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Little known fact: The Tatooine sand was super abrasive and very bad for any hardware that wasn't specially protected from it. The X-wings weren't. Sometimes, after prolonged use, the engines began to oscillate near ground and rough landings ensued.
This was photographed exclusively for my "Small Scenes from a Big Galaxy" book.
For the love of color.
To be able to look at an ordinary scene and see the beauty in its structure and inherent design.
I’m still chasing Stephen Shore and the transparency and 2D flatness of space.
In this case I forced myself to choose only one angle in which to shoot this station. Now, Stephen Shore was forced by the fact he was using 8x10 color negatives which cost a lot to develop and print. In my case I wanted to follow that rule. And here it is. Thanks
It's been a while since I last added a camera to my collection, in fact I'm in the process of trying to downsize it, but I just couldn't pass this reasonably priced little Flexilette, a camera that had caught my eye several times in the past.
It is a rather unique camera in a sense that it's a TLR using 135 film. Only a handful other cameras by other brands used a similar approach, the pre-war Contaflex being the iconic model for this type of camera.
The Flexilette is a fully mechanical, all-manual, meterless camera the taking lens being a 2.8/45 Color-Apotar which according to online sources is a coated triplet. This fact alone puts the Flexilette in consumer / amateur enthusiast territory, although german triplets often produce stunning results, I for one am very pleased with the Triotar on my Rollei 35B.
The camera sports a waist-level finder which is not very big, but it's quite bright, definitely better than the finder of the Praktica VLC or the EXA-1 from behind the Iron Curtain. Focusing is aided by a retractable magnifying glass and a split-image rangefinder on the focusing screen. The finder is not interchangeable with a prism, so if one wants to shoot with the camera at eye level, they have to compose through a sports finder of sorts that is formed when the WLF flaps are deployed. Take care not to loose the small knob that releases the finder shaft, as it can be easily unscrewed during cleaning or carrying the camera in a bag.
Size-wise, the camera stands in a grey zone between a compact 35mm camera and a small SLR and it feels quite hefty with the lens protruding only a couple of centimeters, the shutter speed and aperture rings being quite narrow but easily accessible and moveable without feeling crowded.
The frame counter is manually reset and counts backwards from 36 as the frames are exposed.
My camera came in exceptional cosmetic and functional condition, along with the peculiar dedicated slip-on lens hood (it's the circular contraption visible on the right) and the close-up attachment of similar configuration which brings minimum focus distance from 0,6m to 0,38m, but sadly without a leather case. Build quality is good, but definitely not up there with Voigtlander or even Zeiss-Ikon. While some parts feel very solid, others feel like cutting production cost was a high priority in the minds of Agfa engineers. Overall operation of the camera feels quite smooth though, the leaf shutter (1s - 1/500s) is really quite and the focusing ring still turns very smoothly.
Overall, an interesting concept camera which wasn't a commercial success, although Flexilettes are not that difficult to find on the german auction site.
I was recently in Northern Virginia where I was able to find some Halloween-ish subjects. Fun fact: the cat’s name is actually “Boo”!
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
New Hampshire
During the winter and non breeding seasons they travel in large groups in search of fruit.
Supposedly the original "Bohemians" were travelers or refuges from central Europe. This species is therefore true to it's name and was in fact well named.
The information below is from a "Cool Green Science" web page and the Nature Conservancy
"Waxwings Really Have Wax Wings" BY Matthew L. Miller
"Waxwings really have wax wing tips. The bright red, visible on the wing feathers of some waxwings, is actually waxy red secretions. The red wax tips are appendages on the bird’s secondary feathers. They’re colored by astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment.
While it was originally thought that the red tips functioned to protect the feathers from wear and tear, there is little to no evidence for this hypothesis.
Rather, the red secondary tips appear to be status signals that function in mate selection.
Interestingly, the red appendages of both Waxwing species increase in number and size with a bird’s age: individuals with zero to five waxy tips are thought to be more immature birds, while those with greater than nine are thought to be older.
Individuals within these two categories tend to associate as mates. Pairs of older birds (those with greater than nine waxy tips) nest earlier and raise more young than do immature birds, suggesting that this plumage characteristic is an important signal in mate choice and social organization.
Most of this information comes from a wonderfully informative article..... By Matt Miller I've enclosed the link below and it's a wonderful read for anyone who has interest in both Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings."
