Constructed in 1890, this house at 718 E. Main St. in Carlinville was built for William Surman, a clothing merchant. The house is listed as contributing for its architectural significance in the Carlinville Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Carlinville is the seat of Macoupin County in central Illinois. At the 2020 census, the population of Carlinville was 5,710.

Source: National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: Carlinville Historic District

El puente de Alcántara

es un puente romano en arco construido entre los años 103 y 104, que cruza el río Tajo en la localidad española de Alcántara, en la provincia de Cáceres. España. Es un puente que conjuga técnica depurada con estética y funcionalidad, uno de los más claros exponentes de lo que fue la ingeniería civil romana impregnada de carácter propagandístico.

Sus altos pilares provistos de contrafuertes que realzan su verticalidad y sus arcos propician la buscada monumentalidad y se consideraron arquetipo de otras obras, como el cercano pero más modesto puente de Segura. En su arco central se alude al emperador en cuyo período se levantó, Trajano, y a los municipios de la zona que contribuyeron al proyecto. Dañado y reconstruido en varias ocasiones desde la Edad Media hasta el siglo XIX, el puente ha sido descrito por cronistas, viajeros y estudiosos que lo han podido admirar a lo largo de la historia y que han dejado testimonios de elogio desde el medievo hasta nuestros días.

Texto wikipedia..........

The Alcantara Bridge

It is a Roman arch bridge built between the years 103 and 104, which crosses the Tagus River in the Spanish town of Alcántara, in the province of Cáceres. Spain. It is a bridge that combines refined technique with aesthetics and functionality, one of the clearest exponents of what was Roman civil engineering impregnated with a propagandistic nature.

Its tall pillars provided with buttresses that enhance its verticality and its arches favor the sought-after monumentality and were considered the archetype of other works, such as the nearby but more modest Segura bridge. Its central arch alludes to the emperor in whose period it was built, Trajan, and to the municipalities in the area that contributed to the project. Damaged and rebuilt several times from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the bridge has been described by chroniclers, travelers and scholars who have been able to admire it throughout history and who have left testimonies of praise from the Middle Ages to the present day. .

Wikipedia text..........

At the southern end of the Earth, a NASA plane carrying a team of scientists and a sophisticated instrument suite to study ice is returning to surveying Antarctica. For the past eight years, Operation IceBridge has been on a mission to build a record of how polar ice is evolving in a changing environment.

The information IceBridge has gathered in the Antarctic, which includes data on the thickness and shape of snow and ice, as well as the topography of the land and ocean floor beneath the ocean and the ice, has allowed scientists to determine that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may be in irreversible decline. Researchers have also used IceBridge data to evaluate climate models of Antarctica and map the bedrock underneath Antarctic ice.

Read more:http://go.nasa.gov/2dxczkd

NASA image use policy.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

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[ 2.6" | f/22 | 35mm | ISO 100 | Nikon D300 ]

Love is a lot like photography. You have to hit the shutter a few times before you can get your shot. And if you're lucky enough to have it on the first try... then you're definitely not me, hahaha, and I envy you! :)

I feel like it's been centuries since I last contributed to Exposure Party Sunday. Still very much here, and loving all of the great uploads! See you at the party!

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

Happy CNY and Valentine's Day!!

Expecting red packets from all of you! ;p

www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Tq-eAJIk4

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You're invited!

1. Sign up with my invite link

2. Deposit and buy €250 in any crypto

3. We both get €50.00 free BTC

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Contribute to a wonderful Charity:

www.paypal.com/paypalme/mayacatrescue

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Professional business with Cryptos

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Email: foto@e-c-k-art.de

In case you would like to purchase a license, picture or arrange a exhibition please contact me.

All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission

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The National Flag of Canada, popularly referred to as The Maple Leaf or l'Unifolié is a red and white banner featuring a stylized maple leaf in the center. It symbolizes Canada's unity, peace, and neutrality, while the maple leaf itself represents the nation's natural beauty, diversity, and shared identity. Red and white are Canada's official colors, and the flag's design embodies both its history and aspirations for the future.

Symbolism - Red and White:These colors were officially proclaimed Canada's national colors in 1921 and are derived from the British and French heritage that contributed to Canada's founding. Red symbolizes the sacrifices of Canadians in times of war, while white represents the snow and winter landscape.

The Canadian flag is a powerful symbol of Canadian sovereignty and citizenship, representing the nation's identity both at home and abroad. It is a source of national pride and unity for all Canadians

NGC 2359, Sharpless 2-298 or Thor's Helmet, is an emission nebula situated in the constellation of Canis Major. The central star is the Wolf-Rayet star WR7, an extremely hot star thought to be in a brief pre-supernova stage of evolution. It is similar in nature to the Bubble Nebula but interactions with a nearby large molecular cloud are thought to have contributed to the more complex shape. It lies around 11,960 distant.

Image made up from subs collected using 2 different setups. My 150mm Esprit/QHY294M and TSAPO130Q/QHY294C.

NEQ6 PRO

TSAPO130Q @F/5

QHY294C Gain 2900 -20C

STC Duo Narrowband filter

EQ6-R-PRO

150mm Esprit

QHY294M Gain 2900 -20C

Astronomik 6nm Ha and OIII narrowband filters

Acquisition time 10hrs

Processed using Pixinsight and Photoshop 6.

Automated description generated with Google

Depth of field: The blurred foreground and background create a shallow depth of field, drawing the viewer's attention to the middle ground.

Vignetting: The darker corners of the image, also known as a vignette, are a stylistic device often used in vintage photography to focus the viewer's eye on the central subject.

Color tone: The entire image has a warm, slightly desaturated color cast, giving it a retro look.

Texture: Layered textures mimic signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or stains, to create the impression of an old photograph.

Composition: The figures are not placed in the center but rather follow the rule of thirds, creating a more dynamic composition.

Perspective: A low camera angle makes the small statues appear more significant and present.

Low contrast: The colors are muted and the contrasts reduced, which also contributes to the nostalgic vintage style.

