Plymouth. These much loved cars have all but disappeared from the face of the planet but this Challenger has survived and never ceases to cause a stir!

The Challenger came very well equipped for the time with a big 2.6 liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, 14-inch radial tires with raised-white letters mounted on alloy-wheels, full instrumentation including a tachometer, tilt steering, intermittent wipers, overhead console with digital clock and pivoting map light and dual power side mirrors just to name a few features. This car is equipped with a MOPAR air conditioning system (not currently working) and a period correct AM/FM cassette stereo.

It is finished in a factory two-tone color scheme of Bright Blue Metallic (B22) and Warm White (W61). The interior on this car is an amazing blast from the past! The blue and white with blue, white and red plaid inserts is completely original and in terrific shape! The color-matched louvers on the side windows were standard but the louvers on the rear window were an aftermarket accessory. The rear louvers lift up for easily window cleaning or can be easily removed for a more stock look. Clearly the car has been loved and well cared for its 34 years.

For its time the Challenger was a unique car not only to look at but also to drive. This Challenger runs and drives terrifically! The engine has good power and the transmission shifts smoothly. It cruises at freeway speeds with no problems. We recently installed a remanufactured carburetor and muffler and tailpipe. It passed California emissions on 6/22/12. I just completed a couple hundred mile trip in the car and it performed very well!

THE GOOD

Clearly this car is a survivor and is one of what must be very, very few Challengers left in original condition. There are just tick over 95,000 miles on the odometer which (based on the car’s condition) are assumed to be correct. Mechanically the car starts, runs, drives and stops well. The interior is an amazing time capsule as you can see from the photos. All the gauges, the radio, the overhead console with clock, the dual power mirrors and intermittent wipers work. The car is like it was back in the 70’s right down to the original Mitsubishi ignition key. The car comes with an owner’s manual and shop manual as well as an original sales brochure. It is ready for you to drive and enjoy.

THE NOT SO GOOD

Though in great condition overall, this car is 34 years old and has a few dings and scratches here and there. There is a small amount of surface rust on the lower rockers of the front fenders which is characteristic of these cars. Though the finish is brilliant, the clear coat on the hood and roof are crazed and a meticulous owner might want to have those parts refinished. There is an aftermarket power antenna installed that does not work. As previously mentioned the air conditioner is not working. There is a chip in the plastic on the driver’s side mirror and one of the vents in the center of the dash is missing. Each seat should have four small plastic trim pieces that is finish trim. Some of these trim pieces have come off (pictured). The original alloy wheels have not been curbed but could stand a good polishing. Sections of the wheels were painted blue by a previous owner and that paint job has not stood the test of time. None of these things listed greatly deter from how nice this car is overall. I simply mention them so you the potential buyer has a good idea of the car’s true condition.

As if the Parmo was not bad enough by DurhamDundee

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We now have the Parmo Pie.

As Night Approaches by Carly.O

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As Natural As It Gets by Debbie Tubridy

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Countdown Day #14

Today is many things ....

it marks the middle of the week, when we can all begin to see the light of the weekend approaching again ....

it is officially 2 weeks from now that I will be enjoying the Alaskan way of life .....

and there's one more thing that I celebrate today, but I'll wait on that one for just a few moments.

In 2010, it was probably our best year in returning to Katmai NP & Preserve and photographing the coastal brown bears. That year we visited in July with the specific purpose of spending time with the sows who had their cubs with them. We hit it just right .... there were numerous sets of sows and their cubs, anywhere from 1-4 each (cubs, that is with each sow). We traveled the landscape of Katmai, walking on their same game trails, with reminders of their presence all around us, be it bedded down areas, fresh scat, fresh scents, or my personal favorite always, tufts of their fur on branches that they undoubtedly rubbed themselves against. I've never felt such excitement in anticipation of catching the first glimpse of them, which is always way high on the "thrill meter". :-)

This day was no different.