Here is a link if your interested in more...
blog.nature.org/science/2017/02/27/waxwings-really-have-w...
Love the Indian artifacts. I've been fortunate enough to find quite a few here in Missouri. In fact, almost any decent sized creek or river area usually has them around. For thousands and thousands of years our land has been used. There's quite a feeling finding these in the dirt where they lay, last touched by a human being many years ago. It is quite humbling.
Sorry about the poor quality of some of these photos - the light was dim and I was photographing through thick glass.
BP = Before Present
University of Missouri Museum of Anthropology
February 25, 2021
Columbia, Missouri
Vyšehrad is the oldest seat of Czech princes; in fact, the local settlement was established in the mid-10 th century. Situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, it offers stunning views of the city, and the park area holds hidden architectural treasures including the rare Romanesque Rotunda of St Martin, the neo-Gothic Church of Sts Peter and Paul, the national cemetery Slavín, and the underground casements housing the some of the original Baroque statues from the Charles Bridge.
GOSLING: I'm really sad, Mom!
MOM: Why?
GOSLING: They removed us from the Smile on Saturday Group because I don't look like you!
MOM: Don't worry my love, YOU WILL! In fact, unlike the turtle, you will be soaring up in the sky!
GOLING: REALLY!
MOM: Yes!
GROUP: SMILE ON SATURDAY
THEME: MAXI-MINI
SUBJECT: CANADA GEESE and GOSLING
There is a second railroad in the Pittston area that interchanges with the RBMN. In business since 1994 the Luzerne and Susquehanna operates 60 miles of assorted bits of cast of scraps of once important class 1 routes that once served the Scranton Wilkes-Barre area. The valley was placed with a nearly incomprehensible web of rails at one time that generated carloads and revenue to boggle the mind. But now so little remains and what does is but a shadow of itself. In fact the trackage beneath this unit that sits stationary, blue flagged, and tied down was once the LV's mainline into Wilkes-Barre.
LS 1751 itself is an EMD GP9 blt. Oct. 1959 ad Pennsylvania Railroad 7242. The venerable geep is now the property of RJ Corman Railroad group which bought the L&S in August 2020. One wonders if 1751 will survive and trade her somber LS black for brilliant Corman crimson. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
Pittston, Pennsylvania
Sunday June 20, 2021
It's hard to believe that I haven't posted this one yet, but that might be due to the fact that the Batten Kill has become quite overrun in recent years and, therefore, I haven't seen a need to post my shots shortly after taking them.
In 2021 and 2022, Raven Rail-owned Alco S-2 #3021 called the Batten Kill home. The engine hadn't seen use since its days on the Saratoga & North Creek, and my railroad boss Hal Raven had it moved to Shushan, NY on the Batten Kill where he could more easily work on it. On a few, rare occasions, it made some "shakedown runs," and -- thankfully -- I was able to catch a couple of them. This one from August 4, 2021 saw the 3021 leading a northbound train of inbound loads from Eagle Bridge to Greenwich Junction. In a classic Shushan scene including a diamond-shaped crossing and laundry hanging out on the line, the 3021 looks right at home on the former D&H Washington Branch (although I'll admit I don't think the D&H switchers ever ran over this portion -- I think they were confined to the G&J).
By 2023 or so, the 3021 moved over the Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson. It's one of my favorite engines to ride in between the seats, the smooth ride, the view, and the turbocharger sound. However, it's been terrible when trying to cut the air into a train -- often dumping if you as much as sneeze on the anglecock. The engine itself is essentially a kicker, and it takes forever to charge a train. For now, we're not really using the engine as it's waiting on a new cylinder.
Considering we've got two (soon to be three) original D&H RS-3s on the SC&H -- along with the fact that this S-2 isn't original D&H -- I'd personally love to see this engine get repainted into FJ&G orange, yellow, and black and renumbered 21. That might take a heck of a lot of arm twisting, though -- as well as volunteer hours. I'm curious what any of you think of the idea, but the FJ&G paint scheme is currently only preserved on model railroads...
Batten Kill Train BK-F
August 4, 2021
Shushan, NY
... in fact, it's one of me. Shot by Ili (flickr page here) at the closed storefront next to Palate Palette, after the Resistiv3 drum n bass gig. Look closely and you'll see my trusty camera bag.
There was a sensational light this morning at sunrise and I took a lot of photos; in fact I didn't want to stop, the light was so good! These are views of the South West side of the Long Water in Kensington Gardens.
