Martial Arts Achiever and Combat Sports
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RKO_3803. How extraordinary is it to watch these beautiful and colorful little birds doing their diving act!
This male Common Kingfisher achieved its goal and had a wonderful, though relatively small, meal!
It was a challenge (and objective) to get some nice shots of the diving Kingfisher and I guess I too achieved my objectives.
Copyright: Robert Kok. All rights reserved!
More of my work and activities can be seen on my website: robertkokphotography.com
Please do not use my photos on websites, blogs or in any other media without my explicit permission.
Thanks for visiting, commenting and faving my photos. Its very much appreciated!
Quechee, VT
10-15-2019
Photographed from the covered bridge over the river right as the three balloons from Quechee Balloon Rides begin their ascent.
This is an image I have wanted to attempt for a number of years now. It is strangely adjacent to a major highway and a challenge to achieve. However, this time it appeared possible to go for it. In the past we have always been busily racing home from an outing and the timing was always wrong with a car full of family.
Now, I was on my own and the highway was not too busy. Part of the challenge is just stopping because the highway shoulder is barely wide enough. Cars are whizzing by at 120K. However, the conditions were right to grab this shot and this is the result.
Come join us tomorrow for our opening event in honor of artist Tresore Prada Hawkins! She will have many new, unposted works she created for the show on display along with several others. All will focus on a magical, fantasy theme along with Autumn :)
Tresore has always enjoyed anything to do with being creative in real life and Second Life. In her own words,
"I would like to touch the heart of people through my impression, thoughts, feelings , and I hope my images make you smile and dream a little".
Tresore has the special ability to create these moods, feelings and emotions in others with the time and thought she puts into each picture. She takes the time she needs to perfect the story, mood and feeling she is trying to portray by choosing the perfect pose, colors, clothing and scene. Then she puts it all together at the location within world she thinks will help achieve this goal. Her use of rich, beautiful color, unique texturing and overall composition is truly stunning and inspirational. Come dream with us and enjoy the great music of DJ Feather while doing so!
We could achieve much more if we did not think so often that something is impossible. Think occasionally back to the days when you were looking forward
to the things you now have.
One of my railfan goals after moving to northwestern Indiana in October of 2022 was to shoot an NS grain train passing the 1920's era coal tower at Michigan City. In January this year I was able to mark that item off the list. It was gloomy, but there was enough light to get a good chase of about 30 miles in.
I took this photo of the Wolf Moon (the first full moon of 2022) on 18th January 2022. It appeared so near and large and I used a similar technique to the one I used with one of my first photographs added to Flickr, with the setting sun, framing the moon with some garden foliage.
Since my first upload of the setting sun in 2015 I have become confident converting a number of my colour photographs to black and white (as is the case with this one). I really enjoy the creativity that I can achieve with tonal values in black and white images.
It was interesting to see that this image was also taken with a trusty compact (three versions later), although I now have a bridge camera and a 4/3 mirrorless camera.
Featured in the Flickr Gallery for 'Recreating your First Flickr Photo' for Flickr's 18th birthday.
Sieben kecke Schnirkelschnecken
saßen einst auf einem Stecken,
machten dort auf ihrem Sitze
kecke Schnirkelschneckenwitze.
Lachten alle so:
"Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!"
Doch vor lauter Ho-ho-Lachen,
Schnirkelschneckenwitze-Machen,
fielen sie von ihrem Stecken:
alle sieben Schnirkelschnecken.
Liegen alle da.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Josef Guggenmoos
Thank you very much for all your nice visits, comments and favourites! ❤
-------------------------------------- Story --------------------------------------
Sometimes, you might wonder if you can achieve your projects, you might think you will never make it, you might think you're not good enough to make it. Trust me, you are stronger than you think. If you really want it, you will make it, don't give up, trust yourself ! Like that little pony showing how strong she can be if a big drafty horse come towards her, she'll fight herself and show she's strong ! Never underestimate yourself.
----------------------------------- Blog Post -----------------------------------
➵ Left Pony : [Teegle] "Peanut" the Shetland Pony (available at Teegle Main Store)
➵ Coat : ~AppyBottoms~ Teegle Texture -MrFancy Bwn (only on MP)
➵ Right Horse : [Teegle] Irish Cob Horse Avatar (available at Teegle Main Store)
➵ Coat : ~AppyBottoms~ Teegle Texture -MrFancy Blk (only on MP)
➵ Eyes : :AppyBottoms: TeeglePet - DeepApp Eyes
➵ Legs feathers : :AppyBottoms: TeeglePet LeggyFluff (Irish Cob)
Can be found at AppyBottoms @ Teegle Mall
Also at AppyBottoms Mainstore
❤Sponsor Vulnus store.❤
(For the link to work, copy the address and paste it into the address bar of your browser without @.)
