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Resting on the tail of the Great Bear in the constellation of Ursa Major lies NGC 5585, a spiral galaxy that is more than it appears.
The many stars and clouds of dust and gas that make up NGC 5585, shown here in this Hubble image, contribute only a small fraction of the total mass of the galaxy. As in many galaxies, this discrepancy can be explained by the abundant yet seemingly invisible presence of dark matter, a mysterious material that astronomers can’t directly observe.
The stellar disk of the galaxy extends over 35,000 light-years across. When compared with galaxies of a similar shape and size, NGC 5585 stands out by having a notably different composition. Contributing to the total mass of the galaxy, it contains a far higher proportion of dark matter.
Hot spots of star formation can be seen along the galaxy’s faint spiral arms. These regions shine a brilliant blue, contrasting strikingly against the ever-black background of space.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Tully; acknowledgment: Gagandeep Anand
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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This NASA Hubble Space Telescope photo of NGC 7714 presents an especially striking view of the galaxy's smoke-ring-like structure. The golden loop is made of sun-like stars that have been pulled deep into space, far from the galaxy's center. The galaxy is located approximately 100 million light-years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Pisces.
The universe is full of such galaxies that are gravitationally stretched and pulled and otherwise distorted in gravitational tug-o'-wars with bypassing galaxies.
The companion galaxy doing the "taffy pulling" in this case, NGC 7715, lies just out of the field of view in this image. A very faint bridge of stars extends to the unseen companion. The close encounter has compressed interstellar gas to trigger bursts of star formation seen in bright blue arcs extending around NGC 7714's center.
The gravitational disruption of NGC 7714 began between 100 million and 200 million years ago, at the epoch when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
The image was taken with the Wide Field Camera 3 and the Advanced Camera for Surveys in October 2011.
Credit: NASA and ESA. Acknowledgment: A. Gal-Yam (Weizmann Institute of Science)
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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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.
The Gopher Theatre was opened in 1940. It was renovated and re-opened in 1989. It was for sale in 2005.
The Gopher Theatre reopened in 2009, screening first run movies.
Contributed by OttoBurger
from cinematreasures.org
Podyjí National Park (Czech: Národní park Podyjí) is a national park in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It protects near-natural forests along the deep Dyje River valley. It is a biom whose well-preserved state is unique in Central Europe. It connects to the smaller Nationalpark Thayatal in Austria.
Podyjí National Park is characterized by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as rocky amphitheatres, cliffs, meanders, detritus fields, impervious ravines, several types of heatland adorned with muilti-coloured layers of thermophilic plants, or alluvial plains around the river Dyje. The division of the valley along the river Dyje creates two distinctive ecological regions and thus contributes to the high biological diversity of the park.
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Did make a weekend (boat) trip across the Podyjí national park in late October to find it empty and silent on and around the Dyje river.
We were lucky with the weather: peak of autumn colours and delicate sunlight created a really fairy-tale atmosphere. It was (sometimes) cold on the river, however still very beautiful.
Built in 1894, this eclectic Chateauesque, Tudor Revival, and Queen Anne-style house was designed by F. H. Loverin for E. F. Hall to serve as an office and residence. The building a side gable and hipped roof, a cylindrical front tower with a conical roof at the east end and an octagonal turret with a hipped “witch’s hat” roof at the west end, red roman brick cladding, half-timbering on the front facade of the second floor, tripartite arched feature windows with decorative transoms on the front facade of the first floor, a front gabled dormer on the tower with tracery and a leaded glass window, brackets below a second-story balcony with a railing featuring shields and quatrefoil openings, a side gable parapet, a wooden-clad second floor on the west facade and a porch on the west side of the house, and an entry door in the tower with a decorative glass transom. The house is a contributing structure in the Allentown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The Rape of Proserpina, more accurately translated as The Abduction of Proserpina, is a large Baroque marble group sculpture by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, executed between 1621 and 1622, when Bernini's career was in its early stage. The group, finished when Bernini was just 23 years old, depicts the abduction of Proserpina, who is seized and taken to the underworld by the god Pluto. It features Pluto holding Proserpina aloft, and a Cerberus to symbolize the border into the underworld that Pluto carries Proserpina into.
Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the sculpture and gave it to the newly appointed Cardinal-nephew, Ludovico Ludovisi, possibly as a means of gaining favour. The choice to depict the myth of Proserpina may relate to the recent death of Pope Paul V, or to the recent empowerment of Ludovico. Bernini drew inspiration from Giambologna and Annibale Carracci for the sculpture, which is the only work for which preparatory material survives. The Rape of Proserpina is made of rare Carrara marble, and was originally placed on a pedestal, since-destroyed, with a poem by Maffeo Barberini. It has been praised for its realism, as the marble mimics other materials like flesh. The detail is notable; for instance, a trickle of tears contributes to the expressiveness of Proserpina's face.
One of the most dynamic sunsets I have ever seen. Wildfires and smoke out to the west contributed to the vivid colors. And not a soul left on the road---everyone had pulled over to take photos.
Wyoming, USA; October 2, 2012.
IMG 8558
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.
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. 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.
A notable feature of most spiral galaxies is the multitude of arching spiral arms that seemingly spin out from the galaxy’s centre. In this image, taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, the stunning silvery-blue spiral arms of the galaxy NGC 4848 are observed in immense detail. Not only do we see the inner section of the spiral arms containing hundreds of thousands of young, bright, blue stars, but Hubble has also captured the extremely faint wispy tails of the outer spiral arms.
This wispy barred spiral galaxy was first discovered in 1865 by the German astronomer Heinrich Louis d’Arrest. In his career, Heinrich also notably discovered the asteroid 76 Freia and many other galaxies and he also contributed to the discovery of Neptune.
If you are situated in the Northern Hemisphere with a large telescope, you might just be able to observe the ghost-like appearance of this faint galaxy within faint constellation of Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair).
Credits: ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Gregg; CC BY 4.0
If you like my photograph, feel free to download it.
Just click the link down below in case you wish to contribute with a donation. That would be highly appreciated, thank you :)
The Colossi of Memnon (also known as el-Colossat or el-Salamat) are two monumental statues representing Amenhotep III (1386-1353 BCE) of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt. They are located west of the modern city of Luxor and face east looking toward the Nile River. The statues depict the seated king on a throne ornamented with imagery of his mother, his wife, the god Hapy, and other symbolic engravings. The figures rise 60 ft (18 meters) high and weigh 720 tons each; both carved from single blocks of sandstone.
They were constructed as guardians for Amenhotep III's mortuary complex which once stood behind them. Earthquakes, floods, and the ancient practice of using older monuments and buildings as resource material for new structures all contributed to the disappearance of the enormous complex. Little of it remains today except for the two colossal statues which once stood at its gates.
🇫🇷 Le décor pourrait être en rapport avec une tradition locale, aujourd’hui oubliée, concernant l’origine d’une relique de la croix conservée au monastère, à moins qu’il n’ait fait allusion à une cérémonie religieuse exaltant la croix et sa signification pour des militaires. Si l’on en est réduit aux hypothèses, il est sûr en revanche que cette croix fut l’objet d’une dévotion importante L’image de Constantin et Hélène, qui réaffirme la dévotion portée à la relique du saint Bois, est liée au panneau des donateurs (les donateurs qui ont contribué à l'aménagement de ces églises, sont remerciés par leur portrait et leur nom inscrit (ou non).
Cette fresque est peinte sur la voute
version noir et blanc auteur inconnu
www.flickr.com/gp/philippedaniele/92C25G19S9
🇬🇧 The decoration may be related to a local tradition, now forgotten, concerning the origin of a relic of the cross kept at the monastery, unless it alluded to a religious ceremony exalting the cross and its significance for soldiers. If we are reduced to hypotheses, it is certain that this cross was the object of an important devotion The image of Constantine and Helena, which reaffirms the devotion to the relic of the Holy Grove, is linked to the donors' panel (the donors who contributed to the development of these churches are thanked by their portrait and their name inscribed (or not).
This fresco is painted on the vault
Black and white version Author unknown
www.flickr.com/gp/philippedaniele/92C25G19S9
🇩🇪 Die Verzierung kann sich auf eine heute vergessene lokale Überlieferung beziehen, die sich auf die Herkunft einer im Kloster aufbewahrten Kreuzreliquie bezieht, es sei denn, sie spielte auf eine religiöse Zeremonie an, bei der das Kreuz und seine Bedeutung für die Soldaten erhoben wurden. Wenn wir uns auf Hypothesen beschränken, ist es sicher, dass dieses Kreuz Gegenstand einer bedeutenden Verehrung war. Das Bild von Konstantin und Helena, das die Verehrung der Reliquie des Heiligen Hains bekräftigt, ist mit der Stiftertafel verbunden (den Spendern, die zur Entwicklung dieser Kirchen beigetragen haben, wird durch ihr Porträt und ihren Namen gedankt (oder auch nicht).
Dieses Fresko ist auf das Gewölbe gemalt
Schwarz-Weiß-Version Autor unbekannt
www.flickr.com/gp/philippedaniele/92C25G19S9philippedaniele/92C25G19S9 ...
🇪🇸 La decoración puede referirse a una tradición local hoy olvidada, que se relaciona con el origen de una reliquia de la cruz guardada en el monasterio, a menos que se refiera a una ceremonia religiosa en la que se exaltó la cruz y su significado para los soldados. Si nos limitamos a las hipótesis, es seguro que esta cruz fue objeto de una veneración significativa. La imagen de Constantino y Helena, que refuerza la veneración de la reliquia del Santo Hain, está asociada con la tabla de los donantes (a los donantes que contribuyeron al desarrollo de estas iglesias se les agradece a través de su retrato y su nombre (o no). Este fresco está pintado en la bóveda.Versión en blanco y negro Autor desconocidowww.flickr.com/gp/philippedaniele/92C25G19S9
🇮🇹 La decorazione può riferirsi a una tradizione locale oggi dimenticata, che riguarda l'origine di una reliquia della croce conservata nel monastero, a meno che non si riferisca a una cerimonia religiosa in cui la croce e il suo significato per i soldati erano esaltati. Se ci limitiamo a ipotesi, è certo che questa croce fosse oggetto di una significativa venerazione. L'immagine di Costantino e Elena, che conferma la venerazione della reliquia del Santo Bosco, è collegata alla tavola di fondazione (ai donatori che hanno contribuito allo sviluppo di queste chiese viene riconosciuto il merito attraverso il loro ritratto e il loro nome (o anche no). Questo affresco è dipinto sulla voltaVersione in bianco e nero Autore sconosciutowww.flickr.com/gp/philippedaniele/92C25G19S9
i thought i'd get some signs and stuff ready to promote the 'It's yours, take it!' street exhibition for which i'm one of the 'nailers'.
as always i got sidetracked and did some free art too
Born from the bowels of the Free Art Friday Flickr Group, "It's yours, take it!" is a global free art project taking place in 5 cities. Stateside we have Chicago,Illinois, Honolulu,Hawaii and Phoenix, Arizona. Outside the land of consumption is Tel Aviv, Isreal and Portsmouth Hampshire, UK.
38 artists are contributing one piece each to these five locations. In place of curators we have "Nailers"... those that will be putting these pieces up at an impromptu outdoor location. The installations will be put up around the last weekend of March, 2008. Stay tuned for previews of finished pieces and complete photographic coverage!
Contributing Building - St Cloud Downtown Historic District - National Register of Historic Places
NRIS #SG100009031
1025 10th Street
This 25' x 60' 2-story structure was built in 1911 by N.F. Bass and later served as the St. Cloud City Hall. Early services of the Christian Science Society were held here. The town contracted to purchase the building, and made the final payment in 1920. The addition on the south side was built by the city to house the fire department.