You can see more photos from this series on my own site at
What goes up must come down.... Chicago Blues Band
Except grocery prices. It seems that when prices have gone up it is very hard to get them down. I would have never known that if it was not for the upcoming transition team. From the info we heard on the campaign trail, I though it was the Presidents fault.
We have now found out that if a shit load of chickens die, for whatever reason, egg prices go up. America just lost another million chickens to that damn bird flu. Eggs are going up again. But at least we got the message from the transition team that this was not the fault of the new President elect. They found out that Presidents have nothing to do with the price of eggs. Pre Nov 6th was when it was the Presidents fault
The bird flu easily jumps to raw milk if anyone cares about science.
The problem... Most people are partisan and mold their world view around that presupposed premise. Facts are just facts... they have no political affiliation. Facts can only be no partisan. Facts can not be alternative. I mean... what would happen to all those crooked ass liberals if gravity decided that it is now maga?
Ricoh R1
Expired 400asa unknown film taken from a disposable camera and shot at 100asa
Homemade C41 and Bleach
Epson V700
Not much to describe this other than "another boring silver TRAXX along the Maintal", but made slightly less boring by the fact it is operated by LINEAS who aren't too common along this busy freight artery.
This machine, built by Bombardier (now Alstom) is owned by AKIEM who are a big provider of locomotives to private operators. Their electric fleet was almost exclusively TRAXX until 2023 when the first of 100 newly built Siemens Vectrons was delivered.
LINEAS started out as the freight arm of the Belgian national railways (B Logistics) but the majority share was sold to a private investor - with SNCB retaining a minority stake - and rebranded as LINEAS.
Thungersheim, July 2023.
Facts:
The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب,Tower of the Arabs) is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure whose shape mimics the sail of a ship. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Al_Arab)
Year construction started = 1994
Total spend to build = $650 Million
Designed by world renown architects from the United Kingdom
Free limousine service to and from Dubai International Airport
(http://www.dubai-information-site.com)
"Alcohol is a pervasive fact of life, but an extraordinary fact, pleasurable and destructive, anathematized and adulated, and deeply ambiguous ... the genie in the bottle." Griffith Edwards.
Ireland is undoubtedly a country associated with beer, and among all those produced on the island, the most famous internationally is without any doubt the one that bears the surname of Sir Arthur Guinness, who was its creator in the year 1759. Nowadays, its brewery located in Dublin is one of the most modern in the world, and can produce 3 million pints of this stout per day. Its flavor does not leave anyone indifferent, and even if it is not true, an Irish joke says that the beer is made with water from the nearby river Liffey.
Although you can enjoy a Guinness in any Irish pub, a different option is to go to the Guinness Storehouse to visit the museum that shows its history and production. The tour ends with a pint of the dark elixir in a bar located in the last floor of the building from which you have a magnificent view of Dublin.
Both my girlfriend and I avoid alcohol for most of the year, and we always advise consuming it in moderation. Still, we did not want to miss the opportunity to show this famous place in Dublin with our particular artistic touch.
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"El alcohol es un hecho omnipresente de la vida, pero un hecho extraordinario, placentero y destructivo, condenado y adulado, y profundamente ambiguo ... el genio en la botella." Griffith Edwards.
Irlanda es un país asociado sin duda a la cerveza, y de entre todas las que en la isla se producen, la más famosa a nivel internacional es sin duda la que lleva el apellido de Sir Arthur Guinness, quien fuera su creador en el año 1759. Hoy en día, su fábrica de cerveza localizada en Dublín es una de las más modernas del mundo, y puede producir 3 millones de pintas de esta cerveza negra al día. Su sabor no deja indiferente a nadie, y aunque no sea así, una broma irlandesa dice que la cerveza está realizada con agua del vecino río Liffey.
Aunque se puede disfrutar de una Guinness en cualquier pub irlandés, una opción diferente es acercarse a la Guinness Storehouse para recorrer el museo que muestra la historia y elaboración de la cerveza. El tour termina con una pinta del oscuro elixir desde un bar localizado en la última planta del edificio desde el que se tiene una magnífica vista de Dublín.