What was different that year was the closeness that we found ourselves in amongst the magnificent bears.... not that we tried, it just happened. See, often sows will use humans to protect their cubs from other sows, or the occasional and unwelcome boar, as they set off for a fresh catch of incoming salmon. My heart was racing on that trip, on more than one occasion, due to the encounter that they allowed us to be a part of. The other thrill and added bonus to being there with so many sows and their cubs was observing their behaviors with them, especially during feeding time. They would gather up their cubs, slowly make their way to a more secluded section, while their cubs grew even more anxious than us for what was to come. Yes, it was time for their mom to take a break, lay down, and offer them up a special treat ... "liquid gold", or nourishing milk. How fun it was to watch them compete over getting the best spot for the feeding and bonding session. Like our own babies, they are quite frantic in the beginning, though after time, they relax and it's almost more of a "cuddle time", if you will. If the wind is not working against you and you're still, you can actually hear them purring.... just melts your heart. :-)

So, as I mentioned earlier, today is also a celebratory day and I chose with image for a reason. See, August 1-7th, 2013 is World Breastfeeding Week and I can't think of anything that could be more natural, nurturing, and bonding than time spent feeding our young, the way nature intended it, no matter the species.

Thanks for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com

Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Hillary Clinton by Center for American Progress Action Fund

As President Bush pushed for a surge of troops in Iraq, the drain on U.S. troops and readiness continued to mount. Six years after the invasion of Afghanistan and four years after the invasion of Iraq, the all-volunteer Army was almost broken. The situation for the National Guard and Reserve was even worse. The chairman of the congressionally appointed Commission on the National Guard and Reserves had recently reported that, "We can't sustain the [National Guard and reserves] on the course we're on." Even when troops returned home, they did not receive the treatment befitting veterans, as evidenced by the recent revelations of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), member of the Armed Services Committee, discussed the condition of the U.S. Armed Forces and what could be done to rebuild them.

Photography by Ralph Alswang

202-487-5025

ralph@ralphphoto.com

ralphphoto.com

"Ahsoka Tano" by David Mead

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As made by Tracy Frizzel.

'I love Cheryl Cole' Jumper, Eldon Square, Newcastle by Rachel Clements

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As far as I know '202 Fashion', the shop selling this 'I (heart) Cheryl Cole' jumper, is an local independent retailer who happens to trade inside Eldon Square. Cheryl Cole shows very public support for her home city of Newcastle, and in particular the suburb of Heaton where she grew up, namely from her seat as a judge on popular television entertainment programme X Factor. In return the city shows a support (if a little tongue in cheek) to the star. I feel that there's a local geordie allegiance going on here.

As The Sun Goes Down by Sue Thompson

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Just as advertised by Claude Fletcher

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" They won't bloom" so said the cashier at Walmart, as she tried to dissuade me from buying these gladiola bulbs.

Boy was she wrong!

AS PRINCESAS 2 by cris_pereira

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Elas se sentem princesas

MODERATED!!! by Day_C

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Marked as moderate

Hello, Day_C!

This is an automatically generated copy of a warning we sent to your primary email address:

-------------------------

Hello Day_C,

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I wonder who complained....

p by Sheila Mink

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as in perched

as a bird by Damian Siwiaszczyk

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Allison & Joeleen (97/100) by Maureen Bond

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I stopped in to a new shop in the neighborhood that I heard sells cupcakes. For those of you not living in the Los Angeles area, cupcakes have become such a big hit and very competitive as to what place you buy them at, what flavors are available, who sells out the fastest and so on. I'm glad a new business has gone into an empty store and I'll have to be careful about my visits too, it could become addictive. Meet Allison on the left and Joeleen (owner) on the right. My 97th stranger to the project and just to let you know I already have # 98 and # 99 waiting to be posted. So one more to go. So back to the gals that sell sugar! Allison has worked at this new shop for just about 5 months and Joeleen has been doing this for over 5 years by appointment only. Joeleen, a Baker classically trained at the California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu. Joeleen had been voted the best cake designer in the past and when you see her cakes it is just like the shows on television. TLC just filmed an episode of "Fabulous Cakes" at her shop. Jolene puts a lot of love and care into her creations. I have tried the apple pie cupcake (her favorite) and the pumpkin pie cupcake and they both were delicious with a nice cup of coffee. Her wedding, birthday and special event cakes look wonderful. I'll bee seeing Allison and Joeleen again I'm sure when that craving happens. They just are too close to my home! Thanks for being a part of my project!

"This picture is #97 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com

Paths to Happiness by Calsidyrose

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As in life, the Game of Happiness has many twists and turns. This is not the fully assembled gameboard--love and knowledge have 3-D attachments, as does the central direction pointer in the rainbow circle.

Milton Bradley, circa 1970s.

Attestation of 100 New Officers by Greater Manchester Police

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Greater Manchester Police has welcomed another 100 new recruits as police officers.

The new officers were sworn in last night at an Attestation Ceremony, held in the core of the community, at The Oldham Academy North.

Proudly witnessed by friends and family, the new officers each made an oath to uphold the role of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their service.

Joining Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, were magistrates Joan Cooper and Mike Phillips.

The new officers come from a range of backgrounds and bring lots of new skills with them that will assist as they start their new role policing their communities. Many of them are fluent in a second language, which will help give access to our services for all communities in Greater Manchester.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “ Policing our local communities across Greater Manchester with the support of local people is at the heart of policing. It is therefore fitting that their Attestation Ceremony is held in the heart of the community.

“This group of officers is the first since 2009 to be recruited directly from our communities, rather than already having a role within policing. They have all come through a very rigorous recruitment and selection process, but the hard work starts here for them as they train to be a police officer operating in a very complex society.

“I am certain that they will all be great assets to the GMP and the people of Greater Manchester. I hope you will join me in wishing them a successful career.”

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd added: “It’s great to see a new wave of police officers ready to take to the streets of Greater Manchester. Each brings their own unique strengths, skills and experiences and will be an asset to the communities they serve.

“I’m pleased to see that of the 100 new recruits from local communities; more than a third are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. These new officers are part of a significant investment and continued commitment to neighbourhood policing, bringing new blood, new ideas and more diversity into the service, which can only bring benefits for the wider community.”

For more information about Policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

To report crime call police on 101 the national non-emergency number.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Work in progress... by NotYetTheDodo

5 11

This is as far as I have come now - I laid them out on the floor just to see what I have going on.... and there are 8 in all now, in varying sizes and drama.

Hmmmm.... what to do?! Giving it quite some thought....

As well as a basic education, migrant labourers' son Dhanush (right) aged seven is now receiving healthy meals as a result of the "All For Children" project - a joint initiative by Unicef and the global clothing chain H&M. The project's aim is to protect by Unicef India

As well as a basic education, migrant labourers' son Dhanush (right) aged seven is now receiving healthy meals as a result of the "All For Children" project - a joint initiative by Unicef and the global clothing chain H&M. The project's aim is to protect the rights of children in the cotton producing areas of Tamil Nadu, southern India..Dhanush's family moved to Tamil Nadu from the eastern state of Orissa because of the availability of work at brickworks in Salem District. But life proved harder than expected and while his parents worked, he and his three siblings roamed wild in the surrounding countryside without clothes, regular meals or any notion of personal hygiene. The children's plight came to the attention of a Project Officer who arranged for them to be enrolled in a nearby day centre and primary school which also provide regular nutritious snacks..Dhanush is pictured with his eight-year-old sister Shanti (second right) and day centre helper Kalaiselvi ( left)..Unicef India/2010/Jean Macfarlane .

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Cambodia - Temples Of Angkor - Banteay Kdei - 34 by Manfred Sommer

Banteay Kdei (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយក្តី; Prasat Banteay Kdei), meaning "A Citadel of Chambers", also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells", is a Buddhist temple in Angkor, Cambodia. It is located southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom. Built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries AD during the reign of Jayavarman VII (who was posthumously given the title "Maha paramasangata pada"), it is in the Bayon architectural style, similar in plan to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, but less complex and smaller. Its structures are contained within two successive enclosure walls, and consist of two concentric galleries from which emerge towers, preceded to the east by a cloister.

This Buddhist monastic complex is currently dilapidated due to faulty construction and poor quality of sandstone used in its buildings, and is now undergoing renovation. Banteay Kdei had been occupied by monks at various intervals over the centuries until the 1960s.

GEOGRAPHY

The Banteay Kdei, one of the many Angkor temples, is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park of 400 square kilometres area. The ancient city of Angkor during the Khmer Empire extended from Tonle Sap to the Kulen hills covering a vast area of 1,000 square kilometres. The temple is approached from the east gopura of Ta Prohm along a 600 metres path. This path leads to the west gate entrance gopura of Banteay Kdei. It is 3 kilometres east of Angkor Thom.

HISTORY OF SRAH SRANG

The name Banteay Kdei originates from an earlier name, Kuti, which is mentioned in the Sdok Kak Thom. This stele describes the arrival of Jayavarman II to the area, "When they arrived at the eastern district, the king bestowed an estate and a village called Kuti upon the family of the royal chaplain." This royal chaplain was the Brahman scholar Sivakaivalya, his chief priest for the Devaraja cult.

The Khmer Empire lasted from 802 to 1431, initially under Hindu religious beliefs up to the end of the 12th century and later under Buddhist religious practices. It was a time when temples of grandeur came to be built and reached a crescendo during the reign of Suryavarman II until 1145/1150, and later in the 12th–13th centuries, under Jayavarman VII. Many Buddhist temples were built, including the Banteay Kdei, from middle of the 12th century to early 13th century. Though Jayavarman VII was credited with building many temples, he was also accused of squandering money on extravagant temple building projects at the expense of society and other duties. He built Buddhist temples in which Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was the main deity. This temple built, conforming to the style of the Ta Prohm and Preah Khan temples in the vicinity during the same period by Jayavarman VII, but of a smaller size, was built as a Buddhist monastic complex on the site of a 10th-century temple built by Rajendravarman. Some small inscriptions attest to the building of this temple by Jayavarman VII and the royal architect, Kavindrarimathana.

Jayavarman VII had come to power at the age of 55 after defeating Chams who had invaded Angkor and subjected it to devastation. His "prodigious activity" resulted in the restoration of Cambodia from its ruins. He was chiefly the architect of the rebuilt capital at Angkor Thom and was called a "Great Builder". He was responsible for building many temples, which apart from Banteay Kdei, included the central temple of the Bayon, Prah Khan, Ta Prohm and many others, and also many rest houses for pilgrims. The reasons for building this temple at its present site is not known. However, it is established that the temple is a contemporary of the Angkor Wat as many similarities have been identified between the two, and also with Phimai temple in Thailand. It is reported to be the first temple built by Jayavarman VII in 1181 AD, opposite to the Srah Srang reservoir.

In the 13th century, most of the temples built by Jayavarman were vandalised. However, some of the Mahayana Buddhist frontons and lintels are still seen in good condition. It is also the view of some archaeologists that the temple was built by Jayavarman II in honour of his religious teacher.

The temple, which for several centuries after the Khmer reign ended, remained neglected and covered with vegetation. It was exposed after clearing the surrounding overgrowth of vegetation in 1920–1922. This work was carried out under the guidance of Henri Marchal (then Conservator of Angkor) and Ch. Battuer, by adopting a conservation principle which was known as "the principle of anastylosis, which was being employed very effectively by the Dutch authorities in Indonesia". It was partially occupied by Buddhist monks till the 1960s.

For ten years till March 2002, Sophia University Mission or the Sophia Mission of Japan carried out several Archaeological research at the Banteay Kdei temple. During these investigations, a cache of fragments of 274 Buddhist statues made in sandstone, along with a few metal art pieces, were unearthed, in 2001. Plans to build a storage room to house the statues was also planned.

LAYOUT

The sacred temple complex is cloistered and packed in a space of 65×50 m with three enclosures within a large compound wall of size 700×300 m, made of laterite stones. The entry is from the east facing gopura, which is in a cruciform embellished with Lokesvara images. The temple is a treasure house of sculptures in the architectural styles of the Bayon and also of the Angkor Wat. The complex is on a single level.External enclosureThe external enclosure with four concentric walls, has four gopuras similar to the Ta Prohm temple, and all are in some degree of preserved status. At the four corners, the gopuras have a fascia of Lokesvara (Buddhist deity, Avalokitesvara) mounted over Garuda images (it is also mentioned that the smiling faces are of King Jayavarman II, similar to those seen in the Beyan temple). The east facing gopura, in particular, has well-preserved garuda images on its corners. Two hundred meters from the west entrance of this enclosure leads to a moat, which is decorated with statues of lions and naga-balustrades mounted on garudas. The moat itself has in its precincts the third enclosure which measures 320×300 m, also enclosed with laterite walls. The Buddha image at the entrance to the moat, near the second interior gate, is well preserved, considering the fact that most of the other statues have been destroyed or stolen.

THIRD ENCLOSURE

The third enclosure has a gopura which has a cruciform plan. It has pillars which are crossed by vaults. There are three passages in this enclosure, two on either side are independent, with laterite walls. The niches here have small figurines, and large apsara devatas in single poses or in pairs of dancing poses. Large Buddha images, in an internal courtyard of this enclosure, have been defaced by vandals. A paved access from here leads to the main shrine, which comprises two galleried enclosures. At the entrance to these enclosures, from the eastern end, is the "Hall of Dancers", which has four open courtyards and the pillars have fine carvings of apsaras.

SECOND ENCLOSURE

The second enclosure, which is part of the main temple, measures 58×50 m. It has a gopura on its eastern side and also subsidiary gopura on the west. Entrance doors are at the northern and southern ends. The gopura is built like a gallery with one exterior wall and double row of pillars which open into a courtyard and which has mostly shored up walls with small openings at the bottom to allow air circulation. The niches here are decorated with images of apsaras, and a Buddha statue in the central hall has been defaced by vandals. Bayon style architectural features built-in are the "balustered false windows with lowered blinds and devatas with headdresses in the form of small flaming discs set in a triangle." The vaults built in sandstone and laterite have collapsed at several locations of the gallery. The inner enclosures contain library building to its north and south and also a central sanctuary.

INNER ENCLOSURE

The inner enclosure of the main temple is built on a 36×30 m layout plan. This enclosure has four corner towers abutted by small gopuras. Galleries running along an axis link these towers to the main sanctuary. The towers at the north-east and south-east are linked with the second gallery where a Buddha statue in a sitting posture is seen, in the backdrop of an open sky line. The sanctum which is 2.75 m square enclosure has some traces of statues of deities. This entire enclosure, however, is not built in Bayon style and hence conjectured to be of an earlier period. Remnants of wooden ceiling are also seen here. The entrance to the sanctum is flanked by dvarapalas surrounded by apsaras.

SRAH SRANG

Srah Srang or "The royal bathing pool" or "pool of ablutions" to the east of Banteay Kdei, which was dug to dimensions of 700x300 metres during the reign of Rajendraverman in the 10th century, was beautified by Jayavarman VII with well laid out steps of laterite stones with external margin of sandstone, on the banks of the pond facing the Sun. It is set amidst large trees and has turquoise blue waters all the year round. The approaching steps to the water edge are flanked by two stone statues of lions with ornamented Nāga-balustrades. The pond was reserved for use by the king and his wives. A stone base seen at an island in the centre of the pond once housed a wooden temple where the king did meditation. At the lily filled lake, watching sunset reflections in the lake is quite an experience. The water from the lake is now used for rice cultivation by farmers of the area.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Some specific architectural features which evolved with the Bayon style are clearly discerned in this temple. The roof is supported on free-standing pillars in the eastern and western pavilions in the third enclosure, built in a cruciform plan with the inner row of pillars supporting the roof. The pillars are also tied to the wall by a tie beam using a "mortise–and–tenon join" patterned on wooden structures. Other features noted are of the four central pillars in the western pavilion which have been strengthened with temporary supports of laterite stone block pillars. Carvings of Buddha are seen on all these pillars but mostly defaced. The temporary support system provided to the roof built on free standing pillars is indicative of problems of design seen in the temples built during this period.

RESTAURATION

Laser scans and imaging of the Banteay Kdei and Angkor Wat Western Causeway were performed within a project launched in March 2004 by the University of California and Sophia University of Tokyo, in partnership with the nonprofit CyArk. The obtained information has facilitated restoration and reconstruction of these structures, which is funded by the Sophia University, and much publicly accessible data from the project is hosted on the CyArk Website. The APSARA Authority has achieved significant improvements in conservation and preservation of monuments in Angkor. Some of the towers and corridors are under restoration and as a result some locations have been cordoned off. Strengthening measures are seen in some parts of the interior temple area where structures in danger are tied together with cables.

WIKIPEDIA

5 3

as i was.

As Usual ;-) by Shaun's Wildlife Photography

4 9

Taken by my Daughter Angela.

As Night Falls by Ian Foote

10 4

A couple of days ago I visited Griffith Park in LA. I love this place! Amazing that in such a busy, bustling city there is such a large peaceful area. I spent the day walking around and exploring the park, and then hiked up Mt Hollywood as the sun set, to get some night shots of the LA skyline. The views were simply stunning, and it was nice to be able to sit and watch the traffic chaos below rather than sitting in it.