EagleKnight was inspired by above to start a group we hope you will contribute much to at

www.flickr.com/groups/867852@N23/pool/

______________

Find tonight's Featured Artists at

www.flickr.com/photos/kweav/

www.flickr.com/photos/skezix/

www.flickr.com/photos/happyjuristar4allseason

www.flickr.com/photos/danivargas/

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Below I found at

www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_faulkner.html

William Faulkner, American Novelist Quotes

Birth Day: Sept. 25, 1897; Death Day: July 6, 1962

The best job that was ever offered to me was to become a landlord in a brothel. In my opinion it's the perfect milieu for an artist to work in.

The end of wisdom is to dream high enough to lose the dream in the seeking of it.

The last sound on the worthless earth will be two human beings trying to launch a homemade spaceship and already quarreling about where they are going next.

The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past.

We have to start teaching ourselves not to be afraid.

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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Feastday of St. Rose of Lima, virgin

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Rose_of_Lima

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Ezekiel 43:1-7ab

Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

Matthew 23:1-12

St. Therese of the Child Jesus taught us that it is in the way we perform and encounter the little things in life, our day to day duties, that we demonstrate our love of Christ.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Rose of Lima, a Third Order Dominican. The Divine Office describes simply that "she led a virtuous life at home and made great progress in a life of penance and contemplation, dying on August 24, 1617."

Though at times we experience great upheavals in our lives, most of our days and nights are routine, filled with the obligations of caring for families through our work, prayer and community service. It is within these confines that each of us is called to sainthood. It is here that Christ is with us. Let us be open to looking for Him here with our love.

St. Rose of Lima, pray for us.

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS | email: jmurphy@utica.edu

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If you need a laugh...

THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN WERE SITTING NAKED IN A SAUNA.

SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED.THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. ''THAT WAS MY PAGER,' SHE SAID. 'I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM.'

A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED,SHE EXPLAINED, 'THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE, I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND.'

THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW-TECH. NOT TO BE OUT DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE.

SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM...SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END.

THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER.

THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID:

'WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT.....I'M GETTING A FAX!!'

EXPLORE # 489, # 496 on Sunday, August 24, 2008

People are in big confusion

they don't like their constitutions

Everyday they draw conclusions

And they're still prepared for war

♪♫"Eagle Fly Free (HELLOWEEN)"♪♫

Sometimes I wince a little when someone says: The 100-400 can double as a macro lens, and so I don't need to carry one with me. The thing is...It is actually true. If you aren't shooting really, really small things. I mainly shoot birds. But I do like dragonflies, damselflies, moths, butterflies, wasps, bees, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and flowers plus anything that just catches my eye.

So, for most of these things this lens can work as a macro lens! This bee is probably less than 0.5 inches ( < 13mm) long.

That is probably pushing the limits. Dragonflies and damselflies and butterflies are normally over an inch long, So, yeah, as long as you are not calling yourself a macro photographer this lens is cool.

I like to say telemacro photographer!

Hopefully I get some ID info to add to this photo from Bugguide, iNaturalist, or Flickr. That's part of the goal of contributing to data collection.

***A note to the "Poor Man's Macro" group. To me this lens, while quite expensive does qualify as a poor man's macro, because if you own it for birding (as I do) than using for macro is pretty much having macro for free. Also, using an extender on a zoom lens with a floating real element group is something I consider in it's rawest form to be, in fact, a largely forgotten mode of cheap macro photography. It's all the rage to use diopters, tubes, and other infinity focus loosing techniques. I don't really like doing that. If you don't agree, that's fine. There are a lot of zoom lenses out there that get 1:2 or 1:3. Don't hate me because my lens has a red ring around it!***

www.mobilart.be/categorie-produit/moshi-moshi/

L’asbl Solidarité Fraiture a réalisé la 11e biennale d’art contemporain. L’exposition Mobil’Art 2024 s’est déroulée du 24/05 au 14/06/2024.

Près de 300 peintures et sculptures ont été exposées.

63 artistes présentent chacun 3 à 5 œuvres (en fonction du format des pièces présentées) parmi leurs créations récentes.

Toutes les ventes contribuent à alimenter un fonds qui aide des personnes atteintes de la sclérose en plaques.

The non-profit organization Solidarité Fraiture organized the 11th contemporary art biennial. The Mobil’Art 2024 exhibition took place from 05/24 to 06/14/2024.

Nearly 300 paintings and sculptures were exhibited.

63 artists each presented 3 to 5 works (depending on the format of the pieces presented) among their recent creations.

All sales contribute to a fund that helps people with multiple sclerosis.

Museum Marta Herford, Germany

With its flowing and tilting walls, Marta in Herford, East Westphalia, is one of the most unusual museum buildings worldwide. For the facade, American star architect Frank Gehry chose dark red bricks, which contrast with the bright stainless steel roof and the white plastered building core.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Herford had developed into a significant location for its furniture and clothing industry. This highly productive and globally active economic structure led committed individuals in 1996 to the idea of setting an unmistakable mark in the region. The basic idea was to bring together art, economy, and society in a spectacular building. The decision for Frank Gehry as architect and Jan Hoet as founding director gave the project its decisive direction. On May 7, 2005, Marta Herford was finally ceremoniously opened with great public interest.

The swinging movement of the forms is echoed in the loose arrangement of stones on the ground, and the undulating roofscape also reflects the adjacent course of the Aa river. Inside the museum, this continues: as dynamic spatial volumes with an almost dance-like choreography, the architecture transforms every exhibition into a unique spatial experience. In addition to the galleries, the Gehry building also includes the light-filled Marta Café with an outdoor terrace by the water, the museum shop, and an event forum. A completely different architectural language of straight lines and right angles opens up to visitors in the lobby.

The core of the museum is an former textile factory of the Ahlers company, which was built in 1959 by Walter Lippold. Gehry left this building largely unchanged in its basic structure. While the first floor of this existing building houses additional exhibition spaces with the Lippold Gallery, above it are the Marta Studio, the Marta offices and seminar rooms, as well as the premises of the associations of the wood and furniture industry of North Rhine-Westphalia. With its opening in May 2005, the city of Herford also sent a clear signal for a future-oriented development of the station district. The sculptures around the Marta grounds are among the most important artworks in the city. In recent years, the museum has also contributed through its gradual expansion to visitors experiencing Marta as a vibrant meeting place. Thus, the Marta Studio on the second floor offers ideal conditions for a diverse workshop program in museum education. And the idyllic garden at the Marta Depot, designed by the renowned “atelier le balto”, invites visitors to a spontaneous stay with a view of the river at any time.

Architect Gottfried Böhm, 1968

I am currently contributing to a book project of the Lebanese American University on Contemporary Architecture. So I went to take a couple of photos on this impressive piece of modern brutalist architecture.

Why should I care to find my song?

Why should you care to find yours?

Don’t we vibrate in an Ocean of Sound?

Does the dream of reaching ourselves

To finally know who we are

To finally know where we are going

Delight an Answer in limitless queries?

Don’t our bodies soak in possibility

Within the larger symphony of stars and galaxies

Beyond all mathematical perplexity?

Will our shallow throated emissions

Penetrate the shells still dividing us?

From nowhere and everywhere

This paradoxical quest holds the Tune

We are each an aspect of its vital Harmony

We find our journey waiting and singing to us

To invoke a much deeper throated response

Until we feel ourselves to be Home

© Ganga Fondan, 2010

The quest to find Truth showers its songs upon my life and it is the only way I know to find meaning. We each have a connection to the Poetry of Life. Immersed in this we are invincible. My Blog

I contributed to half this project-surprise surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Done completely for the art of photography ;p

APARECIENDO ENTRE LA NIEBLA

Fuimos al pantano con intencion de hacer el amanecer, pero la niebla lo tapaba todo, despues de andar un buen rato, en un recodo del pantano vi como surgia la torre del campanario, semiderruido aporta un punto siniestro al lugar......

APPEARING BETWEEN THE FOG

We went to the marsh with intention to make the dawn, but the fog covered everything, after walking a good short while, in a bend of the marsh I saw like surgia the tower of the bell tower, half-ruined contributes a sinister point to the place ......

www.patxinargazkixak.com

I saw this single American Sycamore leaf at the Springfield Nature Center. I don't know if the previous week of 'extreme heat' warnings or natural attrition brought its demise. I do know a spider web or two contributed to its current moment in the near noonday sun. At that point in my 'regular' walking loop, I had only seen dragonflies and a couple of turkey vultures so I was itching for a photo op.

If you've ever seen the 1989 classic Field of Dreams, you've seen this corner and parts of north and south Main St. before. Galena, which is identified as Chisholm, Minnesota in the movie, is where Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, and Terrence Mann, played by James Earl Jones, go to look for "Doc" Moonlight Graham, played by Burt Lancaster.

Upon arriving in Chisholm, Ray and Terrence visit the local newspaper office and learn that Doc Graham died in 1972. Later that evening, a confused Ray goes for a walk on this street and discovers that he has somehow been transported back to the year 1972. He then sees an older man with an umbrella walking toward the corner shown in this photo. Ray catches up and calls out "Doctor Graham," who turns around. Ray asks "Doc" if he is "Moonlight" Graham. Graham responds that no one has called him "Moonlight" in fifty years. Ray then asks if he can join him on his walk to talk about what happened when Moonlight got to the majors and played only one inning of one game.

Ostensibly about baseball, the emotional, magical Field of Dreams became more than just a movie for many people following its release in 1989 to both critical and popular acclaim. Based on W. P. Kinsella's book Shoeless Joe, Field of Dreams is a story of faith, forgiveness, and redemption. I highly recommend both the movie and soundtrack by the late James Horner.

Back to the image. This photo provides a view of the west side of the 100 block of S. Main St. in downtown Galena. On the corner is the Newhall Building (where the scene just described takes place), a two-part commercial block in Greek Revival style that was constructed in 1843. Nearly every building in this view is a contributing property in the Galena Historic District, which encompasses a remarkable 85 percent of the City of Galena and includes more than 800 properties. The Galena Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, with modifications in 2013.

Galena is the seat of Jo Daviess County. This is the un-glaciated area of northwestern Illinois. The rolling hills, history and abundant 19th century architecture draws visitors from throughout the country. The estimated population of Galena in 2019 was 3,158.

A closer look at the C. U. Williams & Son Building located on the south side of the 200 block of E. Washington St. in downtown Bloomington. Completed in 1911, the four-story building was constructed as an automobile showroom, garage and lodge hall. Of particular note are the large second-story showroom windows designed to display twice as many cars from the street.

According to the McLean County Museum of History, C. U. Williams and his son Walter sold the latest models from early automakers, including E-M-F, Chalmers, Moon, Stearns, Studebaker, Willys-Overland and Woods (the latter known for its electric cars). "The manufacturers that we are representing are all old and well-established houses - there cars are long past the experimental stage," was a C. U. Williams & Son promise.

The McLean County Museum of History article on C. U. Williams goes on to say that Williams & Son offered not only sales and maintenance, but auto painting, "livery" service (car rentals by the hour or day), storage (when home garages were few) and even a place to charge battery-powered cars.

In later years an office equipment company by the name of Paxtons occupied the building. The building is now the home of the legal offices of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP, trial lawyers specializing in medical malpractice.

The C. U. Williams & Son Building, along with the Castle Theatre next to it and also owned by Williams, were designed by architect A. T. Simmons. Simmons designed the Lafayette Apartments posted earlier in this series, but is probably best known for his more than 71 Carnegie libraries in Illinois and a dozen other states, along with numerous courthouses, schools, churches and other public buildings. Simmons also designed most of the houses in the Cedar Crest Historic District of Normal, Illinois, the other half of the twin municipalities of Bloomington and Normal.

Both the C. U. Williams & Son Building and the Castle Theatre next door are contributing architectural properties in the Bloomington Central Business District listed in 1985 on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The district includes roughly twelve square blocks of the city and encompasses 140 buildings, 118 of which are contributing buildings to the district's historic character.

Bloomington is the seat of McLean County. It is adjacent to Normal, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. Bloomington is home to State Farm Insurance, Country Financial and Beer Nuts. Illinois Wesleyan University is located here, while the neighboring city of Normal is home to Illinois State University and Heartland Community College. Bloomington is 135 miles (217 km) southwest of Chicago, and 162 miles (261 km) northeast of St. Louis. The estimated population of Bloomington in 2019 was 77,330, with a metro population of 191,067.

Junipers (in this case, Juniperus osteosperma), are famously good desert-survivors. They're also notorious contortionists, which may contribute to their long-lived success. They produce berries much enjoyed by the local fauna.

Photographed at Goosenecks Overlook, Capitol Reef National Park

Explore #22 on April 3, 2021.

A view of the 400 block of N. Main St. looking north from E. Monroe St. toward E. Market St. in downtown Bloomington. The eight buildings on the east side of this block were all completed during a ten-year span between 1871 and 1881. Seven of the eight buildings are contributing architectural properties in the Bloomington Central Business District which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1985. The district includes roughly twelve square blocks of the city and encompasses 140 buildings, 118 of which are contributing buildings to the district's historic character.

From right to left the historic name, completion date and street addresses of the eight buildings are:

▪ Evans Grocery Building, 1871, 401 N. Main St.

▪ H. Jetter Building, 1871, 403 N. Main St. Non-Contributing due to a remodeling of the front facade.

▪ Stutz-Major Building, 1871, 405-407 N. Main St.

▪ F. Niergarth Building, 1871, 409 N. Main St.

▪ Trimter-Reibsame Building, 1871, 411 N. Main St.

▪ Dr. T. Hacriny Building, 1871, 413 N. Main St.

▪ Dr. W.H. Smith Building, 1880, 415 N. Main St.

The open space seen at the end of the block on the far left is where the Eddy Building once stood. Constructed sometime between 1887 and 1894 at 421-427 N. Main St., the now demolished structure was originally listed as a contributing building to the district in the National Register. Today the space is a parking lot.

The architectural style of this block is primarily Italianate. These buildings are now occupied by a book store, thrift shop, clothing store, studio, coffee house, bakery, insurance agent, and a legal office. Upper floors provide both office space and apartments.

Bloomington is the seat of McLean County. It is adjacent to Normal, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. Bloomington is 135 miles (217 km) southwest of Chicago, and 162 miles (261 km) northeast of St. Louis. The estimated population of Bloomington in 2019 was 77,330, with a metro population of 191,067.

Le Geai des chênes (Garrulus glandarius) est un grand passereau de la famille des corvidés. C’est un joli oiseau au plumage paré de couleurs vives plutôt discret et timide. Le Geai des chênes est très répandu en France. Très friand de glands de chênes qu’il stocke abondamment en automne, le Geai des chênes contribue à favoriser l’expansion de cet arbre grâce aux très nombreux glands cachés qu’il ne mange pas et qui finissent par germer et donner de nouvelles pousses.

The Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a large passerine of the family Corvidae. It is a pretty bird with plumage dressed in bright colors rather discreet and timid. The Eurasian Jay is widespread in France. Very fond of acorns of oaks which it stores abundantly in autumn, the Jay of the oaks contributes to promote the expansion of this tree thanks to the numerous hidden acorns which it does not eat and which finally germinate and give new shoots.

Contributing to making L.A. the most beautiful place on earth.

As always, please contribute with constructive criticism... As an occasional photographer I appreciate all comments!!

Gorgeous golden striations and buttes in the Arizona Wilderness of Vermilion Cliffs national Monument ( North Coyote Buttes ).

Taken in the late afternoon in order to make the amazing structures pop to colorful life!

This area is a landscape photographers and hikers dream... Its not a huge area so it takes winning a lottery to get a permit to hike here... This can take many years of tring ( as was my case! ). But it was worth the wait...

This area is regularly policed by the BLM and fines are very high!!!

Its a great place to visit, but if you cant get a permit there are many other beautiful places to visit in this area which are permit free...

Hope you enjoy!

Enjoying the leftovers....

Grey squirrel

Scientific name: Sciurus carolinensis

The grey squirrel was introduced into the UK in the 1800s. It provides an easy encounter with wildlife for many people, but can be damaging to woodlands and has contributed to the decline of the red squirrel.

shot with the latest iPhone (perhaps processed in one or more desktop or iOS apps) and finished in photoshop.

an ongoing project contributing to my pocket project flickr set.

66099 stops for a crew change at Peak Forest on a freezing snowy evening on the 20th November. The distant sky and yard lighting have contributed to a nice chilly atmospheric shot.

66099 was working the 6F05 1623 Tinstead to Lostock Works.

Will they light up some lifes?

Camera: Panasonic GM 1

Lens: Olympus 17mm f1.8

If you enjoy the shot, you'll probably like our Christmas Special on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_cEQNOrOio&list=UUpKcE6d9o5K...

Gratitude to the following to this creation: the Creator for it all. John Tyson for the sculpture, Ismael Paranto the crown of thorns, NASA pic of Earth. All via Unsplash. Bleeding heart via Open Clipart-Vectors via Pixabay. Stars via Alien Sky. Imagination/creation via Tman and the his/herstory of this planet which contributed to this vision at this time in history and herstory too.)

It's my favourite time of year on Flickr again: Roid Week! Go to the pool right now and check it out - there's some fantastic work there, and it's not too late to contribute, it'll be running all week!

This Polaroid was shot for a book on London's Lost Rivers, written by Tom Bolton, to be published in September by Strange Attractor Press. It was shot along the course of the River Tyburn - right by Buckingham Palace!

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, Aug 24, 2021.

Worked the hedge for food but didn't come down to the water.

Vermivora cyanoptera

Blue-winged Warblers have expanded northward as landscapes changed to shrubbier habitats. This northward expansion increased contact and hybridization with Golden-winged Warblers. This hybridization and competition contributes to Golden-winged population declines.

source- Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

SN/NC: Strongylodon macrobotrys, Fabaceae Family

Strongylodon macrobotrys, commonly known as the jade vine, emerald vine, or turquoise jade vine, is a leguminous vine endemic to the Philippines. It is a popular ornamental plant known for its cascading clusters of vibrant turquoise or greenish-blue claw-shaped flowers. Cultivating jade vine requires a tropical environment, making it a popular choice in botanical gardens and conservatories. The plant's striking appearance and limited distribution contribute to its allure among plant enthusiasts worldwide. Absolutely gorgeous!

Strongylodon macrobotrys, comumente conhecida como trepadeira-jade, videira-esmeralda ou jade-turquesa, é uma trepadeira leguminosa endêmica das Filipinas. É uma planta ornamental popular, conhecida por seus cachos em cascata de flores vibrantes em forma de garra, nas cores turquesa ou verde-azulada. O cultivo da trepadeira-jade requer um ambiente tropical, o que a torna uma escolha popular em jardins botânicos e estufas. A aparência marcante da planta e sua distribuição limitada contribuem para seu fascínio entre entusiastas de plantas worldwide. Simplesmente deslumbrante!

Strongylodon macrobotrys, comúnmente conocida como parra de jade, enredadera esmeralda o jade turquesa, es una enredadera leguminosa endémica de Filipinas. Es una planta ornamental popular, conocida por sus racimos en cascada de flores vibrantes en forma de garra, de color turquesa o verde azulado. Su cultivo requiere un ambiente tropical, por lo que es una elección popular en jardines botánicos e invernaderos. La apariencia llamativa de la planta y su distribución limitada contribuyen a su encanto entre los entusiastas de las plantas de todo el mundo. ¡Absolutamente impresionante!

Strongylodon macrobotrys, communément appelée liane de jade, liane émeraude ou jade turquoise, est une liane légumineuse endémique des Philippines. C'est une plante ornementale populaire, connue pour ses grappes en cascade de fleurs vibrantes en forme de griffe, de couleur turquoise ou bleu-vert. Sa culture nécessite un environnement tropical, ce qui en fait un choix populaire dans les jardins botaniques et les conservatoires. L'apparence frappante de la plante et sa distribution limitée contribuent à son attrait auprès des passionnés de plantes du monde entier. Absolument magnifique !

Strongylodon macrobotrys, comunemente nota come vite di giada, vite smeraldo o giada turchese, è una pianta rampicante leguminosa endemica delle Filippine. È una popolare pianta ornamentale, conosciuta per i suoi grappoli a cascata di vibranti fiori artigliati di colore turchese o verde-azzurro. La sua coltivazione richiede un ambiente tropicale, il che la rende una scelta popolare negli orti botanici e nelle serre. L'aspetto straordinario della pianta e la sua distribuzione limitata contribuiscono al suo fascino tra gli appassionati di piante di tutto il mondo. Assolutamente splendida!

Strongylodon macrobotrys, allgemein bekannt als Jaderanke, Smaragdranke oder Türkis-Jaderanke, ist eine leguminose Rankenpflanze, die auf den Philippinen endemisch ist. Sie ist eine beliebte Zierpflanze, die für ihre herabfallenden Trauben von lebhaften, krallenförmigen Blüten in Türkis oder Grünlich-Blau bekannt ist. Der Anbau der Jaderanke erfordert ein tropisches Klima, was sie zu einer beliebten Wahl in botanischen Gärten und Gewächshäusern macht. Das auffällige Erscheinungsbild der Pflanze und ihre begrenzte Verbreitung tragen zu ihrer Anziehungskraft bei Pflanzenliebhabern weltweit bei. Ganz wunderbar!

Strongylodon macrobotrys, algemeen bekend als de jaderank, smaragdrank of turkoois jaderank, is een peulvormige klimplant die endemisch is in de Filipijnen. Het is een populaire sierplant, bekend om zijn cascades van levendige, klauwvormige bloemen in turkoois of groenachtig blauw. De teelt van de jaderank vereist een tropische omgeving, waardoor het een populaire keuze is in botanische tuinen en kassen. Het opvallende uiterlijk van de plant en de beperkte verspreiding dragen bij aan haar aantrekkingskracht onder plantenliefhebbers wereldwijd. Echt prachtig!

ストロンギロドン・マクロボトリスは、一般にジェードバイン（翡翠葛）、エメラルドバイン、またはターコイズジェードバインとして知られ、フィリピン固有のマメ科のつる植物です。ターコイズまたは青緑色の鮮やかな爪形の花が滝のように連なる房で知られる人気の観賞植物です。栽培には熱帯環境が必要なため、植物園や温室でよく見られます。その印象的な外観と限られた分布が、世界中の植物愛好家の間で人気を集めています。実に見事です！

翡翠葛（Strongylodon macrobotrys），俗称碧玉藤、绿玉藤或绿松石碧玉藤，是菲律宾特有的一种豆科藤本植物。它是一种受欢迎的观赏植物，以其层叠的花序和 vibrant 的绿松石或蓝绿色爪形花朵而闻名。栽培碧玉藤需要热带环境，因此它是植物园和温室的热门选择。其引人注目的外观和有限的分布范围使其受到全球植物爱好者的追捧。真是太美了！

سترونجيلودون ماكروبوتريس، المعروفة باسم نبات اليشم، أو المتسلقة الزمردية، أو اليشم الفيروزي، هي نبتة متسلقة من البقوليات مستوطنة في الفلبين. إنها نبتة زينة مشهورة، معروفة بعناقيدها المتتالية من الأزهار الفيروزية أو المزرقة المخضرة المنقارية الشكل. زراعة نبات اليشم تتطلب بيئة استوائية، مما يجعله خيارًا شائعًا في الحدائق النباتية والمحميات. المظهر المذهل للنبتة وتوزيعها المحدود يساهم في جاذبيتها لدى عشاق النباتات حول العالم. رائعة حقًا!

Fortunately this little Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) was happy to show off its slightly iridescent wings and distinctive long forked tail. All contribute to the species' superb aerobatic and aerodynamic performance — try photographing one in flight. Billabong beside Tallebudgera Creek in the background.

Karasawa

涸沢

Another fun of Karasawa is the colorful tent village. My tent also contributes to the illumination.

涸沢のもう一つの楽しみがカラフルなテント村。微力ながら自分のテントもライトアップに貢献してます。

Matsumoto city, Nagano pref, Japan

Million Dollar Staircase

The New York State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of New York. Housing the New York State Legislature, it is located in the state capital city Albany as part of the Empire State Plaza on State Street in Capitol Park. The building, completed in 1899 at a cost of $25 million (worth approximately half a billion current dollars), was the most expensive government building of its time.[citation needed] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, then included as a contributing property when the Lafayette Park Historic District was listed in 1978. The following year it was declared a National Historic Landmark

Welcome to NEW HASHIMA(端島) -

AKA @stefans city ... I was so honoured to be asked to join this crazy build. Ever since the first BroLUG CyberCity I've yearned for another to not just come close, but in this case surpass it.

The lower city infrastructure that Stefan single handedly built, and spent 40 hours assembling just sets this whole thing apart and actually makes it feel like a viable city.

When asked to contribute I ended up with the concept of the Police station (Bley with Bright Light Orange highlights building) - with several landing pads so I could mass produce some of my spinner police cars. Plus it lets me also mass produce drones :)

We're already planning the next phase of this city, expanding it to almost 3 times its current size. Yes you read that right. THREE TIMES BIGGER for Brickworld Chicago.

Hit Stefan or I up for an invite, everyone is welcome, contribute anywhere from a few vehicles or a cube, or even a Tower or MEGA 6 foot SpaceSHIP.

Yes we're bringing in an industrial zone / space port next year :)

————————————

credit: @generaljj_builds - super contributor and taking 6+ hours photographing the city.

make sure you check him out.

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The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope's mid-infrared view of the Pillars of Creation strikes a chilling tone. Thousands of stars that exist in this region disappear from view — and seemingly endless layers of gas and dust become the centrepiece.

The detection of dust by Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is extremely important — dust is a major ingredient for star formation. Many stars are actively forming in these dense blue-grey pillars. When knots of gas and dust with sufficient mass form in these regions, they begin to collapse under their own gravitational attraction, slowly heat up, and eventually form new stars.

Although the stars appear to be missing, they aren’t. Stars typically do not emit much mid-infrared light. Instead, they are easiest to detect in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. In this MIRI view, two types of stars can be identified. The stars at the end of the thick, dusty pillars have recently eroded most of the more distant material surrounding them but they can be seen in mid-infrared light because they are still surrounded by cloaks of dust. In contrast, blue tones indicate stars that are older and have shed most of their gas and dust.

Mid-infrared light also details dense regions of gas and dust. The red region toward the top, which forms a delicate V shape, is where the dust is both diffuse and cooler. And although it may seem like the scene clears toward the bottom left of this view, the darkest grey areas are where densest and coolest regions of dust lie. Notice that there are many fewer stars and no background galaxies popping into view.

Webb’s mid-infrared data will help researchers determine exactly how much dust is in this region — and what it’s made of. These details will make models of the Pillars of Creation far more precise. Over time, we will begin to understand more clearly how stars form and burst out of these dusty clouds over millions of years.

Contrast this view with Webb’s near-infrared light image.

MIRI was contributed by ESA and NASA, with the instrument designed and built by a consortium of nationally funded European Institutes (The MIRI European Consortium) in partnership with JPL and the University of Arizona.

Image Description: Semi-opaque layers of blue and grey gas and dust start at the bottom left and rise toward the top right. There are three prominent pillars. The left pillar is the largest and widest. The peaks of the second and third pillars are set off in darker shades of blue outlines. Few red stars appear within the pillars. Some blue and white stars dot the overall scene.

Download more versions of this image.

Credit:

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, J. DePasquale (STScI), A. Pagan (STScI); CC BY 4.0

Un nouveau et beau quartier de Heerlen : le Maankwartier. Avec ce projet spécial, Heerlen doit retrouver son âme. C'est en tout cas la démarche du plasticien et designer du Maankwartier Michel Huisman. Le projet a été baptisé « Maankwartier » car, selon l'artiste, les choses allaient si mal pour la ville que dans les périodes sombres, la lumière ne pouvait venir que de la lune. Aussi sombre que soit la situation décrite par l'artiste, le Maankwartier est tout aussi dynamique quand on y jette un coup d'œil.

L'architecture des bâtiments du Maankwartier fait référence à l'ancienne industrie minière de Heerlen et de ses environs. Et l'ancienne industrie minière se reflète également dans le projet d'une autre manière particulière : l'ensemble du Maankwartier est relié à l'eau de mine des anciennes mines. "C'est un beau projet, où l'aspect industriel se reflète non seulement dans la conception, mais aussi dans l'utilisation de l'eau de mine", déclare avec enthousiasme Sjoerd Parren, chef de projet chez Mijnwater BV. Mijnwater veillera à ce que les maisons, les magasins, bureaux et L'hôtel du Maankwartier est chauffé et refroidi et l'eau chaude du robinet est fournie. Une grande attention a déjà été accordée au concept d’eau de mine dans les précédentes Enervisions. Un petit rappel : grâce au concept innovant d'eau de mine, l'eau résiduelle des anciens réservoirs souterrains d'eau de mine est utilisée pour chauffer et refroidir de nombreux bâtiments de la région. Les tunnels de la mine se trouvent à des profondeurs différentes, de sorte que l'eau dans ces tunnels a des températures différentes. L’eau des couloirs inférieurs est utilisée pour le chauffage et celle des couloirs supérieurs pour le refroidissement. Mijnwater contribue ainsi à rendre le Maankwartier plus durable. En plus de l'utilisation des eaux de mine, l'ensemble du Maankwartier est construit selon les principes de la construction durable. L’objectif est de réduire considérablement les pertes d’énergie. En outre, une attention particulière est accordée à la réutilisation locale du chaud et du froid.

A new and beautiful district of Heerlen: the Maankwartier. With this special project, Heerlen must find its soul. In any case, this is the approach of visual artist and Maankwartier designer Michel Huisman. The project was named “Maankwartier” because, according to the artist, things were so bad for the city that in dark times light could only come from the moon. As bleak as the situation the artist describes, the Maankwartier is just as dynamic when you take a look.

The architecture of the buildings in the Maankwartier refers to the former mining industry of Heerlen and its surroundings. And the old mining industry is also reflected in the project in another special way: the entire Maankwartier is connected to the mine water from the old mines. “This is a beautiful project, where the industrial look is reflected not only in the design, but also in the use of mine water,” says Sjoerd Parren, project manager at Mijnwater BV, enthusiastically. Mijnwater will ensure that the Maankwartier's homes, shops, offices and hotel are heated and cooled and hot tap water is supplied. Much attention has already been given to the concept of mine water in previous Enervisions. A quick reminder: thanks to the innovative mine water concept, residual water from old underground mine water tanks is used to heat and cool many buildings in the region. The mine tunnels are at different depths, so the water in these tunnels has different temperatures. Water from the lower corridors is used for heating and that from the upper corridors for cooling. Mijnwater thus contributes to making the Maankwartier more sustainable. In addition to the use of mine water, the entire Maankwartier is built according to the principles of sustainable construction. The aim is to significantly reduce energy losses. In addition, particular attention is paid to the local reuse of hot and cold.

Inle Lake Panoramic Sunrise

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Basically, the substantial gather amount is achievable with pure passion n love heart in photography and not necessary be filty rich nor famous to help me accomplish raising my long yearning photography career, a sucking heavy expense that been schedules down my photography making journey had inevitably, some circumstances had badly fall short behind racing with time and inability to fulfill as quickly in near future consolidating good fund .

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Last but not least, a photography journey of life time for a trip to explore South Island of New Zealand and Africa.

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My intended schedule may estimate about 1 month round trip self drive traveling down scenic Southern Island of New Zealand for completing the most captivating landscape photography and wander into the big five, the wilderness of untamed Africa nature for my project 2016 before my physical body stamina eventually drain off.

During the course, I also welcome sponsor's to provide daily lodging/accommodation, car rental/transportation, Fox Glacier helicopter ride and other logistic funding expenses, provide photographic camera equipments or related accessories .

Kindly forward all sponsors request terms of condition n collaboration details for discussion soon.

Great Ocean Drive- the 12 Apostle's

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Due to copyright issue, I cannot afford to offer any free image request. Pls kindly consult my sole permission to purchase n use any of my images.You can email me at : men4r@yahoo.com.

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contributed to istar

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try something new

i think i'd better make more effort on this style

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19S, a Soviet supersonic jet fighter, played a pivotal role during the Cold War. Introduced in the 1950s, it featured a top speed of approximately 1,450 mph, armed with three 30mm cannons and air-to-air missiles. Its agility and swept-wing design contributed to its prominence in various air forces worldwide.

Me sorprendí mucho esta mañana cuando fuí a fotografiar el acebo que había dejado en Noviembre lleno de bayas rojas. Hoy apenas tenía unas pocas, semiescondidas. Al momento comprobé que era de los pocos arbustos de la zona que estaba alimentando a cientos de pájaros. Para los humanos las bayas rojas de este arbusto son tóxicas.

La tradición, que asocia el acebo y el muérdago a la buena suerte, ha contribuído a que en la actualidad sea una especie en peligro de extinción.

I was surprised this morning when I went to photograph the Holly tree, I had left full of red berries in November and it had only a few today . Then I realized that it was one of the few shrubs in the area that was feeding hundreds of birds. For human, red berries of this shrub are toxic.

The tradition, which associates the holly and mistletoe to good luck, has contributed it is an endangered species today.

lavidadecerca.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/el-acebo-ilex-aquif...

This photo has been published in Grand Strand Magazine

grandstrandmag.com/feature/currents/happy_holly_days

Por favor, no use esta imagen en su web, blogs u otro medio de comunicación sin mi aprobación explícita. © Todos los derechos reservados.

Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

Not as majestic and grand as bazaar in Esfahan, Tabriz or Kerman, Tehran Bazaar still lives on. It contributes good percentage of the country's economy.

I just love going inside this mammoth bazaar to see the human activities and everyone seems to have the shopping intention to do.

At the moment the external of Tehran Bazaar is facing a massive renovation and upgrading works. I hope I could see the result of this upgrading works when I visit Tehran Bazaar the next time around.

Location : Fabric Area at Tehran Bazaar-Tehran, Iran

Explore #1 - 21/05/08...thank you all!!!

If you haven't checked out the Freephotoguides Project you should have a look... high quality guides for photographers... growing quickly. Check it out and join in the project by contributing a guide to your favorite photographic location.

Just thought I would post another one...almost the same angle. I included in this composition the other part of the wreck clearly visible to the right....the beach was pristine and that's what I particularly love about this series.

This statue is very rare. It is one of seven in the world identified as the most famous queen of Egypt: Cleopatra VII. Cleopatra VII was born in Macedonian family called the Ptolemies, who were famous for their vicious infighting. Matricide, patricide and fratricide were common in many generations, including Cleopatra VII's. She had several relatives killed so she might survive.

For generations the Romans coveted Egypt, a bountiful sours of grain they could use to feed their army. They used the fighting in Cleopatra's family as an excuse to send an envoy to Egypt: Julius Caesar. The Romans expected Caesar to choose someone who would be friendly towards the Roman Empire to be Egypt's new pharaoh. However, Julius Caesar was charmed by Cleopatra's wit and intelligence and brought her back to Rome as his lover. He supported Cleopatra as she struggled against her sister Arsinoe for the throne of Egypt.

Unfortunately Caesar was murdered on the Senate steps, and Cleopatra fled back to Egypt. The next envoy to Egypt was Mark Anthony, a friend of Caesar's. Anthony also fell in love with Cleopatra, and together they fought against Rome until they were defeated and Cleopatra was captured. She committed suicide, probably so she could not be dragged through the Roman streets in shame. Many of Cleopatra's statues were destroyed by the Romans after she died.

Her pose is classic Egyptian, probably meant to remind the Romans that her family had ruled Egypt as pharaohs for three centuries. However, her face is done in Greco-Roman style. The triple uraeus (snake) symbol on her brow is rare and helped to identify this statue as Cleopatra VII. This statue was broken below the ankles, and the feet were later "restored" using another material. At the rear of the statue is a support called a plinth. S strip in the center of the plinth would have held names and titles, but this area has been filled in.

c. 30 BCE

My aside - I did not know Cleopatra's Mummy [I am not sure if it is Cleopatra VII] is in the British Museum. A little more research on my part and I am certain the mummy in the British Museum is not Cleopatra VII:

- Cleopatra VII was:

- The Daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes (117- 51 BCE) , probably by Cleopatra V Tryphaena (ca 70-69 BCE)

-Succeeded her father Ptolemy XII with her brother Ptolemy XIII in 51 BCE

- Was expelled from Egypt in mid 48 BCE.

- Restored to power in August 48 BCE by Julius Caesar. With her brother Ptolemy XIV as co-ruler.

-Associated as senior ruler with her son Ptolemy XV probably 4 th September 44 BCE

- Died in 30 BCE

Here is what the plaque in the British Museum reads:

Cleopatra: the mummy of a young woman

The mummy and coffin of Cleopatra, daughter of Candace, from the Soter family burial, entered the British Museum in 1823 via the first collection of Henry Salt. The mummy is wrapped in many layers of cloth, with an outer shroud on which is painted a figure of the deceased woman. A comb and necklace of beads were placed on the body inside the wooden coffin. The hieroglyphic inscription on the coffin gives Cleopatra's age at death, for which a reading of 17 years, 1 month and 25 days has been proposed. X-ray studies using a CAT scanner show skeletal development and a fusion of the ends of the long bones which is consistent with this age.

The skeleton appears to be in good condition. The skull is tilted forward and the mouth is open. There are at least three packages in the right chest cavity, possibly the preserved internal organs. An object, about 9cm long, in the left chest cavity may be a roll of linen or a figurine. CAT scans also revealed the use of packing materials (probably mud or sand), which contribute to the substantial weight (about 75kg) of this mummy.

Pictures can be found here: www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=cleopatra+mummy&m=...

This NASA Hubble Space Telescope image, taken in near-infrared light, transforms the pillars into eerie, wispy silhouettes, which are seen against a background of myriad stars.

The near-infrared light can penetrate much of the gas and dust, revealing stars behind the nebula as well as hidden away inside the pillars. Some of the gas and dust clouds are so dense that even the near-infrared light cannot penetrate them. New stars embedded in the tops of the pillars, however, are apparent as bright sources that are unseen in the visible image.

The ghostly bluish haze around the dense edges of the pillars is material getting heated up by the intense ultraviolet radiation from a cluster of young, massive stars and evaporating away into space. The stellar grouping is above the pillars and cannot be seen in the image. At the top edge of the left-hand pillar, a gaseous fragment has been heated up and is flying away from the structure, underscoring the violent nature of star-forming regions.

Astronomers used filters that isolate the light from newly formed stars, which are invisible in the visible-light image. At these wavelengths, astronomers are seeing through the pillars and even through the back wall of the nebula cavity and can see the next generations of stars just as they're starting to emerge from their formative nursery.

Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Read more: 1.usa.gov/1HGfkqr

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NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

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We spent some time in Santa Cruz enjoying the warm sun and sandy beach. It was enough to make one forget the problems of life and just kick back and relish in the moment.

When we left the beach we traveled north along the ocean to have a look at the homes and sights along the way. At the very northern point is a small parking lot where one can view the ocean. The setting sun divides the image and contributes with some special light on the indiginous birds that nest on the rocks.

A Zínia elegans, originária do México e membro da família Asteraceae, foi fotografada no Festival Internacional de Jardins de Ponte de Lima, evento anual português que visa promover a arte nos jardins e a consciência ambiental. Esta planta herbácea anual destaca-se pela sua floração prolongada do verão ao outono e pela variedade de cores vibrantes, atraindo polinizadores como borboletas e abelhas. As zínias são frequentemente utilizadas em composições paisagísticas do festival devido à sua facilidade de cultivo, resistência ao calor, diversidade cromática e capacidade de atrair insetos polinizadores. A sua estrutura floral característica, com pétalas dispostas em camadas concêntricas e um centro rico em estames amarelos, contribui para a polinização cruzada e biodiversidade. A sua durabilidade como flor de corte e a adaptação a solos bem drenados e exposição solar plena tornam-na uma escolha comum tanto em jardins domésticos como em projetos de educação ambiental.

Zinnia elegans, native to Mexico and a member of the Asteraceae family, was photographed at the Ponte de Lima International Garden Festival, an annual Portuguese event that aims to promote art in gardens and environmental awareness. This annual herbaceous plant stands out for its prolonged flowering from summer to autumn and for the variety of vibrant colors, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Zinnias are often used in the festival's landscape compositions due to their ease of cultivation, heat resistance, chromatic diversity and ability to attract pollinating insects. Its characteristic floral structure, with petals arranged in concentric layers and a center rich in yellow stamens, contributes to cross-pollination and biodiversity. Its durability as a cut flower and adaptation to well-drained soils and full sun exposure make it a common choice in both home gardens and environmental education projects.