Tanto mi novia como yo evitamos el alcohol durante la mayor parte del año, y siempre aconsejamos consumirlo con moderación. Aún así no queríamos dejar pasar la oportunidad de mostrar este famoso lugar de Dublín con nuestro particular toque artístico.
in fact a passage under the railroad lines
called "Passage de l' Amphithéâtre " in METZ - Lorraine - France
( best viewed on black )
explored December 2nd, 2011 - thank you !
tunnels alternés -
en fait le Passage de l'Amphithéâtre à Metz en Lorraine
un passage sous les lignes de chemin de fer à proximité
de la Gare Centrale et du Centre Pompidou.
At first glance this scene could be mistaken for a fantasy book illustration by Arthur Rackham. But it is in fact the "Eros" fountain in Sefton Park, Liverpool pictured on a misty autumn morning, with drama added by the bare branches of trees which have started to shed their leaves.
COPYRIGHT © Towner Images
Inscription above the entrance to "Kirkaldy's Testing and Experimenting Works" of 1874 (now a museum) at 99 Southwark Street, London. This institution was the first of its kind, that is, an independent organisation testing the quality and strength of commercial materials. I wonder whether Mr Kirkaldy had read Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times" of 1854. Its first three sentences are:
"Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else."
Leica M8, Elmar (collapsible) 50/2.8.
(Fun fact : Le Foutographe, au moment de nommer cette image venait d'oublier qu'il s'agissait d'un choucas des Tours)
Ce corvidé au corps beau semble faire un bien timide contrepoint à la silhouette humaine d'une dame qui, si elle n'est pas massive du tout, le sera fatalement en comparaison avec ce "petit" oiseau !
Et ce corvidé reste à l'écart. Enfin... A l'écarlate !
Il Bikini è un complesso turistico che sorge nel comune di Vico Equense, incastonato come un diamante in una delle baie più suggestive dell’intera Penisola Sorrentina.
Da oltre cinquant’anni la storia della famiglia Scarselli si identifica con la baia del Bikini, all’insegna del continuo miglioramento e rinnovamento delle strutture, nonchè dell’ampliamento dei servizi, sempre finalizzati alla cura compiuta ed affettuosa degli ospiti.
Dal piccolo accogliente stabilimento originario organizzato per un gruppo di amici, e subito segnalato da una immagine divenuta poi nota in tutto il mondo - le due palme sull’atollo che segna il confine della rada - si è via via affermata quella che è oggi una forte e dinamica tradizione familiare. In modi e livelli di sempre maggiore professionalità, la vocazione innata all’ospitalità ha sviluppato infatti il gusto antico dello stare-bene-insieme, entro lo sfondo di una natura splendida, amorevolmente protetta e messa in luce, di un parco arboreo all’italiana e di un paesaggio marino che configurano un’isola di agio e serenità.
Nato più di cinquant’anni fa come semplice stabilimento balneare, oggi Il Bikini presenta un’offerta completa di relax e divertimento, che parte dal mattino e può spingersi fino a notte inoltrata. Il complesso, infatti, mette a disposizione della clientela una spiaggia attrezzata con tutti i servizi necessari, con uno scenario paesaggistico unico al mondo a fare da cornice e un mare cristallino in cui immergersi piacevolmente.
Nel ristorante, inoltre, si possono gustare le specialità tipiche del Golfo di Napoli e della Costiera Amalfitana, nonché organizzare eventi e cerimonie per le occasioni speciali. Infine, per gli amanti della movida e del by night, la discoteca sarà il luogo ideale per farsi travolgere dal fascino seducente di una notte all’insegna del divertimento, fino alle prime luci dell’alba.
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Translation performed by the translator of google. I apologize for the imperfections
The Bikini is a tourist complex is located in the town of Vico Equense, set like a diamond in one of the most beautiful bays in the whole of Sorrento.
For over fifty years the family history Scarselli is identified with the Bay of Bikini, dedicated to continuous improvement and upgrading of facilities, as well as enlargement of services, always aiming to complete and loving care of the guests.
Originating from small friendly establishment for a group of friends, and now reported from an image that became known around the world - the two palm trees on the atoll, which marks the boundary of the harbor - has gradually established what is now a strong and dynamic family tradition. In various ways and increasing levels of professionalism and innate vocation of hospitality it has developed a taste of being old-well-set within the backdrop of a beautiful nature, lovingly protected and brought to light, a park tree Italian and a seascape that constitute an island of comfort and serenity.
Born more than fifty years ago as a simple bathhouse, today The Bikini has a full range of relaxation and fun, which starts in the morning and can go up into the night. The complex, in fact, offers guest a beach with all the necessary services with a unique scenery in the world as a frame and clear blue sea to immerse nicely.