➡ Vulnus
🚕Taxi: @maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Embrace%20the%20Ocean/253/64/22
👪Group: secondlife:///app/group/6579ceff-4576-a764-7e76-daf2a0534752/about
👲Owner/Creator: www.flickr.com/photos/192036763@N05
In game: 2876aaa2-a0e6-47fb-a14a-fc50317894f9 Vᴜʟɴᴜs (vulnuscouture)
HEAD:
Hair: Exile:: Shiloh www.flickr.com/photos/kavarcleanslate/51856866663/in/date...
Creator: dc9e7c01-9cd9-44ca-ae5f-f27c6a7968d3 Kavar Cleanslate www.flickr.com/photos/54832439@N03/
BODY:
❗Top/pants: from Vulnus Naris Set ( Size for: Legacy, LaraX, Maitreya, Waifu, Reborn, PetiteX, Perky ) Shown on Legacy. www.flickr.com/photos/192036763@N05/53511357124/in/datepo...
(❗❗❗ATTENTION❗❗❗ You can find these clothes at Swank Events 98a319d0-f551-4f88-136f-e4d7ff47e185 @maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/127/126/38 186b4733-dba8-4222-973b-31032d344eb9 SEBiz2015 www.flickr.com/groups/swank_events_sl_catalogue/ www.flickr.com/groups/swank_sl/pool/ :)
CP 7018 and UP 6310 guide Canadian Pacific train 286 South passed all the Milwaukee artifacts at Rondout Tower. Two heritage units from different era's.
Rondout, IL
2020.08.15
To achieve this image I first took a photograph of raindrops on a gold 'wrapped' car.
I then created the diamond effects in post processing.
I then overlaid a photograph of a fern overhanging a waterfall which I had 'coloured' gold.
Happy New Year to all of you! 🎉🎆 I hope the coming year 2024 brings you joy, success, and new opportunities.May the coming year bring you closer to your goals and aspirations. May you achieve your goals and dreams, and may each day bring you closer to happiness and fulfillment. Cheers to a wonderful and prosperous New Year! 🌟
Thank you for visits, comments and favs!
Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
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On one of our outtings earlier this year, Jannie was encouraged to "go find a stick" in the nearby woods. This is what he found...
Taken in April 2007.
As well as going through the old photos I will try and get out and take a few too!!
My 2023 project (following up another failed 365 - but much improved, so lets not be negative!) - 2023 is a very achievable 52 week project.
Для некоторых людей романтика в романтике, а для не которых в не сбывшихся мечтах, но и в этот есть своя романтика.
being is not doing
being is not achieving or aspiring
being is not growing
nor is it receding
not ebbing nor flowing
being is not becoming
being is not transformation
being is not the result of some positive fixation
nor is it the consequence of any particularly negative experience
it’s not static
nor dynamic
not passive
not active
being is not existing simply ‘because’
it's not autonomic
not rote
not step by step by step by step
not part of an incomprehensible process
being is not grand
nor is it insignificant
being is not an outward and visible sign
nor is it a higher order of consciousness
nor the zen of zen-ness
being is not egocentric
nor is it selfish
nor is it gracious
it’s not inclusive
nor is it exclusive
it’s not existential
nor is it nihilistic
being is not a method
not a path to connection
nor connection itself
nor disconnection
nor isolation
being is not anti anything
nor is it pro anything
nor is it any thing, really, at all
there is no sadness
there is no joy
no silence
no noise
no color
no shape
there is no light
there is no shadow
no desire
no longing
no brief interruption
no expectation
in being
littletinperson
Macro 1X (focus stacking)
Fondos MNCN-CSIC
Macro 1X con apilamiento de foco por control de anillo de enfoque
Macro 1X by focus stacking using the focus ring control
Ingredientes:
-Nikon D600 + Nikor 105mm macro 1X
-Helicon Remote para control automático de la pila de foco mediante el anillo de enfoque (por medio de USB)
-Helicon Soft para apilamiento de foco (36 shots, Method B, R=4, S=2)
-Helicon lo puedes bajar a prueba durante 1 mes gratis, o una licencia para un año por 50€, controla casi todas las Nikon y Canon mediante USB. Existen otros proveedores de soft para stacking (apilamiento), p. ej. Zerene, ControlMyNikon o Canon, Combine Z, etc
-Opcional: impresora 3D (Up Plus 2) para la fabricación de focos, soportes, mesa de trabajo, etc. Puedes utilizar el sencillo 123D Design (free soft) para diseñar las piezas.
Receta:
-Montamos el bodegón con sujeto y fondo
-Lo iluminamos con 4 o 5 micro-focos de leds. Los focos se pueden diseñar e imprimir utilizando una impresora 3D y después montar los leds (alta luminosidad y 5300K), la alimentación es de 12vdc para grupos de 3 o 4 leds. La ventaja frente al uso de flash, es que se pueden dirigir los focos y componer la iluminación antes del disparo, además del volumen que se consigue jugando con la iluminación.
-Disparamos las fotografías utilizando, p. ej., Helicon Remote: Helicon controla el enfoque con el movimiento del anillo de enfoque antes de disparar cada foto, todo el proceso de toma de fotos es automático, se pueden ver videos en youtube
-Para 1X se necesitan de 20 a 100 fotos, según valor de f, focal utilizada y profundidad de campo necesaria, lo calcula el soft automáticamente. Se suele utilizar el punto dulce de la lente (normalmente en el entorno de f5.6) para optimizar los resultados
-Apilamos el stack de n fotografías utilizando Helicon Soft
-Utilizamos Lightroom o similar para eliminar “halos” y “artefactos”
-Una vez se tiene práctica, todo el proceso puede durar 15 min
pepo
/ POOR ENGLISH
Macro 1X by focus stacking using the focus ring control
How do you can do it :
Ingredients:
-Nikon D600 + 105mm macro nikor 1X
-Helicon Remote control for automatic focus stack using the camera focus ring (using USB)
-Helicon Soft Focus Stacking (36 shots, Method B, R = 4, S = 2)
-Helicon You can download a free trial for 1 month, or a license for a year for € 50, it controls almost many Nikon and Canon via USB. There are other suppliers of soft for stacking, p. ex. Zerene, ControlMyNikon or Canon, Combine Z, etc.
-optional: 3D (Up Plus 2) printer to manufacture light bulbs, brackets, desk, etc. You can use the friendly 123D Design (free soft) for pieces designing.
Recipe:
-Ilumination with 4 or 5 micro-LED bulbs. The lighters can be designed and printed using a 3D printer and then mount the LED´s (high brightness and 5300K), the power is 12VDC for groups of 3 or 4 LEDs. The advantage over use of flash, is that you can positioning the lights and lighting make up before shooting, in addition to the volume to be achieved by playing with these lighting.
-Shot photographs using, p. eg Helicon Remote. Helicon controls the approach to the movement of the focus ring before the photo shot, the whole process of taking pictures is automatic, you can watch videos on youtube
-For 1X do you needed 20-100 photos, depending on value of f, focal and deep of field needed, automatically calculated by the soft. Often used the sweet spot of the lens (usually in the vicinity of f5.6) to optimize results
-Now we stack of shots using Helicon Soft
-We can use Lightroom or the like to remove "halos" and "artifacts"
-Once you have practice, the whole process can take 15 min
-And sorry my English, please.
pepo
Now for something completely different. There are 3 ways to achieve vortex star trails though all require some sort of composite because otherwise the foreground is distorted.
1) In camera, yes it can be done. This requires that you build a device attached to a motor and gears to grab the zoom ring and make tiny changes to the zoom through a sequence of star field shots. Nobody sells such a device so only DIY. For me, no way, my mechanical abilities are zilch.
2) Take a sequence of star trail images over an hour or two and then in software shrink the image as each layer is added to duplicate the in camera zooming using either Photoshop actions or a script.
3) Take one image of a star field and again use software to duplicate and shrink to get the effect. For this image I went for number 3 using a Photoshop Script which can be downloaded free from liketheocean.com/night-photography/scripts-to-make-your-s...
To get my star field I used a single image taken for a standard star trails shot in nearby Arundel a few years ago. As there were not enough stars for the best effect I used copy of selections to a new image and cloning to get a denser star field and leave out the foreground. The script was run after selecting vortex. The foreground was taken in Lanzarote on a coach tour round the National Park where no other vehicles are allowed. The area shown in the image is appropriately enough called Tranquillity valley. The foreground was layered onto the star trails and combined using a layer mask and brush and a selection for precision
For my Photography books Understand Your Camera and Compose Better Pictures see My Author Page USA or My Author Page UK
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Goal achieved.
I have a friend at work that consistently teases me about "having goals." When I go to work tomorrow I can tell him.... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.... GOAL ACHIEVED!!!
My goal for my trip back to The Scranton Lace Company (this time with legal access) was to find my way to the epic clock tower. Here's my proof... as directionally challenged as I am ... in a massive maze... two buildings, 288,000 square feet, covering 7.5 acres, I was able to find my way to the door and stairs and ladders leading into the clock tower, a city landmark in Scranton, PA. Surprisingly enough, I had a pretty good idea where it was from my last visit and once I found the auditorium, I pretty much knew where to go. I can't say that it wasn't scary, but it felt safe enough. I stopped there though. I didn't go into the bell tower above the clock tower. The clock tower has clock faces on all four sides, with one of them missing a quarter of the inner circle of the face, so that you can look out over the surrounding area, offering the reward of an awesome photo op! So, here it is.... my proof... Mission Accomplished.... Goal Achieved.... cross this one off the bucket list.