It was acquired by the First United Methodist Church and remodeled in 1970-74, and the red brick walls were painted white
As you approach St. Peter’s Square you will hear the heartening sounds of trickling water, these are the fountains of St. Peter's square, The two fountains on both sides of the Obelisk contribute to its atmosphere and beauty. These fountains were constructed during the renaissance and they are considered exemplary works. These fountains give St. Peter’s Square a relaxing atmosphere. The fountains are a great tourist attraction and they are considered among the most beautiful fountains in Rome. The fountains have been renovated and are well preserved.
The Dunnellon Presbyterian Church was formally organized in 1893 during the height of the local phosphate mining and timber boom. Located at 20641 Chestnut Street in Dunnellon, Florida, it stands as one of the oldest active historic landmarks in the region and is a contributing structure to the Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Founding and the "Boomtown" Era
Phosphate Boom Beginnings: The church was established following the discovery of hard rock phosphate by Albertus Vogt, which quickly turned Dunnellon into a bustling "Boomtown".
Community Hub: Completed in 1895, the Victorian Gothic frame sanctuary initially served the broader community. Other Christian denominations routinely shared the building for worship until they could build their own sanctuaries in the early 1900s.
Historic Preservation Landmark: While neighboring historic churches from that era were eventually demolished or replaced by modern concrete buildings, the Presbyterian church remains one of the sole surviving wooden reflections of early Dunnellon.
Architectural Significance
The sanctuary is a distinct example of Victorian Vernacular frame architecture with prominent Gothic Revival and Carpenter Gothic influences. Its most defining features include its historical stained-glass windows and an integrated square bell tower and steeple.
Modern Preservation Challenges
Structural Rescue (1990s): Exactly 100 years after its dedication, the structural integrity of the historic sanctuary was severely threatened. The heavy, sagging bell tower had begun to pull the building down, nearly causing the entire structure to topple over before emergency stabilization took place.
Renovation Project (2012–2013): Extensive rot and severe termite damage compromised the core structural beams of the bell tower. The congregation rallied to raise roughly $400,000 via community gifts and local fundraisers to complete a massive restoration project, adding decades of life back to the original 1893 framework and its 1993 addition.
The church remains an active congregation under the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination. It continues to hold services in its original historic building while running regular community outreach, seasonal programs, and local fellowship groups.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.google.com/search?q=history+of+the+dunnellon+presbyte...
www.google.com/search?q=what+year+was+the+dunnellon+flori...
www.google.com/search?q=who+was+the+architect+of+the+dunn...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
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?
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Definitely best shot at dawn (photographically) but I couldn't fix my travel plans to accommodate that. So here is "Tommy" in brilliant sunlight. The detail in this piece is fabulous, and I particularly liked the bayonet (out of shot) and the belt buckle.
Residents raised more than £60,000 to keep a sculpture that was on loan to their County Durham town.
The steel statue, by local artist Ray Lonsdale, was so popular that people in Seaham began a campaign to buy it.
The town council agreed to contribute the remainder of the £85,000 price tag before the deadline.
The piece, called 1101 but known locally as Tommy, was inspired by World War One and is named to reflect the first minute of peace.
Fundraising group chairman David Stewart said Mr Lonsdale had given the town time to raise money despite already having two offers to buy it.
"It was a big risk for him because we might not have done it," he said.
"Local support has been tremendous, but we've also had people coming from outside of the area to look at him."
"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.
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"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. An advance occurred in the 1950s when Laszlo Fejes Toth showed that the maximum density of all possible arrangements of stored items could be found through a finite but very large number of calculations. This raised the possibility of proof by exhaustion (trying absolutely everything) rather than by hypothesis and experiment. What was needed was a computer with sufficient grunt to complete every one of those calculations in a reasonably timely manner. However, that had to wait until the 1990s.
Enter now Thomas Hales' who submitted such a proof in 1998. However this was only 99% accepted by peer review meaning it remained merely a theorem. The problem was that he had used computers to prove his theory by exhaustion, but the referees were unable to assess around 100,000 equations which his software had created to do so. Undeterred, Hales devised software to perform that task which the referees could assess. His further proof was submitted in 2014 and 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 because 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 within which 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 then to prevent reoccupation.