In restaurant, also you can taste the specialties of the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and to organize events and ceremonies for special occasions. Finally, for lovers of nightlife and by night, our club will be the place to be overwhelmed by the seductive charm of a night of fun until dawn.
Few interesting facts Google told me....
Where are people moving to Sacramento from?
•Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Sacramento from outside metros. San Francisco homebuyers searched to move into Sacramento more than any other metro followed by Fresno and Houston.
•To date, nearly 14,000 families have moved to the Sacramento area from the San Francisco/Bay area.
Where are people from Sacramento moving to?
•63% of Sacramento homebuyers searched to stay within the Sacramento metropolitan area. Boise was the most popular destination among Sacramento homebuyers followed by Dallas and Portland.
The average cost of a house (4 bedroom/2.5 bath; 1678 s/f) is listing for selling for $530,000 in what is considered one of the “better” neighborhoods (low crime rate and above average school rating). Which puts the monthly payments around $3500 + per month.
I have been saying for years now, If I had to buy a house now, I would never be able to be a homeowner. Living in an apartment is just as outpriced as well. Average 2 bedroom apartment is running about $2200 per month. And our gas prices are just as crazy, averaging $4.50 for regular unleaded.
In Lincoln, CA where this photo was taken is just outside of Sacramento in the adjoining county. The housing market for the same size house is about 50-75K more.
My hope is things will get better.
Gasteracantha cancriformis (spinybacked orbweaver) is a species of orb-weaver spider (family Araneidae). It is widely distributed in the New World.
The genus name Gasteracantha derives from the Greek words γαστήρ (gaster, "belly") and ἄκανθα (acantha, "thorn"), while the specific epithet cancriformis derives from the Latin words cancer ("crab") and forma ("shape, form, appearance").
Females are 5–9 mm (0.20–0.35 in) long and 10–13 mm (0.39–0.51 in) wide. The six abdominal spine-like projections on the abdomen are characteristic. The carapace, legs, and underside are black with white spots under the abdomen. Variations occur in the colour of the upperside of the abdomen - a white or yellow colour with both featuring black spots. A white upper side can have either red or black spines while a yellow upperside can only have black ones. Like with many other spiders, males are much smaller (2 to 3 mm long) and longer than wide. All morphs have six abdominal spines. They are similar to the females in colour, but have a gray abdomen with white spots and the spines are reduced to four or five stubby projections.
This species of spider does not live very long. In fact, the lifespan lasts only until reproduction, which usually takes place in the spring following the winter when they hatched. Females die after producing an egg mass, and males die six days after a complete cycle of sperm induction to the female.
Los Angeles. California.
A westbound coal load was curving through Otis behind a nice clean SD70ACe which was numbered one above the absolutely moronic "Bar Code". The fact that stupids actually care about the 1111 says volumes about the state of foamers.
Some remaining autumn foliage was clinging to the trees on the former Conrail Chicago Line on a sunny afternoon in Hoosier Land.
My friend Alex got back from a month-long trip through europe the other week. As is our tradition, we caught up with an early breakfast.
One of the many reasons I like Alex is the fact that he doesn't hate LA. Lots of folks I meet, folks who've moved here from somewhere else, seem to have a deep-seated disdain for the city, despite the fact they've pitched their tent here for the long haul.
But not Alex. Sure, he gets that there's a lot to dislike about this town, but he's also able to see past the stereotypical view of LA, to see the fact that, like most cities, LA is different things to different people. That the city is so big, you spend enough time, you'll find more than enough to enjoy.
Which brings me back to breakfast. We try to go somewhere new most times, and in this city, that is an easy task. I was complaining with another friend about often having to play the part of tour guide to folks who come into town and want to "see the sights," and that what I usually do is just take them to all the great places to eat. That is the best part of having people visit, it's an excuse to go to Roscoe's(not that I need one), or go to one of a dozen great breakfast joints, or great sushi places, or great burger spots.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I've got an addiction to food, and Alex is my enabler.
Would you rather I was hooked on bug powder?
You had to be there :D
I am using a Jessi quote because this photo has a lot to do with her. We were in one of the kids rooms, which has GREAT natural light, and I was saying how I was trying to do Jessi-eqsue SPs but they never came out right and so she took me up and gave me a tutorial :D Yay Jessi!