Scranton Lace, established in 1897 was once a world leader in the production of Nottingham Lace. Also, once a leading employer in the area, It has been abandoned since 2002, when the VP one day told the workers that they were closing their doors forever... "effective immediately." Currently there is a $51 million project to turn the building into apartments, offices, stores, restaurants, and a space dedicated to local artists to create and sell their work. Work is supposed to begin in 2017. Maybe there will be time for one more visit.... (and a climb to the bell tower?)
The Great Highland bagpipe (Scottish Gaelic: a' phìob mhòr) is a type of bagpipe native to Scotland. It has acquired widespread recognition through its usage in the British military and in pipe bands throughout the world.
The bagpipe is first attested in Scotland around 1400, having previously appeared in European artwork in Spain in the 13th century. The earliest references to bagpipes in Scotland are in a military context, and it is in that context that the Great Highland bagpipe became established in the British military and achieved the widespread prominence it enjoys today, whereas other bagpipe traditions throughout Europe, ranging from Portugal to Russia, almost universally went into decline by the late 19th and early 20th century.
"Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding." - Albert Einstein
© Rui Almeida 2011 | All rights reserved.
All photos they may not be used or reproduced without my permission. If you would like to use one of my images for commercial purposes or other reason, please contact me. Depending on the situation may have to assign the work as specified by the author.
◘ No images in comments please, or you or you can be blocked, but group invites are welcome
New Website: |Bruce Wayne Photography|
I wanted to do something to bring in winter, since the season has officially started. This is shot is actually an Infrared HDR that I shot during the day. With the use of Photoshop I was able to turn it into night. Stars and moon were added as well as the darkening of the sky. The Infrared effect and clouds were as is. No textures or separate images from other photos were used to make this.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
I think this image is much better seen Large: View On Black
Dec 22nd: Thank you all for helping me achieve this! #1 Explore! :-)
***All Rights are Reserved. If you are interested in using any of my photos for any reason please contact me via email***
I could have thrown these pictures away I say. Truth I probably could not. The sky was rather fruity and the out of focus view, confirmed with every setting available gave me some bright results to share. This is one picture in five edits.
Do not blame the Helios-44 2 it needs an adjustment to be made and secured. This Helios 44 ƒ2 one of the much vaunted Soviet copies of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm ƒ/2 the Soviet manufactured ones with sought after wonderful bokeh both from factory standard output and also now with a growing multitude of modern fanciful adjustments many making dream like pictures. The adjustment to reach to reach precise Star Focus is possibly going to feature in later uploads.
© PHH Sykes 2024 also edited © PHH Sykes 2025
phhsykes@gmail.com
“Helios-44 is a Soviet copy of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm ƒ/2 lens produced under the Helios lens brand.[1] The lens was made in the Soviet Union and Russia, primarily for the M42 lens mount.”
home alone 48...make of it what you will ;-)
This weeks message is "Go With the Flow"
A Taoist story tells of an old man who accidentally fell into the river rapids leading to a high and dangerous waterfall. Onlookers feared for his life. Miraculously, he came out alive and unharmed downstream at the bottom of the falls. People asked him how he managed to survive. "I accommodated myself to the water, not the water to me. Without thinking, I allowed myself to be shaped by it. Plunging into the swirl, I came out with the swirl. This is how I survived."
I had a different plan for this weeks photo, and it did not work out. I had this idea last night, and it also did not come out as planned. I became so frustrated with the details of the photo, and my inability to achieve the results I wanted, that i don't even remember what point i was trying to make. So, I begrudgingly accepted what I had and posted it. After sleeping on it the message became clear.
We cannot always control the events of our lives. even the little details tend to go awry. A zipper breaks, the road is closed, they are out of your flavor of ice cream, or you photo is not what you wanted. It is by accepting what comes our way, and going with it, that we will reach our destination.
So, I am not thrilled with the photo, but I get the message, and that is good.
Lesson 2
When all else fails, laugh at yourself!
In an attempt to annihilate my digital camera's sensor, i pointed it directly at the sun and achieved a nice "special effect". I edited slightly afterward, otherwise, SOOC.
China, Harbin, Song Hua Jiang Gonglu Bridge, or Songhua River Highway Bridge & National Street crossing the Songhua River from Harbin to the Sun Island & ahead. The tower is one of the three identical towers on both sides & centre with spiral staircases for pedestrians connected to the top of the slight over 2 km long bridge.
This bridge is leading directly to the "Ice & Snow Festival" & further to the Siberian Tiger research. centre
Not only for its special position, but also as the centre of Heilongjiang's political, economic, educational & cultural life, Harbin is described as the pearl beneath the swan's neck. Lying on the east of the Songnen Plain, what is more, Harbin plays a vital role in communications between South & North Asia as well the regions of Europe & the Pacific Ocean.
Harbin was the birthplace of Jin, 1115-1234 & Qing, 1644-1911, Dynasties, the latter of which had a very considerable influence on modern Chinese history.
At the end of the 19th century, Russia built the terminus of the Middle East Railway here. Later, more than 160,000 foreigners from 33 countries migrated to Harbin, promoting the development of a capitalist economy in the city. The economy & culture of Harbin achieved unprecedented prosperity at that time & the city gradually grew into a famous international commercial port. Assimilating external culture, Harbin created its unique & exotic cityscape. The majestic St. Sofia Orthodox Church & Zhongyang Dajie each built in a European style have the effect of bringing you into an 'eastern Moscow'. Even though you are sure to be attracted by various exotic buildings, the Dragon Tower which embodies the wisdom of the Chinese people is a must on your journey.
Besides these rich cultural heritages, Harbin is favoured with beautiful natural scenery. Based on meandering Song Hua River & subject to severe low temperatures in winter, down to -30°C, when I took this Pictures the Temperature varied between -20°C & -26°C but dry air, Harbin boasts a unique ice & snow culture. So, Harbin is also called the "Ice City".
The impressive "Ice & Snow Festival" is the greatest & unusual one in the world, therefor Harbin is also called the "Ice City".
As well the large Siberian Tiger & white tigers research centre, with about 500 tigers & a few other species, does an important work to prevent this species from extinction. The Research centre can be visited, tours in small a bus are available, passing through wide natural, separated, sections, however the focus point is to save the tigers.
👉 One World one Dream,
...Danke, Xièxie 谢谢, Thanks, Gracias, Merci, Grazie, Obrigado, Arigatô, Dhanyavad, Chokrane to you & over
10 million visits in my photostream with countless motivating comments
" Down at the gasworks by the meat factory door
The 5 Lamp Boys were comin` on strong "
{ Do have a look the piece of History Ive written on this as its interesting I think, and it will hopefully make you smile! }
These are some of the words to the song, "Rat Trap" by Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats which was a big international hit for them in November 1978.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=opd14v2I7Ik
" The Story of The Five Lamps "
The 5 Lamps are a well known Dublin landmark and stand on an island at the junction of 5 streets. It is much loved and respected by the local people who are part of a closely knit community and can trace back their history here to the 1600s.
The monument was erected to the memory of Lieutenant
General Henry Hall,a soldier from Athenry, Co. Galway at a cost of £200 which he bequeathed in his will, so the people of the area would have fresh water to drink from the [4] fountains and "desist from partaking of the demon drink!!" I dont think it worked somehow and they didnt even add it to their whiskey! Anyway, what respectable whiskey drinker would ruin a good drink like that and they couldnt have afforded it anyway. More likely Poteen was the common drink around here. If Henry came back today,Im sure he would be delighted to see that "The Five Lamps" pub across the road is now closed!
Henry also had a little pad in Dublin which is still standing and known as "Merville Hall!" You could fit half the population of Dublin into Henry`s little place and with a few dozen sepoys with there back to the task, you would probably get the entire lot in! "What what I say!! Steady lads!, Good show you fellows!!!" { Shades of "Zulu"! } I dont know if he really said that of course but somehow I think he would. I cant imagine that he was an Irish native somehow. Not with his position in the British army at that time, or his apparent wealth.
He had served in the Bengal army and had been Superintendent of the Malwara region for 13 years so he had a few quid!
He died in 1875 and by all account was a "jolly good sort"
and he did have the peoples good at heart as there was no proper water supply and people existed in appalling conditions in tenement slums. Some of the renovated ones can be seen in the photo.
The independent MP, Tony Gregory fought all his life to have the old places knocked down and new town houses build so the local people could remain in the area and not be moved to some " no mans land" in west Dublin which had happened to so many. He was very successful and he achieved an awful lot and the community have stayed together. Poor people who lived in these appalling conditions, were always very loyal to each other and they all helped one another.They always looked after their neighbours The community spirit is still evident there thankfully! Wealth brings out the worst traits in lots of people Im afraid.
There is a lovely Dublin saying from around this period. Mothers in the tenaments would call their children in from the streets at dinner hour by calling out through the window " Will ya come in kids! Yer dinners poured out" Dinner being a bowl of gruel or maybe on special occasions, soup!!!
What is the significance of the 5 lamps? It may be to represent the junction of the 5 streets, or the 5 major battles in the Indian wars or perhaps the 5 lamps that are lit for good luck during the Hindu Diwali Festival. No one really knows and more than likely its probably just a nice design.
The photo is a 3 picture HDR merge in PSP x8 and further edited in Picasa 3. I do like the ghost images of the passers by.
Anyway, if you fancy a few drinks I could meet you at the 5 lamps but watch out for the ghost of old Henry, keeping watch!
Thanks for dropping by. I appreciate your Faves and comments and Ill catch you all later!
P@t.
I watched this colt and its sibling walk with their parents looking for food in Beluga Slough. When the parent would find food it would share the food with the colt as though still training them as to what was edible. Rather raggedy looking, I think of this colt as more of a teenager who has lost that cute look of the fairly young but hasn't achieved the full feathers of an adult.
Taken 29 July 2018 at Beluga Slough, Homer, Alaska.
Thanks to everyone that views and comments on my images - very much appreciated.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. On all my images, Use without permission is illegal.
Sony ILCE-7RM5
Photo taken on April 16th, 2016. Me enjoying a 4-5 hour hike!
(Some parts of the route were tricky and quite dangerous. All the group had great fun!).
Today's outing with the Environmental Cultural Club of Attica www.peripolo.gr, was to Mount Hymettos.
Thanassis Fournarakos - Θανάσης Φουρναράκος
Professional Photographer, Athens, Greece
(retired in 2011, born in 1946).
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
None of my images may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, manipulated or used on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit written permission. THANK YOU!
This photograph has achieved the following highest awards:
* GALAXY HALL OF FAME
Train momentum arises from the interest of the Clark brothers to achieve a better route for trade between the peoples of the interior of Argentina with the Chilean port of Valparaiso prompted to undertake this project. Besides that, by then, they themselves had tended in 1871 the first telegraphic service through mountain range between Santiago and Mendoza (Argentina).
The Trans-Andean Railroad, metric and gauge steam traction, ran from 1927 rack section between White River (Chile) and Las Cuevas (Argentina). In 1953 the tour reached Los Andes.
The tunnel of this photograph is an Argentine section from Las Cuevas to Mendoza.
In June 1984 it was out of service for freight transportation following avalanches produced in high mountain areas on both sides of the Cordillera. While the Argentine section was rebuilt, it was not the same with the Chilean stretch. Seven years later, in 1991, the last trip with passengers who arrived in the town of dust was performed.
www.mdzol.com/nota/532999-tren-trasandino-las-vias-que-qu...
Very happy that this photograph was in the FLICKR EXPLORE on May 29th.
El impulso del tren surge del interés de los hermanos Clark por lograr una mejor ruta para el intercambio comercial entre los pueblos del interior de Argentina con el puerto chileno de Valparaíso los impulsó a emprender este proyecto. Además que para ese entonces, ellos mismos habían tendido en 1871 el primer servicio telegráfico a través de la cordillera entre Santiago de Chile y Mendoza (Argentina).
El ferrocarril Trasandino, de trocha métrica y con tracción vapor, recorrió desde 1927 la sección de cremallera entre Río Blanco (Chile) y Las Cuevas (Argentina). En 1953 su recorrido llegó hasta Los Andes.
El tunel de esta foto corresponde a un tramo argentino que va desde Las Cuevas hasta Mendoza.
En junio de 1984 quedó de fuera de servicio para el transporte de cargas a raíz de los aludes producidos en zonas de alta montaña de ambos lados de la Cordillera. Si bien el tramo argentino fue reconstruido, no pasó lo mismo con el tramo chileno. Siete años después, en 1991 se realizó el último viaje con pasajeros que llegó a la localidad de polvareda.
www.mdzol.com/nota/532999-tren-trasandino-las-vias-que-qu...
Muy contento de que esta fotografía estuvo en EXPLORE DE FLICKR el 29 de mayo.
Achieved a world speed record for a steam locomotive of 126 mph in July 1938! Seen here at the National Railway Museum, York.
Taken with my digital Fujifilm X20
Ángel Ganivet García (Granada, 13 de diciembre de 1865-Riga, 29 de noviembre de 1898) fue un escritor y diplomático español. Es considerado por algunos autores un precursor de la generación del 98 y por otros, un miembro de pleno derecho de esta.
Nació en Granada el 13 de diciembre de 1865,1 en una familia de clase media. Su padre murió cuando él tenía nueve años. A la edad de diez años, una fractura le llevó a estar a punto de perder una pierna; poniendo en riesgo su vida, se negó a la amputación y, tras años de rehabilitación, consiguió no quedarse cojo. Con retraso por esa convalecencia, inició sus estudios cursando entre 1880 y 1890 el bachillerato y las carreras de Derecho y Filosofía y Letras, consiguiendo siempre notas de sobresaliente.
Su fama la debe sobre todo a su Idearium español, un libro que, a pesar de su poca extensión, ocupa un puesto destacado en el pensamiento español moderno. Obra controvertida, por un lado la Enciclopedia Larousse lo califica como «obra capital de una gran profundidad filosófica» y por otro, Manuel Azaña la analiza y critica objetivamente en su obra Comuneros contra el Rey.
Rechaza el estoicismo platónico de la tradición española, que ha causado el gran defecto esencial de España, la abulia, y propone un cambio axiológico fundado en la voluntad, las ideas y la acción.
es.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81ngel_Ganivet
Ángel Ganivet García (Granada, 13 December 1865-Riga, 29 November 1898) was a Spanish writer and diplomat. He is considered by some authors to be a precursor of the Generation of '98 and by others a full member of it.
He was born in Granada on 13 December 1865,1 into a middle-class family. His father died when he was nine years old. At the age of ten, a fracture nearly caused him to lose a leg; risking his life, he refused amputation and, after years of rehabilitation, managed to avoid becoming lame. Delayed by his convalescence, he began his studies between 1880 and 1890, studying for his baccalaureate and degrees in Law and Philosophy and Letters, always achieving outstanding grades.
He owes his fame above all to his Idearium español, a book which, despite its small length, occupies a prominent place in modern Spanish thought. A controversial work, on the one hand, the Larousse Encyclopaedia describes it as "a capital work of great philosophical depth" and, on the other, Manuel Azaña analyses and criticises it objectively in his work Comuneros contra el Rey (Communards against the King).
He rejects the Platonic stoicism of the Spanish tradition, which has caused Spain's great essential defect, abulia, and proposes an axiological change based on will, ideas and action.
www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/b...
Also known as the peewit in imitation of its display calls, its proper name describes its wavering flight. Its black and white appearance and round-winged shape in flight make it distinctive, even without its splendid crest. This familiar farmland bird has suffered significant declines recently and is now an Red List species.
Overview
Latin name
Vanellus vanellus
Family
Plovers and lapwings (Charadriidae)
Where to see them
Lapwings are found on farmland throughout the UK particularly in lowland areas of northern England, the Borders and eastern Scotland. In the breeding season prefer spring sown cereals, root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields. They can also be found on wetlands with short vegetation. In winter they flock on pasture and ploughed fields. The highest known winter concentrations of lapwings are found at the Somerset Levels, Humber and Ribble estuaries, Breydon Water/Berney Marshes, the Wash, and Morecambe Bay.
When to see them
All year round. Leaves upland areas after the breeding season and moves to lowland fields for the winter. Large numbers of N European birds arrive in autumn for the winter.
What they eat
Worms and insects
Population
UK Breeding:- 140,000 pairs
UK Wintering:- 650,000 birds
Breeding
The winter flocks begin to break up in February, when the birds will start to return to their breeding grounds.
The lapwing has a spectacular songflight. The male wobbles, zigzags, rolls and dives while calling to advertise his presence to rival males and potential mates. The birds tend to nest in loose groups. Individual territories are small about 0.4-0.8 ha and are only held until the chicks hatch.
In the breeding season, lapwings need a mosaic of habitats, because they need different conditions for nesting and for chick rearing.
The nest is a scrape in the ground, lined with a variable amount of plant material. The birds need a good all round view from the nest to spot predators, and nest either on bare ground or in short vegetation. They often choose rough or broken ground to aid concealment of the nest. Spring sown crops and rough grazing are ideal.
They lay clutches of four cryptically coloured eggs from late March to early June, and chicks hatch 3-4 weeks later. They are covered in down when they hatch, and are able to walk about and feed within hours.
Soon after hatching, the parents will lead them to suitable feeding areas, where the supply of surface invertebrates is good and the vegetation low. They particularly need to have nearby grassland, especially if it contains flood pools and damp patches.
The transfer between the nesting and chick-rearing habitats can be hazardous, and chick survival often depends on how far they have to travel. The families stay in the chick-rearing habitat until the young are ready to fly at 5-6 weeks old. Lapwings only rear one brood a year, but may lay up to four replacement clutches if the eggs are lost.
Legal status
The lapwing is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; it an offence to kill, injure or take an adult lapwing, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.
The only exception is legitimate farming practices that cannot be reasonably delayed, although farming methods can often be modified to reduce the impact on the lapwings.
Population trends
Lapwing numbers have decreased in Britain since the middle of the 19th century. The early declines were caused by large scale collection of eggs for food. Introduction of the Lapwing Act in 1926 prohibited this, and was followed by a considerable recovery in bird numbers.