La boxe è uno sport molto popolare a Cuba: dei 99.000 atleti cubani, almeno 19.000 sono pugili
Il programma pugilistico amatoriale cubano inizia, insieme a quello di altri sport, durante la scuola elementare. Gli sport sono considerati una forte priorità nel sistema educativo nazionale in modo da riconoscere e portare avanti qualsiasi potenziale atleta. Dall’età di dodici anni, giovani talentuosi vengono mandati in scuole specializzate nelle quali possono concentrarsi sul potenziamento delle loro abilità. Da lì in poi, i pugili si allenano nell’ambito di un programma giovanile molto competitivo. Coloro che si diplomano vengono mandati nell’ottima scuola di Wajay, dove si esercitano su tecniche avanzate. Il supporto dello stato è di cruciale importanza per l’avanzamento dell’altamente specializzato programma pugilistico.
Il pugile amatoriale Teofilo Stevenson, che vinse tre medaglie d’oro olimpiche nel 1972, nel 1976 e nel 1980, contribuì grandemente a Cuba ed alla boxe cubana. E’ parimenti conosciuto per la sua sportività, per la quale ricevette, nel 1989, il premio Pierre de Coubertin dell’UNESCO per il Gioco Leale. Dopo essersi ritirato nel 1986, Stevenson ha lavorato sia nel Parlamento cubano che come vice presidente della Federazione Pugilistica Cubana.
Boxing is a very popular sport in Cuba: of the 99,000 Cuban athletes, at least 19,000 are boxers
The Cuban amateur boxing program begins, along with that of other sports, during elementary school. Sports are considered a strong priority in the national education system in order to recognize and carry out any potential athlete. From the age of twelve, talented young people are sent to specialized schools where they can focus on enhancing their skills. From then on, boxers train under a very competitive youth program. Those who graduate are sent to the excellent Wajay school, where they practice advanced techniques. State support is of crucial importance for the advancement of the highly specialized boxing program.
Amateur boxer Teofilo Stevenson, who won three Olympic gold medals in 1972, 1976 and 1980, contributed greatly to Cuba and Cuban boxing. He is also known for his sportiness, for which he received, in 1989, the UNESCO Pierre de Coubertin prize for fair play. After retiring in 1986, Stevenson worked in both the Cuban Parliament and as vice president of the Cuban Boxing Federation.
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.
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.
The tower was originally called the Portsmouth Millennium Tower and was designed as a monument to commemorate the Millennium celebrations in 2000. The project was conceived in 1995 with an original opening date planned for late 1999. Due to political, financial, contractual and construction problems and extra funding requests by the builders Mowlem, construction didn't begin until 2001 and was completed in mid-2005. Because of the six-year delay in opening and not having been ready for the Millennium as planned, the tower was renamed Spinnaker Tower.
The overall development project was over budget, with the tower costing £35.6 million alone. Taxpayers were never intended to fund the tower, but Portsmouth City Council eventually contributed £11.1 million towards construction.
The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security -- Regolith Explorer spacecraft (OSIRIS-REx) will travel to a near-Earth asteroid, called Bennu, and bring a sample back to Earth for study. The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth.
OSIRIS-REx is scheduled for launch in late 2016. As planned, the spacecraft will reach its asteroid target in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023.
Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08
Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/
More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at:
www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html
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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Alberobello (literally "beautiful tree") is a small town and comune in Apulia. It has about 11,000 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trulli buildings. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Alberobello was first mentioned in the early sixteenth century when the first 40 families got land to farm in the area. The abundance of calcareous sedimentary material in the area lead to the building of houses with dry stone without the use of mortar. These houses were the first trulli which contributed to the expansion of the settlement. Building the houses of dry stone was a requirement of Count Giangirolamo II as this way it was avoidable to pay taxes on them.
Chernobyl or Fukushima? Is that where this little guy has been based on the rosy glow and the mutated beak? I was busy cleaning the vacuum to mitigate my wife’s complaints about its abysmal sucking capabilities and would have completely missed this glowing creature had it not been for my son-in-law’s ardent lookout activities. At first, I was torn between Pine Grosbeak or Purple Finch but the beak had me in fits. So, after some diligent research on Google (while hoping I would not find anything and therefore be able to contribute to a new discovery in the birding world), I finally settled on White-winged Crossbill also known as the Two-barred Crossbill which refers to the two white bars on his wings.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, the vacuum is fixed and after complete disassembly of the head and re-assembly (no spare parts left over) works like new. Way to start the new year!
Some people call these things lifers but I use a different designation for these occurrences “new to camera, lens and me” as in NTCLAM.
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
Photographed 13 September 2019, Race Point - Beach, Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Latin - Pluvialis dominica
Spanish - Chorlito dorado americano
French - Pluvier bronzé
Italian - Piviere americano
German - Amerikanischer Goldregenpfeifer
Russian - Американская бурокрылая ржанка
Thai - นกหัวโตสีทองอเมริกัน
Icelandic - Amerískur gulllóa
The American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) is a medium-sized, slender plover with a finely golden-speckled back; in breeding plumage it has a striking black face, breast, and belly bordered by white, while nonbreeding birds are mainly brown, gray, and gold. It breeds on open Arctic tundra in Alaska and northern Canada, where it feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, foraging by running, stopping, and probing the ground; it is a long-distance migrant that travels mainly through the Great Plains and eastern North America to wintering grounds in South America, particularly the grasslands and pampas of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. The species is currently Least Concern, although habitat loss on its breeding and wintering grounds, climate change, hunting, pesticides, and other migration hazards have contributed to conservation concerns and reported declines. Historically, the American and Pacific Golden-Plover (P. fulva) were treated as subspecies of a single Lesser Golden-Plover, often under Pluvialis dominica (P. d. dominica and P. d. fulva); studies demonstrating differences in morphology, vocalizations, migration routes, breeding ecology, and especially reproductive isolation in western Alaska supported their treatment as separate species. A landmark 1983 study found the two forms breeding sympatrically in northwestern Alaska with little evidence of hybridization, and later taxonomic treatments adopted the split, leaving P. dominica as the American Golden-Plover and P. fulva as the Pacific Golden-Plover.
Body: Nikon D750
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports
Thanks in advance for your views, favorites, and supportive comments.
To see more views of Harrogate, in Yorkshire, please click
"here"!
I would be most grateful if you would refrain from inserting images, and/or group invites; thank you!
Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, England. Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the town is a tourist destination and its visitor attractions include its spa waters and RHS Harlow Carr gardens. Nearby is the Yorkshire Dales national park. Harrogate grew out of two existing smaller settlements, High Harrogate and Low Harrogate, in the 17th century. It is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the UK and in 2013 a poll by Rightmove of 40,000 people found that Harrogate was the happiest place to live in the United Kingdom. In 2013 Harrogate was declared to be the third most romantic destination in the world, beating off rivals including Paris, Rome and Vienna. Harrogate spa water contains iron, sulphur and common salt. The town became known as 'The English Spa' in the Georgian Era, after its waters were discovered in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries the 'chalybeate' waters (i.e. containing iron) were a popular health treatment, and the influx of wealthy but sickly visitors contributed significantly to the wealth of the town. The town motto is Arx celebris fontibus, which means "a citadel famous for its springs." The name Harrogate is first attested in the 1330s as Harwegate. It seems to derive from Old Norse hǫrgr 'a heap of stones, cairn' + gata 'street', in which case the name presumably meant 'road to the cairn'. Before the discovery of its iron and sulphur rich water, Harrogate comprised two hamlets, High Harrogate and Low Harrogate, close to Knaresborough. The first mineral spring was discovered in 1571 by William Slingsby, who found that water from the Tewit Well possessed similar properties to that from the springs of the Belgian town of Spa, which gave its name to spa towns. The medicinal properties of the waters were publicised by Edmund Deane. His book, Spadacrene Anglica, or the English Spa Fountain was published in 1626. Harrogate developed a spa town following the enclosure of surrounding lands in 1770, when 200 acres (0.81 km2) were reserved as a public common, the Stray, which has remained a spot for picnicking, kite-flying, outdoor games and local football matches. To provide entertainment for increasing numbers of visitors the Georgian Theatre was built in 1788. Bath Hospital (later the Royal Bath Hospital) was built in 1826. The Royal Pump Room was built in 1842. In 1870, engineering inventor Samson Fox perfected the process of creating water gas, in the basement laboratory of Grove House. After constructing a trial plant at his home on Scarborough Road, making it the first house in Yorkshire to have gas lighting and heating; he built a town-sized plant to supply Harrogate. After he made Parliament Street the world's first route to be lit by water-gas, newspapers commented: "Samson Fox has captured the sunlight for Harrogate." After donating the towns first fire engine, and building the town's theatre, he was elected mayor for three years, an unbroken record. The site of Tewit Well is marked by a dome on the Stray. Other wells can be found in Harrogate's Valley Gardens and the Royal Pump Room museum. In 1893 Harrogate doctor George Oliver was the first to observe the effect of adrenaline on the circulation. In 2007, two metal detectorists found the Harrogate hoard, a 10th-century Viking treasure hoard, near Harrogate. The hoard contains almost 700 coins and other items from as far away as Afghanistan. The hoard was described by the British Museum as the most important find of its type in Britain for 150 years.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
© 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!!!
From our trip to the East Coast earlier this year for our daughter-in-law's college graduation.
I can "clearly see" this would have been an extremely "sweet-spot" to be for the New Years celebration. ;-)
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For a while now, I've been contributing photos to Google Maps.
It's a nice diversion from Charger only photos and a fun outlet for creativity. Although I haven't made it a priority to include my Charger in the photos, somehow the car has found its way into a few of my Spokane photos (imagine that).
A number of my photos have had over half a million views each which is pretty neat. It depends greatly on the location or business you add the photo to and also who's searching Google. I can't control it so I just enjoy it when one goes crazy. So, in no particular order, here are some of the photos I've uploaded to Google Maps over the last two years.
Taken with my cell phone.
(The best camera you have is the one you are carrying.)
We all are so different and yet essentially the same, and that's what makes life unique… the way every culture contributes to the verse.
An image of Jupiter taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light on Aug. 25, 2020, is giving researchers an entirely new view of the giant planet and offers insights into the altitude and distribution of the planet's haze and particles. This complements Hubble’s visible-light pictures that show the ever-changing cloud patterns.
In this photo, the parts of Jupiter’s atmosphere that are at higher altitude, especially over the poles, look red from atmospheric particles absorbing ultraviolet light. Conversely, the blue-hued areas represent the ultraviolet light being reflected off the planet. A new storm at upper left, which erupted on Aug. 18, 2020, is grabbing the attention of scientists in this image. The “clumps” trailing the white plume appear to be absorbing ultraviolet light, similar to the center of the Great Red Spot, and Red Spot Jr. directly below it. This provides researchers with more evidence that this storm may last longer on Jupiter than most storms.
More: go.nasa.gov/2RB9umz
Credits: NASA, ESA, STScI, A. Simon (Goddard Space Flight Center), M.H. Wong (University of California, Berkeley), and the OPAL team
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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Wood ducks are the most abundant resident wild ducks in Florida. Males are brightly colored, while females are a muted gray brown.
Wood ducks prefer wooded wetlands, streams or swampy areas; they feed on floating mast, fruit and seeds of water tupelo, oaks and cypress. They are unusual among ducks in that they are hole nesters. A shortage of nest cavities limits their nesting, but fortunately these ducks readily use nest boxes.
The recovery of wood duck populations is one of North America’s conservation success stories. In the early 1900s the species was almost extinct. Destruction of bottomland hardwood swamps and hunting had decimated wood duck populations across the eastern USA. The recovery began with the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, which prohibited the hunting of wood ducks nationwide. The wide-scale use of artificial nest boxes also contributed to the wood duck’s recovery and populations rebounded; hunting seasons reopened in 1941.
I found this one in my backyard Lake Wales, Florida.
When I started paying serious attention to photography a few years ago, I began to notice how powerful repetition could be. Even a mundane object - or for that matter an unattractive one - when repeated could contribute to a compelling composition. This arc of Wheels sit-down e-scooters at Peachtree and Fifteenth caught my eye as I was biking by this afternoon and called out to me to be used as an example.
Bursts of pink and red, dark lanes of mottled cosmic dust, and a bright scattering of stars — this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows part of a messy barred spiral galaxy known as NGC 428. It lies approximately 48 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Cetus (The Sea Monster).
Although a spiral shape is still just about visible in this close-up shot, overall NGC 428’s spiral structure appears to be quite distorted and warped, thought to be a result of a collision between two galaxies. There also appears to be a substantial amount of star formation occurring within NGC 428 — another telltale sign of a merger. When galaxies collide their clouds of gas can merge, creating intense shocks and hot pockets of gas, and often triggering new waves of star formation.
NGC 428 was discovered by William Herschel in December 1786. More recently a type of supernova designated SN2013ct was discovered within the galaxy by Stuart Parker of the BOSS (Backyard Observatory Supernova Search) project in Australia and New Zealand, although it is unfortunately not visible in this image.
This image was captured by Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2).
Image credit: ESA/Hubble and NASA and S. Smartt (Queen's University Belfast), Acknowledgements: Nick Rose and Flickr user pennine cloud
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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(...) 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
The James D. Westcott Building is a historic building on the campus of The Florida State University in Tallahassee, in the U.S. state of Florida. The Westcott Building currently houses the chief administrative offices for Florida State University and is the primary focal point of the campus as seen down College Avenue. The building lobby serves to welcome visitors and provide performance entertainment space for viewers. Two bronze doors at the entrance of the building lead to a hallway gallery of presidential portraits. Each individual portrait featured in the hallway portray a president whose vision drove the university to what it is today. The building is also home to Ruby Diamond Auditorium. It is known for its distinctive appearance.
Built in 1910, the Westcott building was named after James Diament Westcott, Jr. who was an early contributor to Florida State University; his estate was valued at $100,000.
The Westcott building was built in 1910 to serve as the Florida State College's administration building by which it was known until 1936. In that year the building was renamed the James D. Westcott, Jr. Memorial Building by then university president Edward Conradi in remembrance of the former Florida Supreme Court justice who had left a large part of his estate to what was then the West Florida Seminary in 1887.
Westcott fountain is a historic landmark on the campus of Florida State University. It sits at the end of College Avenue in front of the Westcott building. There is a large, marble plaque in front of the fountain with the Florida State University logo, used to welcome people to campus. Westcott fountain came into the possession of Florida State University in 1917 as a gift from the Florida State College for Women, classes of 1915 and 1917. Today, the fountain is a strong symbol of unity and heritage for Florida State University.
Westcott fountain sits in the center of a plaza, surrounded by engraved bricks. The bricks commemorate students, professors and others who have contributed to Florida State University. The Florida State University Alumni Association administers the "Brick Program." The brick plaza was a project of the classes of 1996 and 1997. Its construction in 1998 was possible through the generous donations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and more. The bricks are used to commemorate names, special dates and accomplishments and new bricks are installed every semester.
In 1982 the fountain was renovated in commemoration of Professor Anna Forbes Liddell. The fountain that is there today is however not the original one. Westcott fountain was replaced in 1988, due to failure of the original support system. Westcott fountain sits upon what was previously referred to as "Gallows Hill": during the 1830s, the hill was a site of executions. Westcott fountain has become a monument at Florida State University. It is a symbol of the University that sits proudly at the main entrance to the school.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westcott_Building
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.