In this photo I was listening to her tell me something. Or maybe I was talking and pausing. Girltaking with a girl you truly LIKE is fun. I REALLY wish they lived here in Denver, or close enough to see regularly. Like every week.
This was my "just in case" photo but I ended up using it because I didn't really get any other ones (well one that I am going to post later but did not want to use as my 365).
50 Random Facts About Me
#21: When I was 18 I dated a fireman who was 28, and that was the biggest age-gap of anyone I dated. I also lied and said I was 20.
I've Been Tagged by ĐevίlQυeeη♥
10 Facts about me :-
1. آحب العبط واستهبال,خصوصـــآ مع الاساتذه,فله لما يعصبون
2. انـا لما أرسم دايمـــآ يخص شخص معين ما ارسم آي شيء
3. أموووت عـلى سوني3
4. حلمي,اني اكون رسام واسوي كرتـون عن قطر
5. انـا مااعـرف اصور او اطلع افكار غـريبه اله اذا قعدت بروحي
6. مـا احب الناس الي يعـصبون بسرعه
7. اكـره شيء عندي,لما حد يسرق الصور حتى لو مب اصوري
8. اكـره الشخص العنيد ويحب يسوي الي براسه,جي يخليني اكره واكفخا
9. انـا شخص ماحب اتهاوش,حتى لو واحد قالي فزعه اقوله يلا انجلع
10. انـا بسرعه ازعل وبسرعه انسى الي صاار
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Taken & Draw By: Me
Ask !
© All rights reserved to © All rights reserved to Đεmδlίsђ
I Tag No One...
I am usually not a procrastinator, but the SP project got away from me this week. I lacked inspiration and time. Excuses, excuses.
This one provided challenges for me. I actually had a completely different fact then when those pictures came out poorly I switched gears. This one fits anyway with the superbowl tomorrow.
Thanks to my friend Jon for the jersey loan. I do not have one in the house because I stuck to my vow! We will however watch the game tomorrow (I go for the food... I will be making doughnuts!)
Texture borrowed from ninianlif.
Three sprinters in fact. On the far right a young man is sprinting across the tracks, probably from the somewhat dilapidated signal box. The other sprinters were my mate Paul and I, we had just photographed 47109 with the steel train when we heard 25251 coughing towards us with a heavy ballast train we both made an undignified sprint across the road to capture the second train.
25251 left Derby Works as D7601, it entered service at Tinsley 16/02/1966. The loco was withdrawn 15/01/1985 and cut at Swindon Works 30/11/1986.
Copyright Geoff Dowling (16/05/1977): All rights reserved
A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.
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Hair:
TRUTH -Kaijah (VIP Gift January)-
Outfit:
CandyDoll Misty Dress- Collabor 88
Pose:
FOXCITY Sweet-1
Backdrop:
FOXCITY -Photo Booth - Flutter (Blush)
The Liberty Bell an iconic symbol of American independence, located in the Old City District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Once placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House (now renamed Independence Hall), the bell today is located across the street in the Liberty Bell Centre in Independence National Historical Park. The bell was commissioned in 1752 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from the London firm of Lester and Pack and was cast with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof", a Biblical reference.
The bell first cracked when rung after its arrival in Philadelphia and was twice recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow, whose last names appear on the bell. In its early years, the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations.
The bell acquired its distinctive large crack sometime in the early 19th century—a widespread story claims it cracked while ringing after the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835. The bell became famous after an 1847 short story claimed that an aged bellringer rang it on July 4, 1776, upon hearing of the Second Continental Congress' vote for independence.
Although the bell did not ring for independence on that July 4, the tale was widely accepted as fact, even by some historians. Beginning in 1885, the city of Philadelphia—which owns the bell—allowed it to go to various expositions and patriotic gatherings. The bell attracted huge crowds wherever it went, additional cracking occurred, and pieces were chipped away by souvenir hunters. The last such journey occurred in 1915, after which the city refused further requests.
After World War II, Philadelphia allowed the National Park Service to take custody of the bell, while retaining ownership. It was used as a symbol of freedom during the Cold War and was a popular site for protests in the 1960s. It was moved from its long-time home in Independence Hall to a nearby glass pavilion on Independence Mall in 1976, and then to the larger Liberty Bell Centre adjacent to the pavilion in 2003. The bell has been featured on coins and stamps, and its name and image have been widely used by corporations.
Information Source: