View allAll Photos Tagged Contribute
I'm not really great with flower shots therefore very unusual for me to come up with a photo like this! :P See what all you flower flickr mates have done to me haha! i reckon i've caught the flora disease from most of you and have been feeling pretty flowery lately... ooh how exciting! :P That's one good reason why i thought i should contribute my little share into the nature community.
Anyway this shot came by when I was feeding my dog at the backyard last evening and happen to see this first lily which has blossomed next to the pond in my garden. That's pretty.. plucked 2 of them (as you can see the other one has not open yet)...into the vase they go and here comes thee camera LOL!
Joseph Aspdin of Leeds patented Portland Cement on 21 October 1924. While it revolutionised modern building, it has also contributed significantly to global warming. Nevertheless, it is not only still much in use but also being further developed to be more eco- and user-friendly as well as self-cleaning.
John Smeaton of Leeds is thought to have created the first modern concrete, a mixture of limestone and clay which was resistant to water, whilst he was preparing his work on the Eddystone Lighthouse around 1755.
Joseph Aspdin on Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Aspdin
Archaeologists working on the site of Brunel’s Great Western Dockyard development next to Brunel’s ss Great Britain, have discovered what is thought to be the first ever substantial use of Portland cement in the construction of a major building.
www.culture24.org.uk/history/archaeology/industrial+archa...
Originating in Leeds
www.mylearning.org/jpage.asp?jpageid=719&journeyid=200
The development of Portland Cement
www.buildingconservation.com/articles/prtlndcmnt/prtlndcm...
The history of concrete and cement
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blconcrete.htm
Portland Cement on Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_cement
Ordinary Portland Cement with extraordinarily CO2 emissions. What can be done to reduce them?
www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/autumn05/ordinary_portland_c...
Self-cleaning concrete
www.cement.org/tech/self_cleaning.asp
John Smeaton on Wikipedia
First experiments with a new form in the ever-evolving world of Pano-Sabotage photography that's been dubbed "MonitorPano". It's both a new turn for me and a return to a very old tactic I used in 2012 where I achieved coarse but provoking layers by photographing, with my Canon Rebel XS, my computers screen saver as it faded in and out between images in my photo files. The great thing was that the images didn't just click from one to the next like a slide show, they faded in and out over top of each other. There was always a "crossover" point where the two images would occupy the same amount of "presence" on the screen thereby becoming "fused" or "blended" ... in effect ... layered. A cruder version of Brian Enos Installation piece, "77 Million Paintings", perhaps, but using the same idea.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0_4rCfpNzw
By the time Apple brought out the next Operating System, they'd taken out that scrolling slide show feature from what was then "iPhoto" and re-dubbed it "Photos". It always amazes me how the Silicon Valley geeks always "improve" things by taking out unique and wonderful features. Gotta mow it all down to sameness and uniformity, I guess. Unique features are seen as "mistakes".
Liz Mack has asked, "How long will it take for Apple to 'correct' the algorithms that allow for Pano-Sabotage photography ?"
MonitorPano, even though being hotly used right now and to great effect has actually been around quietly for a few years now. Don of the PANO-vision group was actually one of the first Pano-Sabotage artists to start "pano-ing" his desktop screen, and has often produced some very unique work with this method. Recently, Bill Smith, Paul Ewing and Liz Mack have taken it up with a vengeance with striking results.
"Graph ET 1" is the first finished piece that I created using the same technique the Paul, Bill, Liz and Don use. All of us in "PANO-Vision" learn a lot from each other and each of us makes invaluable contributions to the groups knowledge and technique base by that sharing. In PANO, as well call it for short, it's not about competition. We thrive by sharing. Each of us grows by contributing to an ongoing and easy exchange.
"MonitorPano" is achieved by setting one's cell phone camera on "Pano", clicking it on, while focusing on the desktop monitor and using the other hand to tap the arrow right ( or left ) key to quickly jump from photo to photo while the cell phone hand is pano-sabotaging the whole "pass". Tricky, and it takes some co-ordination, but it can be quite surprising what results.
This image was created for the PANO-Vision Groups Summer Contest, "PANO to the Metal".
www.flickr.com/groups/2892788@N23/discuss/72157667684597037/
Image culled from SLR shots done in 2011 and
"MonitorPanoed" and processed June 6, 2018.
___________________________________________________
© Richard S Warner ( Visionheart ) - 2018. All Rights Reserved. This image is not for use in any form without explicit, express, written permission.
___________________________________________________
I am VERY proud to announce that I was chosen to be the feature artist of the "Kreative People" Group's Spring Gallery - Running until the end of June. I really must thank both abstractartangel77 and Xandram for bestowing me with this great honour. The link to the gallery appears below:
Please visit my Kreative People Highlight Gallery HERE
Love this well-named trail, The Hall of Mosses. Walking thru here is like walking thru a living green cathedral, verdant and vibrant.
"Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (or 12 to 14 feet!) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.
The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations." nps.gov
Happy Friday!
wimblebury waits , as bellerophon makes ready and dubsy hidden by smoke contributes mightily to the pall of background smoke
As a B&B host (not an Air BnB Superhost! no thanks) I get asked many questions: where to go, what to see, what's the weather going to do today, etc? Fortunately, having an interest in photography has helped me in that, as I regularly recce the area to check roads, where deer are, highland coos, etc, and taste the local whisky so that I know!
Sometimes I'm powerless to help. When people (French) travel from the south of France to the Scottish Highlands and then decide it's too far to go 25 miles to explore the end of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Or they only bring white trainers and no walking boots with them as if expecting to only walk on city pavements and not across unspoilt and rugged Mother Nature. I despair sometimes with the lack of 'nous' or planning. Of course they also expect to get up late and then set off for a day trip of all of Skye....and haven't even thought to book a ferry in peak season.
Some, a few, arrive better prepared, some with teenage kids more interested in staying in the room and playing Call of Duty on the Playstation. To them, I might say, why not go far off the beaten trail out to Glendrian?
Your kids can get some lungfulls of pure, fresh highland air, some exercise and some education (why do people come here with big plastic bottles of Highland Spring water bottled from some drain near the Ochil Hills near Glasgow? How could it be more pure than what we have come out of the mountains around here? At least I'm reasonably confident our water hasn't already passed through several other human beings, and only filtered after flowing through the whole sewage system and chemically recycled).
Glendrian is an abandoned crofting township in the centre of the Ardnamurchan peninsula centred on grid reference NM480687. It is a Scheduled Monument, Historic Scotland describing it as “of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of post-medieval settlement and economy. Although only abandoned in the 1940s the settlement incorporates information for the earlier expansion and contraction of the community who lived here. The buildings are varied in date and style and contain evidence for the complex history of settlement on the site.”
Glendrian’s lands occupy the eastern half of the low land within the circle of hills formed by the main ring dykes of the Ardnamurchan Tertiary Volcanic Complex. Even in winter, when the vegetation has died back, the buildings are difficult to see.
But take your teenagers out there and ask them to imagine it was their home, completely isolated and cut off in the low land where there is total silence within the circle of hills formed by the main ring dykes of the Ardnamurchan Tertiary Volcanic Complex. There's no road to it. No electricity. The running water is in the form of a burn along the bottom of the shallow valley. No shops. And apart from feeding and tending to the animals kids still had to go to school in Kilchoan, six miles over the hills. And they didn't have modern water and windproof clothing to cloth them as they walked to school in winter darkness, and rain, hail and snow. And shock-horror: tell your teenagers they had no phone signal or wifi either!
People lived in Glendrian until the 1940's until the convenience of motorised transport links, shops and electricity lured them to living in towns and villages. 80 years on, if they were still alive would they move back, valuing the quality of life in Glendrian: no noise, no traffic, no crowds, no crime, no rape, no knife crime - a peaceful way of life? That's what 'civilisation' should be. Indeed the movement of people to live in towns and cities has heralded the end of civilisation! A visit to Glendrian can teach modern youth, and city and town folk a lot! I scuttled off home before the rain arrived.
A more comprehensive history of the settlement is here : heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/glendrian/
---
- Follow my Vision and Imagination using your iPhone
- Come and say hello Facebook
---
This photograph is featured in my Free Photoguide for the Strzelecki Desert.
If you haven't checked out the Freephotoguides Project you should have a look... Check it out and join in the project by contributing a guide to your favorite photographic location.
---
The most well-known and important groundwater source in Australia is the Great Artesian Basin. This is a vast groundwater source that underlies 22 per cent of Australia – extending beneath the arid and semi-arid regions of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales. It covers about 1.7 million square kilometres, and contains an estimated 8700 million megalitres of water. Not surprisingly, it's one of the largest artesian water basins in the world.
The water is coming from a depth of up to 3 kilometres, and some of the water is believed to be up to two million years old. The average water temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees, but it can be as hot as 100 degrees Celsius.
The Great Artesian Basin has always been an important source of water for many Outback communities. Unfortunately, much of the water that is extracted is also wasted. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of the total outflow from the Great Artesian Basin is wasted....Canberra, we need a "watergrid" in the Outback.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, is one of the holiest and oldest churches in the country. Built between 1010 and 1029, this imposing cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only an architectural gem but also a major symbol of religious significance. According to tradition, the cathedral is the burial site of the robe of Christ—the garment Jesus wore during his crucifixion—making it one of the most sacred places in Georgia. Legend has it that a Jewish man from Mtskheta, Elioz, brought the robe back from Jerusalem after the crucifixion. His sister, Sidonia, took the robe into her hands, was overcome with emotion, and died instantly, unable to be separated from it. She was buried holding the robe, and the cathedral was later built on that very spot. Inside the cathedral lies a small chapel, one of the most sacred spaces in the Georgian Orthodox faith. It is believed that beneath this chapel rests Christ’s robe, brought to Mtskheta in the 1st century. The chapel was constructed as a shrine to honor this sacred relic. Its walls are adorned with centuries-old frescoes, which—despite their weathered appearance—still radiate a profound spiritual atmosphere. The chapel is surrounded by flowers and burning candles, showing that it remains an active site of devotion. Worshippers come to pray, light candles, touch the ancient stone walls, or bow their heads in silent reverence—simple yet powerful expressions of faith. This chapel is the heart of the cathedral—both literally and symbolically—and contributes greatly to the mystical atmosphere that makes Svetitskhoveli so special. Whether you are religious or not, there is a sense that something eternal lingers in the air.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, lighting candles is a deeply symbolic gesture. Each candle represents a prayer—often for a loved one, a saint, or a personal intention. The flame symbolizes the light of Christ, eternal life, and the presence of God in the darkness of the world. It is also a way to participate without words—a silent form of devotion. In the Orthodox tradition, women often cover their heads with a scarf or veil when entering a church. This gesture is inspired by ancient biblical texts and is seen as a sign of reverence and respect for the sacred. Orthodox spirituality is strongly focused on the body and the senses. Icons, incense, singing, and candlelight all contribute to an atmosphere of prayer. Prayer is often silent, with deep bows or the sign of the cross. A woman lights a candle during a religious service, her head covered with a floral scarf in the Orthodox tradition. The warm glow of the flames contrasts with the dim interior, creating a moment of quiet devotion amidst the surrounding community.
De Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal in Mtskheta, Georgië, is een van de heiligste en oudste kerken van het land. Deze imposante kathedraal, gebouwd tussen 1010 en 1029, is een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur en maakt deel uit van het UNESCO-werelderfgoed. Niet alleen is het een architectonisch juweel, het is ook een belangrijk religieus symbool. Volgens de overlevering is hier het kleed begraven dat Jezus droeg tijdens zijn kruisiging, wat de kathedraal tot een van de heiligste plekken van Georgië maakt. Binnen in de kathedraal bevindt zich een kleine kapel, één van de meest heilige plekken van het Georgisch-orthodoxe geloof. Volgens de traditie ligt onder deze kapel het heilige kleed van Christus. De kapel is gebouwd als een soort grafmonument, om dit kostbare relikwie te eren. De muren zijn bedekt met eeuwenoude fresco’s die, ondanks hun verweerde staat, nog altijd een diepe spirituele sfeer oproepen. De kapel is versierd met bloemen en brandende kaarsen. Elke kaars vertegenwoordigt een gebed — vaak voor een geliefde, een heilige, of een persoonlijke intentie. De vlam staat symbool voor het licht van Christus, het eeuwige leven, en de aanwezigheid van God in de duisternis van de wereld. De Orthodoxe spiritualiteit is sterk gericht op het lichaam en de zintuigen. Iconen, wierook, zang, en het kaarslicht dragen allemaal bij aan een sfeer van gebed. Een vrouw steekt een kaars aan tijdens een religieuze dienst, haar hoofd bedekt met een bloemensjaal volgens de orthodoxe traditie. De warme gloed van de vlammen contrasteert met het schemerige interieur en creëert een moment van stille devotie te midden van de omringende gemeenschap. De kapel vormt het hart van de kathedraal – letterlijk én symbolisch – en draagt sterk bij aan de mystieke sfeer die de Svetitskhoveli zo bijzonder maakt. Of je nu gelovig bent of niet, het voelt alsof hier iets eeuwigs in de lucht hangt.
To celebrate 4 million views, a brief video I shot in the Moscow Metro. To everybody who has contributed to my first 4 million views, please accept my heart felt thanks, I could not have made it without You.
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a spiral galaxy known as NGC 7331. First spotted by the prolific galaxy hunter William Herschel in 1784, NGC 7331 is located about 45 million light-years away in the constellation of Pegasus (the Winged Horse). Facing us partially edge-on, the galaxy showcases its beautiful arms, which swirl like a whirlpool around its bright central region.
Astronomers took this image using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), as they were observing an extraordinary exploding star — a supernova — near the galaxy’s central yellow core. Named SN 2014C, it rapidly evolved from a supernova containing very little hydrogen to one that is hydrogen-rich — in just one year. This rarely observed metamorphosis was luminous at high energies and provides unique insight into the poorly understood final phases of massive stars.
NGC 7331 is similar in size, shape and mass to the Milky Way. It also has a comparable star formation rate, hosts a similar number of stars, has a central supermassive black hole and comparable spiral arms. The primary difference between this galaxy and our own is that NGC 7331 is an unbarred spiral galaxy — it lacks a “bar” of stars, gas and dust cutting through its nucleus, as we see in the Milky Way. Its central bulge also displays a quirky and unusual rotation pattern, spinning in the opposite direction to the galactic disk itself.
By studying similar galaxies we hold a scientific mirror up to our own, allowing us to build a better understanding of our galactic environment, which we cannot always observe, and of galactic behavior and evolution as a whole.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA/D. Milisavljevic (Purdue University)
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.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Find us on Instagram
Y de nuevo en Venecia, ya llevaba un año sin ir y la echaba de menos, ¿por qué? Es difícil de explicar, se ha convertido en un parque temático (y aunque duela reconocerlo eso también contribuye a su supervivencia) pero a pesar de eso a través de sus poros todavía respira toda su grandeza y es una puerta mágica por la que se puede acceder a las profundidades de nuestra cultura mediterránea y volver bien recargado de energías telúricas.
Este viaje ha sido más complicado que otros, no paró de llover desde que llegué y hasta que cogí el barco para ir al aeropuerto, momento en que la laguna me regaló una puesta de sol de despidida. No es fácil trotar todo el día entre los canales con los pies empapados y sin poder usar paraguas por el viento, la belleza jugaba al escondite conmigo, había que mimarla bastante para que asomase un poco su rostro. Así que me propuse recurrir a la alquimia para destilar la esencia de la belleza, su principio activo, lo que podríamos llamar “el elixir de la belleza”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And back in Venice, I hadn't been there for a year and I missed it, why? It's hard to explain, it has become a theme park (and although it hurts to admit it, that also contributes to its survival) but despite that, through its pores it still breathes all its grandeur and it is a magic door through which you can access the depths of our Mediterranean culture and return well recharged with telluric energies.
This trip has been more complicated than others, it didn't stop raining from the time I arrived until I took the boat to go to the airport, when the lagoon gave me a farewell sunset. It's not easy to jog all day between the canals with soaked feet and without being able to use an umbrella because of the wind, beauty played hide and seek with me, I had to pamper her enough to let her face show a little. So I decided to resort to alchemy to distill the essence of beauty, its active ingredient, what we could call "the elixir of beauty"
Der Azaleen- und Rhododendronpark Kromlau ist ein ca. 200 ha großer Landschaftspark im Ortsteil Kromlau der Gemeinde Gablenz im Landkreis Görlitz. Er gilt als die größte Rhododendren-Freilandanlage in Deutschland und ist bei freiem Eintritt immer geöffnet. 1842 erwarb der Großgrundbesitzer Friedrich Hermann Rötschke das Gut Kromlau. Ab 1844, mit den ersten Anpflanzungen einheimischer und fremdländischer Gehölze in diesem Gut, stellte Rötschke fast die Hälfte seines Besitzes zur Gestaltung des Parks zur Verfügung. Es wurden Basaltsteine mit Ochsenkarren aus verschiedenen Steinbrüchen der Sächsischen Schweiz und Böhmen herbeigeholt. Aus den sechskantigen Basaltstelen entstanden Höhlen, Grotten und Pyramiden, der Richterstuhl, die Orgel, Himmel und Hölle, im Wasser und zu Lande. 1875 tauschte Friedrich Herrmann Rötschke sein Rittergut gegen Bauplätze in Wilmersdorf bei Berlin ein. Das Kromlauer Schloss hatte von hier an sieben Besitzer in vierzehn Jahren. 1889 erwarb Graf von und zu Egloffstein-Arklitten das Rittergut und beauftragte ab 1893 den Gartenbauinspektor Georg Eichler mit der Parkpflege. Dieser begann neben den bisherigen Baum- und Strauchgewächsen in größerem Umfang Rhododendren und Freiland-Azaleen anzupflanzen. Sie sollten zu einem harmonisch abgerundeten Erscheinungsbild der Parkanlage beitragen. Außerdem legten die Gartengestalter in den Moorsenken eigens zum Verkauf bestimmte Blumenzüchtungen an, die einen einträglichen Nebenverdienst erbrachten und der Entwicklung des Parks zugutekamen.
Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde der Kromlauer Park aufgrund der Bodenreform in Volkseigentum überführt und 1948 zum Naturschutzgebiet erklärt. Erst ab 1966 begannen die zielgerichtete Pflege und Rekonstruktion des Parks. Heute ist die Gemeinde Gablenz Eigentümer des Kromlauer Parkes.
Zu den interessantesten Bauwerken im Kromlauer Park zählen das Kromlauer Schloss und die von 1863 bis 1882 aus Basalt- und Feldsteinen errichtete Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz = Sorbisch für Krebs, denn Kromlau liegt im Siedlungsgebiet der Sorben), die im Volksmund auch Teufelsbrücke genannt wird. Mit einer Spannweite von 35 m quert sie den Rakotzsee, kann jedoch nicht betreten werden. Ihr Halbkreis spiegelt sich im See und bildet so optisch einen vollständigen Kreis. Die im See angeordneten Basaltsäulen werden „Orgel“ genannt. Eine Reihe von Wanderwegen erschließt den Park und die weiteren Sehenswürdigkeiten.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azaleen-_und_Rhododendronpark_Kromlau
Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park is a landscaped park covering around 200 hectares in the village of Kromlau, part of of the municipality of Gablenz in the district of Görlitz in east Saxony. It is considered the largest open-air rhododendron park in Germany and is always open with free admission. The large landowner Friedrich Hermann Rötschke acquired the Kromlau estate in 1842. From 1844, with the first plantings of native and non-native trees and shrubs on the estate, Rötschke allocated almost half of his property to the creation of the park. Basalt stones were brought in with ox carts from various quarries in Saxon Switzerland and Bohemia. Caves, grottos and pyramids, the Judge's Seat, the Organ, Heaven and Hell, in water and on land, were created from the hexagonal basalt steles. In 1875, Friedrich Herrmann Rötschke exchanged his estate for building plots in Wilmersdorf near Berlin. From then on, Kromlau Castle had seven owners in fourteen years. In 1889, Count von und zu Egloffstein-Arklitten acquired the manor and from 1893 commissioned the horticultural inspector Georg Eichler to maintain the park. He began planting rhododendrons and azaleas on a large scale alongside the existing trees and shrubs. They were to contribute to the harmonious appearance of the park. In addition, the garden designers planted flower cultivars in the bog depressions specifically for sale, which generated a lucrative side income and benefited the development of the park.
After the Second World War, the Kromlau Park was transferred to public ownership as a result of the land reform and declared a nature reserve in 1948. It was not until 1966 that targeted maintenance and reconstruction of the park began. Today, the municipality of Gablenz is the owner of Kromlau Park.
The most interesting buildings in Kromlau Park include Kromlau Manor and the Rakotz Bridge (Rakotz = Sorbian for crab - Kromlau is part of the settlement area of the recognised slavic minority of the Sorbs), which was built between 1863 and 1882 from basalt and fieldstone and is also known locally as the Devil's Bridge. With a span of 35 metres, it crosses Lake Rakotz, but can not be walked on. Its semi-circle is reflected in the lake and thus visually forms a complete circle. The basalt columns arranged in the lake are called ‘organs’. A series of hiking trails provide access to the park and the other sights.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azaleen-_und_Rhododendronpark_Kroml...
Caltabellotta is located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Palermo and about 45 kilometres (28 mi) northwest of Agrigento.
Caltabellotta stands at an altitude of about 900m. Its Arab name, Kalat-al-Ballut (Oaks’ Rock) evokes the look of the village that is perched atop a rock. Its dominant position contributed to protect it from the attacks of enemies throughout the centuries.
Caltabellotta has been identified with the ancient town of the Sicani Triocala, captured by the Romans in 99 BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and several centuries under the Byzantine Empire, it was stormed by the Arabs, who later built here a castle. In 1090 it was conquered by the Normans of Roger of Sicily.
The town was the location of the Peace of Caltabellotta (1302) which ended the War of the Sicilian Vespers.
Excerpt from stcatharines.ca:
The Former Maple Leaf Rubber Company Building (Lincoln Fabrics) at 63 Lakeport Road, built in 1898, is the largest remaining structure from Port Dalhousie’s industrial past, and is highly visible in several key views. It formerly had a second wing and tower. The business was on the site from 1886, employing as many as 300, the present building was built after an 1898 fi re. From 1915 to 1927 it was operated as Canadian Consolidated Rubber company, closing after opening of the Fourth Canal ended shipping to the site. Since then it has been occupied by several industrial enterprises, Lincoln Fabrics from 1955 to 2016. It contributes to the District as the largest surviving industrial building, as an important landmark visible from several vantage points, with heritage attributes including its relationship to the former Welland Canal, its Edwardian brick facades, regularly spaced double hung windows with elliptical tops on all facades, the large brick chimney, the brick corbelling at the roof line, the traces of the former Maple Leaf Rubber Company sign on the brickwork, loading doors and gates, as well as traces of the former above grade walkway-link. It is important to conserve whole and insitu. Early photographs indicate a cornice on the east side, now missing. Modern additions are non-contributing and may be demolished.
Excerpt from www.insauga.com/niagara-on-the-lake-memorial-clock-tower-...:
The structure, which was unveiled on June 3, 1922, almost wasn’t built in the first place.
It was originally proposed to honour the town’s residents who fought in World War I but never made it home. The idea was so highly regarded that a Toronto architect, Charles M. Wilmott, was enlisted to design it.
A 27-person committee dedicated to its construction was quickly formed and included the future town mayor, J.M. Mussen. The committee calculated it could be built for $8,000, not much these days but a king’s ransom at the time.
However, not everyone was onboard with the plan. The mayor at the time, Jame Maphee, said the town would be better off spending $10,000 to build a hospital. Other residents wanted to build a new high school or a new sports park.
In the end, on June 28, 1920, they settled on the matter in the most democratic manner possible. They put it to a town-wide vote.
In the end, 316 people voted for the clock tower, 237 voted for a new hospital, 72 voted for a much smaller, more traditional memorial while just four people voted for the sports park and three voted for the high school.
When the clock tower was unveiled in 1922, Niagara-on-the-Lake quickly earned the distinction of being the only town or city in Canada with a war memorial in the middle of its main street.
Excerpt from www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=10406:
Description of Historic Place
Located on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara District Court House National Historic Site of Canada is a handsome stone building in a classical style. Its classicism is expressed through its symmetry and classical details, such as the central pediment, porch with columns, window surrounds, and stringcourses. The surviving interior spaces reflect the multiple uses for which this building was designed.
Heritage Value
The Niagara District Court House was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1980 because:
-designed by the prominent Toronto architect, William Thomas, in the fashionable Neoclassical style, it is an excellent example of a mid-19th century multipurpose civic structure.
The Niagara District Court House marks a step in the transition to large and more sophisticated civic buildings after 1850. Its greater scale resulted from the inclusion of a wide range of functions. In addition to the courtroom, offices and jail, the Niagara District Court House also included a town hall and market. The structure was designed by William Thomas, an architect of national standing, adept at several classical styles.
Character-Defining Elements
Key elements contributing to the heritage value of this site include:
- its Neoclassical design, as expressed by its mass, symmetry, stone façade, and classical details, such as the corner quoins, pediment, stringcourses, and porch with columns;
- its complex of interior spaces, which support its original multifunctionalism;
- its surviving interior finishes;
- its close relationship with the main street of the town and with its neighbouring buildings.
photo rights reserved by Ben
Close to the village of Arsha in the Kazbegi region lies the Arsha Waterfall, about five kilometers from Stepantsminda Kazbegi. The hike to the waterfall is considered easy and typically takes three to four hours. The trail is unpaved but well-trodden, surrounded by lush meadows, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is one of the lesser-known natural attractions in the area, contributing to its untouched and serene atmosphere. A bit further along is the Toti Waterfall, accessible via a steep trail that passes above the Arsha Waterfall. This waterfall offers spectacular panoramic views and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, the breathtaking nature, and even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. For adventure seekers, it's possible to continue the hike to the nearby Gergeti Glacier, making the journey a full-day excursion.
The journey to the waterfall is a true challenge, yet also a breathtaking experience. The trail winds through rugged, arid terrain with steep inclines and loose rocks. Hikers must be well-prepared, as certain sections can be demanding and exhausting. However, the reward upon arrival is well worth it: a refreshing breeze from the waterfall and a stunning panoramic view. In the photo, Kanitha is seen reaching the Arsha Waterfall after an adventurous climb, set against the rugged, mountainous landscape of the Kazbegi region. The waterfall in the foreground contrasts strikingly with the dry surroundings, creating a spectacular natural destination. The steep slopes and untouched wilderness highlight both the challenge and the extraordinary beauty of this remote location..
Nabij het dorp Arsha in de Kazbegi-regio ligt de Arsha-waterval, op ongeveer vijf kilometer van Stepantsminda Kazbegi. De wandeling naar de waterval wordt als eenvoudig beschouwd en duurt doorgaans drie tot vier uur. Het pad is ongebaand maar goed begaanbaar, omringd door weelderige weiden en biedt prachtige uitzichten op de omliggende bergen. Toch blijft de tocht een ware uitdaging, maar tegelijkertijd een prachtige ervaring. Het landschap verandert geleidelijk van glooiende weiden naar ruigere, drogere grond met steile hellingen en losse stenen. Wandelaars moeten goed voorbereid zijn, want sommige delen van de route kunnen veeleisend en vermoeiend zijn. Maar eenmaal aangekomen, wacht de beloning: een verkoelende bries van de waterval en een adembenemend uitzicht. Op de foto is te zien hoe Kanitha, na een avontuurlijke klim, aankomt bij de Arsha-waterval, gelegen in het ruige, bergachtige landschap van Kazbegi. De waterval op de voorgrond vormt een sterk contrast met het dorre terrein, wat bijdraagt aan de ongerepte en serene sfeer. De steile hellingen en ongerepte wildernis onderstrepen zowel de uitdaging als de ongekende schoonheid van deze afgelegen plek. Nog iets verder ligt de Toti-waterval, bereikbaar via een steil pad dat bovenlangs de Arsha-waterval loopt. Deze waterval biedt spectaculaire panoramische uitzichten en is een ideale plek voor een picknick. Bezoekers kunnen hier genieten van de rust, de natuur en zelfs een verfrissende douche nemen in het heldere water. Voor de echte avonturiers is het mogelijk om verder te trekken naar de nabijgelegen Gergeti-gletsjer, wat de wandeling tot een dagvullende activiteit maakt.
I was hoping that the clouds would clear up a bit to reveal at least a few stars, but it wasn't to be.
I took a lot of shots and used about 15 of them to create this composite.
Starting out halfway through the blue hour for the background/sky I continued into astronomical twilight. A half moon was out but didn't really contribute much to this image as it was shining through a thin layer of clouds that diminished it's light intensity. Moreover, it was shining onto the far side of the bridge. This is a really large object, the largest that I have light painted so far. The way to do this is to break it down into smaller bits. I had trouble getting the beam of my flashlight over the bridge supports, which is why there are dark spots right where the girders sit on them.
I'm just simply not tall enough. Next time I'll bring stilts...
Captured through the discerning lens of Adam Rainoff, the Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is seen amidst the lush environs of La Macarena, Meta, Colombia, a region renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich avian life. This photo intricately depicts the Sunbittern, a bird distinguished by its unique wing patterns and subtle, refined coloration, typically found in the tropical regions of the Americas. The meticulous composition and vibrant clarity of the image bring forth the bird’s elegant demeanour and the lush surroundings, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into its natural habitat.
Adam Rainoff’s profound passion for wildlife and his commitment to conservation are evident in his photographic work. His dedication to depicting the inherent beauty and diversity of avian species contributes to our understanding and appreciation of the myriad forms of life with whom we share our planet. Through his lens, the enigmatic world of birds unfolds, beckoning viewers to delve deeper into the mysteries of nature and to foster a more harmonious relationship with our environment.
©2022 Adam Rainoff
Der Azaleen- und Rhododendronpark Kromlau ist ein ca. 200 ha großer Landschaftspark im Ortsteil Kromlau der Gemeinde Gablenz im Landkreis Görlitz. Er gilt als die größte Rhododendren-Freilandanlage in Deutschland und ist bei freiem Eintritt immer geöffnet. 1842 erwarb der Großgrundbesitzer Friedrich Hermann Rötschke das Gut Kromlau. Ab 1844, mit den ersten Anpflanzungen einheimischer und fremdländischer Gehölze in diesem Gut, stellte Rötschke fast die Hälfte seines Besitzes zur Gestaltung des Parks zur Verfügung. Es wurden Basaltsteine mit Ochsenkarren aus verschiedenen Steinbrüchen der Sächsischen Schweiz und Böhmen herbeigeholt. Aus den sechskantigen Basaltstelen entstanden Höhlen, Grotten und Pyramiden, der Richterstuhl, die Orgel, Himmel und Hölle, im Wasser und zu Lande. 1875 tauschte Friedrich Herrmann Rötschke sein Rittergut gegen Bauplätze in Wilmersdorf bei Berlin ein. Das Kromlauer Schloss hatte von hier an sieben Besitzer in vierzehn Jahren. 1889 erwarb Graf von und zu Egloffstein-Arklitten das Rittergut und beauftragte ab 1893 den Gartenbauinspektor Georg Eichler mit der Parkpflege. Dieser begann neben den bisherigen Baum- und Strauchgewächsen in größerem Umfang Rhododendren und Freiland-Azaleen anzupflanzen. Sie sollten zu einem harmonisch abgerundeten Erscheinungsbild der Parkanlage beitragen. Außerdem legten die Gartengestalter in den Moorsenken eigens zum Verkauf bestimmte Blumenzüchtungen an, die einen einträglichen Nebenverdienst erbrachten und der Entwicklung des Parks zugutekamen.
Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde der Kromlauer Park aufgrund der Bodenreform in Volkseigentum überführt und 1948 zum Naturschutzgebiet erklärt. Erst ab 1966 begannen die zielgerichtete Pflege und Rekonstruktion des Parks. Heute ist die Gemeinde Gablenz Eigentümer des Kromlauer Parkes.
Zu den interessantesten Bauwerken im Kromlauer Park zählen das Kromlauer Schloss und die von 1863 bis 1882 aus Basalt- und Feldsteinen errichtete Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz = Sorbisch für Krebs, denn Kromlau liegt im Siedlungsgebiet der Sorben), die im Volksmund auch Teufelsbrücke genannt wird. Mit einer Spannweite von 35 m quert sie den Rakotzsee, kann jedoch nicht betreten werden. Ihr Halbkreis spiegelt sich im See und bildet so optisch einen vollständigen Kreis. Die im See angeordneten Basaltsäulen werden „Orgel“ genannt. Eine Reihe von Wanderwegen erschließt den Park und die weiteren Sehenswürdigkeiten.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azaleen-_und_Rhododendronpark_Kromlau
Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park is a landscaped park covering around 200 hectares in the village of Kromlau, part of of the municipality of Gablenz in the district of Görlitz in east Saxony. It is considered the largest open-air rhododendron park in Germany and is always open with free admission. The large landowner Friedrich Hermann Rötschke acquired the Kromlau estate in 1842. From 1844, with the first plantings of native and non-native trees and shrubs on the estate, Rötschke allocated almost half of his property to the creation of the park. Basalt stones were brought in with ox carts from various quarries in Saxon Switzerland and Bohemia. Caves, grottos and pyramids, the Judge's Seat, the Organ, Heaven and Hell, in water and on land, were created from the hexagonal basalt steles. In 1875, Friedrich Herrmann Rötschke exchanged his estate for building plots in Wilmersdorf near Berlin. From then on, Kromlau Castle had seven owners in fourteen years. In 1889, Count von und zu Egloffstein-Arklitten acquired the manor and from 1893 commissioned the horticultural inspector Georg Eichler to maintain the park. He began planting rhododendrons and azaleas on a large scale alongside the existing trees and shrubs. They were to contribute to the harmonious appearance of the park. In addition, the garden designers planted flower cultivars in the bog depressions specifically for sale, which generated a lucrative side income and benefited the development of the park.
After the Second World War, the Kromlau Park was transferred to public ownership as a result of the land reform and declared a nature reserve in 1948. It was not until 1966 that targeted maintenance and reconstruction of the park began. Today, the municipality of Gablenz is the owner of Kromlau Park.
The most interesting buildings in Kromlau Park include Kromlau Manor and the Rakotz Bridge (Rakotz = Sorbian for crab - Kromlau is part of the settlement area of the recognised slavic minority of the Sorbs), which was built between 1863 and 1882 from basalt and fieldstone and is also known locally as the Devil's Bridge. With a span of 35 metres, it crosses Lake Rakotz, but can not be walked on. Its semi-circle is reflected in the lake and thus visually forms a complete circle. The basalt columns arranged in the lake are called ‘organs’. A series of hiking trails provide access to the park and the other sights.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azaleen-_und_Rhododendronpark_Kroml...
This image is best viewed on black. Thank you everyone for visiting, commenting and fav'ing - very much appreciated! Press "L" for better view and "F" if you like it!
This is another view of the Silicon Valley from the Mt. Hamilton Grandview restaurant, similar to one I posted earlier. This one has a wider angle and is cropped to a panorama. The low fog/smog contributed to an eery mystical scene. The brightly lit street is Tully Road in south San Jose. I processed a single exposure into an HDR photo to enhance the micro contrast.
HDR, 1 RAW exposure, NEX-6, _DSC4497_hdr1enh2c
Set against muted shades of yellow, brown and orange, this Palm Warbler both stands out and blends in at the marsh as the rising sun contributes to the canvas.
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important sources of morbidity and mortality.
Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Policies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both climate and health, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, as well as contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.
photo rights reserved by Ben
Close to the village of Arsha in the Kazbegi region lies the Arsha Waterfall, about five kilometers from Stepantsminda Kazbegi. The hike to the waterfall is considered easy and typically takes three to four hours. The trail is unpaved but well-trodden, surrounded by lush meadows, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is one of the lesser-known natural attractions in the area, contributing to its untouched and serene atmosphere. A bit further along is the Toti Waterfall, accessible via a steep trail that passes above the Arsha Waterfall. This waterfall offers spectacular panoramic views and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, the breathtaking nature, and even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The hike to Toti Waterfall leads through a rugged mountain landscape with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. The trail winds along steep slopes and rocky paths, surrounded by dry grasslands and scattered shrubs. Along the way, impressive cliffs and natural formations add a unique character to the scenery. The fresh mountain air and the tranquility of nature make the journey an unforgettable experience. At the end, the spectacular Toti Waterfall awaits as a rewarding sight after the challenging climb.
The Gold Star Cottage is a charming accommodation in the beautiful surroundings of the Georgian Caucasus, near the Arsha Waterfall. The cottages in the photo have a modern A-frame architecture, which creates a cozy and cozy atmosphere, perfectly fitting into the mountain landscape. From the cottage you have a breathtaking view of the rugged mountains and the valley. In autumn the hills turn golden yellow, while in winter the surroundings transform into a fairytale snowy landscape. The proximity of the Arsha Waterfall makes this location ideal for nature lovers and hikers. It is a perfect place for travelers looking for peace, nature and spectacular mountain panoramas.
Nabij het dorp Arsha in de Kazbek regio, ligt de Arsha-waterval, op ongeveer vijf kilometer van Stepantsminda Kazbegi. De wandeling naar de waterval wordt als eenvoudig beschouwd en duurt doorgaans drie tot vier uur. Het pad is ongebaand maar goed begaanbaar, omringd door weelderige weiden en biedt prachtige uitzichten op de omliggende bergen. De waterval is een van de minder bekende natuurlijke attracties in het gebied, wat bijdraagt aan de ongerepte en serene sfeer. Nog iets verder ligt de Toti-waterval, bereikbaar via een steil pad dat bovenlangs de Arsha-waterval loopt. De wandeling naar de Toti-waterval voert door een ruig berglandschap met adembenemende uitzichten op besneeuwde bergtoppen en diepe valleien. Het pad slingert langs steile hellingen en rotsachtige paden, omringd door droge graslanden en verspreide struiken. Onderweg zijn er indrukwekkende kliffen en natuurlijke formaties die het landschap een uniek karakter geven. De frisse berglucht en de rust van de natuur maken de tocht een onvergetelijke ervaring. Aan het einde wacht de spectaculaire Toti-waterval als beloning voor de inspannende klim. De Gold Star Cottage is een sfeervolle accommodatie in de prachtige omgeving van de Georgische Kaukasus, vlak bij de Arsha-waterval. De huisjes op de foto hebben een moderne A-frame architectuur, wat zorgt voor een knusse en gezellige sfeer, perfect passend in het berglandschap. Vanuit de cottage heb je een adembenemend uitzicht op de ruige bergen en de vallei. In de herfst kleuren de heuvels goudgeel, terwijl in de winter de omgeving verandert in een sprookjesachtig besneeuwd landschap. De nabijheid van de Arsha-waterval maakt deze locatie ideaal voor natuurliefhebbers en wandelaars. Het is een perfecte plek voor reizigers die op zoek zijn naar rust, natuur en spectaculaire bergpanorama’s.
This series of photos will include some of the flowers.....
Geology and climate are important contributing to the successful establishment of plants within the park. Deep deposits of volcanic ash combined with even rainfall, mild winters and warm summer temperatures are conducive to plant growth for a range of species from around the world. With this variety of plant types Pukekura is unique in offering a diverse range of landscapes from dense remnant tawa/mahoe/pukatea forest to broad lawns with annual bedding displays and themed garden plantings.
Began in 1865 & declared finished in 1899
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
Contributing Building – Winter Garden Downtown Historic District – National Register of Historic Places
NRIS #96000850
Opened 1941
The ossuary is a memorial containing the remains of both French and German soldiers who died on the Verdun battlefield. Through small outside windows, the skeletal remains of at least 130,000 unidentified combatants of both nations can be seen filling up alcoves at the lower edge of the building. On the inside of the ossuary building, the ceiling and walls are partly covered by plaques bearing names of French soldiers who died during the Battle of Verdun. A few of the names are from fighting that took place in the area during World War II, as well as for veterans of the Indochina and Algerian Wars. The families of the soldiers that are recognized here by name contributed for those individual plaques.
This year, a few friends and I contributed to a little past-present theme for our town to be put into a calendar.
We had a heritage photo of a young girl holding a doll in front of a shop on main street from many many decades past. So, we found a girl of similar age and had her pose in front of the same storefront as it is today.
That result as it appears in the calendar is in the comment section below. I used my friend's photo for the calendar.
Later, I had the idea to composite the present-day girl into the old photo. First I removed the original girl from the old photo, and then I extracted the new girl and moved her into the old photo. By the way, I used my own version of the present-day photo because it wasn't my place to mess with the other photographer's photo.
© AnvilcloudPhotography
(Cut to the short hall just inside the door.)
Lucas: There you are!
Mateo: Lucas, you seem too happy to see us?
Sienna: Too much caffeine is bad for you.
Lucas: There's a new hire! A she-hire!
Sienna: Nice that you make her sound like a horse.
Mateo: We saw her. She's snackie!
Sienna: Now, you're eating the horse.
Mateo: Si knows all about her.
Lucas: Tell us everything!
Sienna: I can't.
Lucas: Sienna, you're killin' me, here.
Sienna: Nothing I can do about it. Matty already traded the info for
covering my kitchen duty.
(Mateo gives Lucas a "sorry, not sorry" shrug and expression.)
Lucas: Well, you both suck!
(Cut to Camp Director Wilson's office. He gestures Caly to take a seat
in one of two chairs facing his desk, and walks around the desk to his
chair, taking a seat and accessing information on his computer.)
Dir. Wilson: Calypso Moore, you will be a senior at Newport High School
in September?
Caly: Yes. And people usually call me, Caly.
Dir. Wilson: All right, Caly. (smiles) What do you think of Trailer Trails?
Caly: It's almost like staying in a hotel suite.
Dir. Wilson: (smiles) We pride ourselves on comfort and convenience.
Caly: It shows.
Dir. Wilson: (glances at computer screen) It looks like this will be
your first job?
Caly: I hope that's not an immediate disqualification. I'm a quick
learner, and a hard worker. Which sounds like a load of crap, but it's true.
Dir. Wilson: (eyebrows rise and his lips twitch in amusement) We're not
especially concerned with that, Caly. Most of our younger employees are
high schoolers testing the employment waters.
Caly: My dad says I need something constructive to occupy my free time,
and I'd like to contribute to household expenses. So, a job seems like
it will fill both
Dir. Wilson: That's very commendable, Caly. Your parents must be proud
of you.
Caly: I think my dad is. My mom --
Dir. Wilson: (looks at the computer screen and blanches) Oh, Caly. I'm
sorry. You know, I have a good feeling about this. (smiles) I think
you'll fit right in with our team. Welcome to Trailer Trails!
(Caly returns his smile.)
(Caly: Ari
Wilson: DY)
Built in 1888, this Queen Anne-style house was built for Herman Weinhardt, president of the Niemann and Weinhardt Table Company and a West Park Commissioner. The house is clad in red brick with a gabled roof, exposed rafter tails, decorative sawn wooden trim, a side porch with turned columns, a shed roof, decorative sawn brackets, spindlework, and a sawn balustrade, front feature windows with decorative stone and patterned brickwork surrounds, a front entrance porch with brick archways and columns, a rough-hewn battered stone base, scalloped wooden shingle cladding at the front gable, and decorative cresting and finials at the roof. The building is a contributing structure in the Wicker Park Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1991.
This image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the galaxy NGC 4237. Located about 60 million light-years from Earth in the constellation of Coma Berenices (Berenice's Hair), NGC 4237 is classified as a flocculent spiral galaxy. This means that its spiral arms are not clearly distinguishable from each other, as in “grand design” spiral galaxies, but are instead patchy and discontinuous. This gives the galaxy a fluffy appearance, somewhat resembling fluffed cotton.
Astronomers studying NGC 4237 were actually more interested in its galactic bulge — its bright central region. By learning more about these bulges, we can explore how spiral galaxies have evolved, and study the growth of the supermassive black holes that lurk at the centers of most spirals. There are indications that the mass of the black hole at the center of a galaxy is related to the mass of its bulge.
However, this connection is still uncertain, and why these two components should be so strongly correlated is still a mystery — one that astronomers hope to solve by studying galaxies in the nearby universe, such as NGC 4237.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, P. Erwin et al.
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.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Find us on Instagram
This view shows the south side of the 200 block of E. Washington St. in downtown Bloomington, two blocks west of the Old Courthouse Square. The two buildings on our immediate left 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.
The building with the Paxtons name over its entrance was the first of the two buildings to be constructed. Known as the C. U. Williams & Son Building, the four-story building was constructed as an automobile showroom, garage and lodge hall. Called “the largest in any city of Bloomington’s size,” this impressive steel-frame and brick edifice was testament to the coming automobile age. 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, 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.
About four years after opening his automobile showroom, Williams commissioned A. T. Simmons to design the Castle Theatre next door. Upon its completion, Williams used the upper floors above the theater for garage space. Both buildings had freight elevators large enough to accommodate the cars of the day.
In later years an office equipment company by the name of Paxtons occupied the C. U. Williams & Son Building. It is now the home of the legal offices of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP, trial lawyers specializing in medical malpractice.
The Castle Theatre opened January 24, 1916 as a 1,100-seat movie theatre. It was Bloomington's first real movie palace, and remained a popular Bloomington movie theater until 1988. The Castle Theatre reopened in 2003 after a much-needed restoration as a “brew and view” style first-run movie house but was closed again in January 2007. A church, which has used the theater for Sunday morning services since 2005, continued to meet at the Castle Theatre until late-2010. New owners took over and it is now used as a concert venue.
Both the C. U. Williams & Son Building and the Castle Theatre 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.
One of my favourite quotes by Carl Sagan.
Lately I've been learning a lot about what it means to be human and about ways that I can contribute by living a conscious life. I don't know whether it's because it's December and I'm feeling reflective or whether it's because so much is going on in world news. I know that there are so many things wrong with this earth, truly a plethora of sad things from wars, to families being displaced, the meat industry, modern day slavery, our rainforests being destroyed for reasons traced to capitalism, racism, and so much more. The list goes on and it's hard to know where to start to make a difference. Though it all the earth still spins around the sun and I want my time on it to be a positive one. I decided earlier this year to go back to being a vegetarian and now I can say that I'm 95% vegan (still working on that 5%!). It's such a small choice to make in the grand scale of things but it's still a choice, and in the end, I believe it's our individual choices that collectively make an impact.
How are you guys doing this weekend?
----
"Strong as a piece of iron
You are, my Extremadura,
Land of Conquerors
sculpted by Mother Natura." J.L. Pajares.
Extremadura is rich in historical heritage, due in part to those brave men who decided one day to leave their homes and depart to the discovery of America. A lot, good and bad, has been written about them, but their deeds shaped the history of Spain, and contributed to create the greatness of that empire in which the sun never set.
Trujillo, cradle of conquerors like Francisco Pizarro and Francisco de Orellana, is a fantastic example of those days of glory. We are without doubt, in front of one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain. Its palaces and churches, its main square, its cobbled streets and its castle, allow a trip to the past to those who are lucky enough to visit this town, as well as being an ideal place for photography.
From the Mirador de las Monjas, you have one of the best views of the city. To give more interest to the composition and more depth to the scene, I decided to use in the foreground the stones of the walls that go up to the castle. Once again I took the picture at the blue hour, my favorite moment for architectural photography.
------------------------------------
"Fuerte cual trozo de hierro
eres Tú, mi Extremadura,
Tierra de Conquistadores
esculpidos por la Madre Natura." J.L. Pajares.
Extremadura es rica en patrimonio histórico, debido en parte a esos valerosos hombres que decidieron un día dejar sus casas y partir hacia el descubrimiento de América. De ellos se ha escrito mucho, bueno y malo, pero sus hazañas moldearon la historia de España, y contribuyeron a crear la grandeza de aquel imperio en el que nunca se ponía el sol.
Trujillo, cuna de conquistadores como Francisco Pizarro y Francisco de Orellana, es una fantástico ejemplo de aquello días de gloria. Estamos sin duda, ante uno de los pueblos medievales más bonitos de España. Sus palacios e iglesias, su plaza, sus calles empedradas y su castillo, permiten un viaje al pasado a quien tiene la suerte de visitar esta localidad, además de ser un escenario ideal para la fotografía.
Desde el Mirador de las Monjas, se tiene una de las mejores vistas de la ciudad. Para dotar de mayor interés a la composición y de más profundidad a la escena, decidí utilizar en primer plano las piedras de las murallas que suben al castillo. Una vez más realicé la fotografía a la hora azul, mi momento favorito para la fotografía de arquitectura.
The #FlickrFriday #Bugs challenge
Early one summer I noticed some papery stuff poking out of the hole of one of our garden nestboxes. Always eager to contribute to science, I poked it with my finger resulting in the emergence of a rather puzzled hornet and a fairly rapid retreat by me. Thankfully whoever created the fearsome idiom of poking a hornet's nest proved not to know what they were talking about. This insect was a handsome, gentle and unobtrusive creature which quickly and quietly set about repairing the damage I had caused with no apparent ill will toward its inquisitive, clumsy landlord. The colony remained as welcome and intriguing guests throughout the summer.
This is their nest, its hexagonal structure revealing a wonder of nature, namely a demonstration of the most efficient manner of storage. This was investigated through the question of how best to store cannonballs on ship. Explorer Sir Walter Raleigh considered it a reasonable question to ask, so he left it to mathematician and fellow explorer Thomas Harriet to resolve. He sought advice from Johanes Kepler, famous for explaining the motions of the planets and who had already considered the hexagonal form of snowflakes, pomegranates and honeycomb. Kepler suspected there was a deep reason for hexagonal ubiquity in nature but the maths proved to be beyond even him. He concluded
"Hexagonal packing must be the tightest possible so that in no other arrangement could more pellets be stuffed into the same container."
But The Kepler Conjecture, as this became known, remained unproven for nearly 400 years until Thomas Hales' proof in 1998. However this was only 99% accepted by peer review meaning it remained merely a theorem. Resorting to raw computer power (testing every possible manner of storage, an approach known as proof by exhaustion) to satisfy the referees, he submitted further proof in 2014 which was finally accepted in 2017. Returning to cannonballs, just chucking them into a box results in a packing density of around 65% of the box volume. Hexagonal packing increases this to about 74%. An extra 9 cannonballs for every 65 we used to be able to carry - That should sort out the French! Let's hear it for Kepler and Hales!
Hornets, bees and wasps however demonstrated being way ahead of these luminaries by the way they build their nests. Charles Darwin might have observed that his Theory of Evolution made the validity of The Kepler Conjecture certain without resorting to pen (OK quill) and paper. Unnecessary effort in one area means less effort is available in others which could be important in survival of the fittest as well as conveniently dodging some fearsome maths. Perhaps there are ways other than maths to prove a hypothesis and maybe The Earth is in a sense one huge iterative computer.
Rather than descending us into The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy (which asserts exactly that), I'll close by saying that this is a multi image focus stacked macro. It was converted to monochrome with tweaks to colour channels, highlights etc to tease out textures within the nest.
Finally, a word about wasp and hornet nests. Unless they present an obvious safety risk or significant inconvenience, they are best dealt with by being left alone which is what I and my family did here. Interfering with them invites attack, so don't do it. Just watch, if you wish, from a distance - a few metres will suffice. The nest's occupants have better things to do than picking unprovoked scraps with you. Ignoring them is free, adds no further toxins to the environment and secures a host of creatures which prey on the aphids etc presently consuming your prize vegetables, and indeed those of your neighbours should they (err) enquire. The nests' occupants abandon them during autumn, the adolescent queens finding nooks and crannies to overwinter before founding new colonies in the spring. Nests are seldom if ever reused, although desirable sites may be, presenting a misleading impression of huge nests. Unwelcome nests can be removed during winter in perfect safety and any access hole blocked to prevent reoccupation.
Masaccio Tommaso di Ser Giovanni di Mòne di Andreuccio Cassài (1401 - 1428) and Filippino Lippi (Prato, 1457 - Florence, 1504) - The resurrection of Theophilus' son and Saint Peter in the chair - Brancacci Chapel - Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence
Quando, nel 1423, vengono commissionati gli affreschi della Cappella Brancacci, Masolino aveva quarant’anni e Masaccio ventidue.
A lungo si è ritenuto che fossero maestro e discepolo, prestando fede alla tradizione; in verità Masaccio era già immatricolato all’Arte dal 1422 ed eseguì per il Carmine, in autonomia, anche l’affresco con San Paolo e la famosa Sagra (entrambi perduti).
Forse i due pittori erano legati da un affiatato sodalizio, come dimostra l’esito coerente e armonioso del ciclo, eseguito in collaborazione.
In questi affreschi Masolino, maestro di squisita cultura tardogotica, intona il suo stile a quello del giovane e innovativo collega, pur mantenendo un tocco decorativo e raffinato.
Più potente appare la pittura di Masaccio, popolata da figure di solido impianto plastico inserite in uno spazio realistico e segnata da un profondo, quasi tragico, senso di dignità morale. L’impianto prospettico conferisce una straordinaria unità visiva all’insieme dei dipinti, la cui veridicità è accresciuta dall’individuazione di una fonte di luce capace di proiettare le ombre dei personaggi.
A terminare l’incompiuta decorazione verrà chiamato, negli anni 1481-1483, un artista rinascimentale di notevole caratura: Filippino Lippi. Il suo sobrio e rispettoso intervento, intonato alla pittura dei suoi predecessori, contribuisce a conferire alla Cappella Brancacci il senso di omogeneità stilistica che la caratterizza, al punto che risulta difficile individuare con sicurezza il contributo dei singoli maestri.
When, in 1423, Masolino was commissioned to paint the frescoes of the Brancacci Chapel were commissioned, Masolino was forty years old and Masaccio twenty-two.
For a long time it has been considered that they were master and disciple, lending faith to the tradition; in truth Masaccio was already enrolled to the Art from 1422 and executed for the Carmine, in autonomy, even the fresco with St. Paul and the famous Sagra (both lost).
Perhaps the two painters were linked by a close-knit fellowship, as demonstrates the coherent and harmonious outcome of the cycle, executed in collaboration.
In these frescoes Masolino, a master of exquisite late Gothic culture, matches his style with that of his young and innovative colleague, while maintaining a decorative touch. colleague, while maintaining a decorative and refined touch.
More powerful appears the painting of Masaccio, populated by figures of solid plastic plant inserted into a realistic space and marked by a deep, almost tragic, sense of moral dignity. The perspective plant confers an extraordinary visual unity visual unity to the whole of the paintings, whose truthfulness is increased by the identification of a source of light capable of projecting the shadows of the characters.
To finish the unfinished decoration will be called, in the years years 1481-1483, a Renaissance artist of notable caliber: Filippino Lippi. His sober and respectful intervention, in tune with the painting of his predecessors, contributes to confer to the Brancacci Chapel a sense of homogeneity. Brancacci Chapel the sense of stylistic homogeneity that characterizes it, to the point that it is difficult to identify with certainty the contribution of the individual masters.
Please support me in the ALS 2016 walk in Scarborough this year. The medications from the funding of previous supporters have helped me for almost 4 years. Last year's support from Gramp's Group was amazing... $9000.00.
To contribute or join the group please paste the following into your browser url:
The day is almost done and I’ll ask your forgiveness for being late. I had absolutely nothing to contribute to the celebration but found an old photo in the archives and thought it might be appropriate for the day. Want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. Will try to get to everyone’s photos tomorrow. Have a wonderful week.
Photo taken in Kingsbury Texas at the Pioneer. A couple of members take an antique car for a spin while displaying the American flag. Enjoy
DSC06648uls
I apologise for not contributing anything to Flickr for a few days. Sometimes life just gets too busy.
A pair of Arriva Trains Wales Class 142 'Pacer' multiple units heads towards Cardiff Queen Street station on Saturday 9th January 2016. I was waiting, along with many other people, to gain access to the building just out of view on the right. Unfortunately the security guard had failed to turn up at the appointed time to open up, so naturally I grasped the opportunity for some railway photography.
Incidentally, I didn't plan to get these passers-by in the shot; they just happened to be there at the moment the 'Pacer' rolled past.
(...) had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding
A small asteroid has been caught in the process of spinning so fast it’s throwing off material, according to new data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories.
Images from Hubble show two narrow, comet-like tails of dusty debris streaming from the asteroid Gault. Each tail represents an episode in which the asteroid gently shed its material — key evidence that Gault is beginning to come apart.
Piecing together Gault’s recent activity is an astronomical forensics investigation involving telescopes and astronomers around the world. All-sky surveys, ground-based telescopes, and space-based facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope pooled their efforts to make this discovery possible.
Read more: go.nasa.gov/2V1KWmV
Credit: NASA, ESA, K. Meech and J. Kleyna (University of Hawaii), and O. Hainaut (European Southern Observatory)
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.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Find us on Instagram
© Dan McCabe
Winner, Red Ribbon, 2014 Whidbey Island Fair
One aspect of this photo that is interesting is the width of the reflection of the moon. This width is determined by how rough or smooth the water is at that point in the reflection. Where the water is rough, the reflection is wider, and where it is smooth, the reflection is narrower.
The twinkling lights on the land across the water are about 3 miles (5 km) away from where this photo was taken.
My first photo with 50 Faves. Thanks to all of you who contributed!!!
"Ring-necked Pheasant at Rest" by Patti Deters. This colorful male Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is sitting and resting comfortably while looking toward the camera. These are popular game birds it's unusual to see one sitting so still. The earthy colors of brown, rust, maroon, burgundy, and dark blue are beautiful. The thin white band of feathers circling the neck contribute to the name. If you like this artistic nature photograph, please see (birds, wildlife, outdoor) at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/ring-necked-pheasant-at-....