AS Roma by riyanroco

4

girl from japan she love AS Roma

Spiderman Gwen Stacy Torso Decal by Antonio and Joshua

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As seen in The Amazing Spiderman movie. Credit if used

Business as usual by Leigh

As aparências enganam... by Cinthia Emerich

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Essa gatona super imponente da foto na verdade ainda nem completou dois meses de vida, é que eu dei sorte que conseguir uma foto com ela mais séria hehehe.

Sempre gostei muito de bichos (especialmente os felinos) e por isso fiz Biologia, mas só fui ter meus primeiros gatos quando estava no segundo ano do colegial, lá para 2001, porque meu pai vivia negando, até que não aguentou mais e cedeu. Eram dois machinhos SRD que depois ganharam mais dois companheirinhos porque minha mãe inventou de pegar mais. Em 2004 eu precisei me mudar para um apartamento que não tinha o mesmo espaço do anterior (uma cobertura em que os donos do andar de cima eram eles) e precisei doar os gatinhos porque eles não se adaptaram... Já estavam todos castrados e eram vacinados / vermifugados periodicamente e escolhi os locais para onde iam, me certificando de que teriam espaço e carinho. Foi nessa mesma época que a Safira veio para casa e, por ser um Himalaio, tinha um comportamento completamente diferente e era super calma (monga) e se dava muito bem no apartamento novo. No ano seguinte veio a Pucca e assim ficaram até dia desses =]

Nesse meio tempo eu recolhi três gatinhos de rua, mas não podia ficar com eles, então eu levava ao veterinário, via como as coisas estavam e procurava outras pessoas que adotassem.

Eu sempre fui fã de gatos pretos e queria muito ter um, mas nunca tive a oportunidade e quando fui pegar a Safira e a Pucca estava apaixonada pela raça e a cor ficou de lado. Durante anos e anos eu fiquei maquinando em como conseguir pegar mais um gatinho, até que meu pai cedeu novamente e eu fui procurar o tão desejado pretinho básico. Só sabia que queria adotar um e que tinha que ser macho, pois acho a castração menos traumática.

Na mesma noite (07/12) eu comecei a procurar, olhei o site do SOS Animal, mas não tinham como eu queria e acabei jogando no Google mesmo, qual não foi meu espanto ao encontrar um anúncio justo naquele OLX hahahah, tinha uma foto e falava que era um filhotinho machinho. Pronto!!!!

No dia seguinte, um domingo, liguei para saber do bichinho. A moça que estava com ele me fez algumas perguntas, conversamos e eu fiquei de visitar. Assim que cheguei fiquei sabendo que havia sido encontrado na rua, perto de um hospital, dei uma olhada e fiquei em dúvida se era mesmo um macho, mas como era um fiapo de gente eu resolvi confirmar depois.

É claro que no momento em que peguei nos braços eu me perdi, macho ou fêmea, já tinha me conquistado! Um miadinho fininho e um leve ronronado completaram o feitiço... Pois é verdade que são mágicos, se você olhar nos olhos deles estará perdidamente apaixonada para o resto da vida!

Já levei ao veterinário que confirmou ser uma fêmea mesmo hehehe, está tudo bem, já foi vermifugada, tomou a primeira vacina e vive toda serelepe pela casa. Logo de início foi aceita pela Safira, mas demorou uns 2 ou 3 dias para que a Pucca fizesse o mesmo.

Agora só falta um nome, já que os que eu tinha pensado eram todos masculinos. Sou muito fã da cultura japonesa, então a primeira coisa de que lembrei foi da Luna, a gata preta da Usagi (Sailor Moon), mas essa safadinha é muito pestinha para um nome desses, então descartei. Outro nome que me veio à cabeça foi Nana, que além de ser de um mangá/anime que eu adoro ainda representa o número 7 que foi o dia em que a achei. Ainda estou vendo outras opções, existem também várias referências literárias... Logo logo eu escolho.

Ela tem um pelo preto maravilhoso, brilha a toa de tão preto e sedoso que é, e o olho é um misto de amarelo e verde, muito bonito também \o/ Ainda é pitiquinha, chegou pesando 800g, mas tenho certeza de que ficará uma gatona e tanto quando crescer.

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