Since the 1940s lapwing declines have been driven by large-scale changes to farming. Large areas of grassland were converted to arable, marginal land was drained and improved, and chemicals were introduced for fertilisers and pest control with increasing reliance on them. By 1960 the lapwing population had stabilised at a lower level.
Another sharp and sustained decline started in the mid-1980s, with range contractions in south-west England and in parts of Wales. This followed further intensification and specialisation - abandonment of rotations, switch from spring to autumn sown crops, increased drainage, increased use of agrochemicals. Such changes have resulted in much of the arable land becoming unsuitable for nesting by April because the crop grows too high. Tillage, drainage and pesticides have also caused a reduction in food availability.
As pasture land is improved, the resulting increased risk of trampling by livestock, earlier cutting for silage and lower food availability have affected lapwings adversely. Phasing out of rotational farming and shift of arable to the east of England and pastureland to the west of England has removed the habitat mosaic that is essential for successful chick rearing.
Mosaic where grass and spring tillage fields are close together has declined significantly in recent years, and the loss of this prime habitat has resulted in a decline in lapwing numbers.
Nest failures on arable land come from egg losses during cultivation and from predation, and poor chick survival due to crop growth. Crop growth can also shorten the laying season.
The declines in lapwing population have been greatest in southern England and Wales, where the farming changes have been greatest and farmland is the only suitable habitat for the lapwing. Between 1987 and 1998 lapwing numbers dropped by 49% in England and Wales. Since 1960 the numbers dropped by 80%.
The birds have fared better in Scotland, where the crucial changes to farming were introduced later than in England and Wales. However, even there the numbers have dropped by 29% since 1987.
Lapwings have to fledge at least 0.6 young per pair each year to maintain the population. They usually can achieve this in rough grazing and unimproved pastures, but often not on arable land or improved grassland. Since the birds cannot produce enough chicks to offset the natural mortality of adults, population declines.
It is possible to halt and reverse the decline in lapwing numbers with sympathetic farming methods, which include creation of a mosaic of spring sown crops and grassland, managing grazing pressure and maintaining damp areas on unimproved grassland. Agri-environment schemes in each part of the UK provide grants to help land-owners manage their land to help lapwings.
Survival
Egg survival and hatching success varies depending on the habitat, and appears to have declined in some habitats over the past decade.
Main causes of nest failure are predation, agricultural activity and desertion. While the birds often re-lay, changes in cropping practices often result in the habitat being unsuitable for replacement clutches because the vegetation has grown too tall, thus shortening the potential breeding season.
Only about 25-40% of chicks survive to fledging. Most of the chick mortality occurs in the first few days after hatching, when chicks are most vulnerable to cold or wet weather, and when they may be undertaking hazardous journeys from nesting to feeding areas. The further chicks have to go, the lower their survival.
Once the birds have reached adulthood, they can expect to live a further 4-5 years. The oldest known individual was about 20 years. Lapwings normally breed one year after fledging.
Picking tea in Rwanda. In a tea plantation, tea picking is done manually and only the young leaves are used. Tea pickers walk through the dense tea plants, choosing manually young leaves.
I took this photo with a telephoto lens to achieve a small depth of field and to compress the woman on the background. My goal was to convey the impression that she is completely surrounded by tea plants (which was the case).
One of my photographic goals has been to take pictures of individual snowflakes. This has been a particularly difficult goal to achieve due to a number of reasons. First, the temperature and weather conditions need to be JUST right to create visible snowflakes, worthy of photographing (this is not often). Second, it doesn't snow every day (even if it has snowed often). And third, most of the times it has snowed, it was during a time that I could not get out with my camera. Either it was night time, during school hours, when I had an appointment, or when I was sick (and I was sick for six weeks straight this year, so this was often). I figured I would just have to wait until next year to get the shots I so desired. But winter wasn't done with us yet, even if it was the first day of spring! (After all, I was born in a blizzard at the end of March!) A friend of mine out in West Jersey posted a picture on Facebook of an individual snowflake which got me ALL EXCITED!!! I saw her picture during the school day and could not WAIT to get home to my camera and these snowflakes that seemed to be so well-formed! I just had to hope the temperature and conditions were the same by me, after school. I finally got home, and was THRILLED to see they were! My sister and I had a great time looking at and photographing these snowflakes! I'm sure we looked ridiculous sitting in the snow on our front lawn with blankets and towels. I was using a macro lens. The lens has a VERY narrow depth of field. So, if the flakes weren't completely flat and parallel with my lens, only part of the flake would be in focus. This was frustrating. And despite using a macro lens, it was still very difficult to get the flakes in focus. These that I am posting were the best of the crop. More pictures to come! I'll post a few each day. I'm not thrilled with the red background, but maybe someday I can figure out how to change the color in Lightroom.