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n. a feeling of awakening or awe triggered by an expansion of one’s awareness of what is possible or by confrontation with the vastness of space and time
I heard that americans don't have all dressed chips...seriously? That totally sucks for you guys, they are awesome.
Anyways, a few changes here since the last time I posted a pic of this thing:
Changed the ball head because the threads on the old one get chewed up pretty quick. New one is a Giottos MH-1004, pretty cheap on ebay and it looks like it will last much longer.
Changed the flash to a Canon 580 EX II. The TTL metering has made this much easier for me and this flash recycles faster which suits my gattling gun approach to macro photography.
Added a diffuser to my flashlight, which I really don't use all that often since I got aperture control back.
Lined my extension tubes with velvet and added felt "baffles" to solve problems with ghosting, which eliminated the need for the "hood" I was using to cut down on stray light.
Any questions about what's going on with this setup just ask!
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I asked Grok - Where would you rate Susten Pass on a scale of 1-10 comparing all the most scenic mountain passes in Europe, and why.
Based on the information from various sources and the consensus among driving enthusiasts, travel bloggers, and reviewers:
Rating: 9 out of 10
Reasons for the Rating:
Scenic Beauty: Susten Pass is often highlighted for its breathtaking views. It features 30 miles of road with 26 bridges and tunnels, each offering unique vistas of the Swiss Alps. The road passes through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high alpine meadows and alongside the Stein Glacier, providing a spectacle of natural beauty that's hard to match.
Driving Experience: It's celebrated for its driving dynamics with hairpin turns, sharp bends, and varying gradients, making it a favorite among motorcycle riders, car enthusiasts, and cyclists. The pass is part of the "Big Three" passes in Switzerland, alongside Grimsel and Furka, with many arguing that Susten offers the most enjoyable drive due to its variety and scenic pull-offs.
Historical Significance: With roots tracing back to a 17th-century mule-train trading route, the pass has both historical depth and modern engineering marvels, enhancing its allure.
Accessibility and Seasonality: While the pass is only open from June to October, this limitation adds to its exclusivity and the unique experience of driving through snow-cleared paths in early summer or witnessing the dramatic autumn changes.
Comparative Analysis: When compared to other famous European passes:
Stelvio Pass in Italy often gets a nod for its numerous hairpin turns, but Susten Pass offers more varied scenery.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria is another scenic marvel, but Susten's combination of natural beauty, road design, and historical context is frequently noted as superior or at least on par.
Col de la Bonnette in France, while high and scenic, doesn't match Susten's diversity in landscape and driving experience.
Community and Expert Opinion: Numerous reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor and specialized driving blogs praise Susten for its visual and driving pleasures. It's often listed among the top drives in Europe, sometimes even as the best, depending on who you ask.
The slight deduction from a perfect 10 could be attributed to its seasonal accessibility and perhaps the fact that it might not have the sheer fame of some other passes like Stelvio, which can influence perception due to media exposure. Nonetheless, Susten Pass stands out for its combination of scenic beauty, driving experience, and a sense of adventure that appeals to a wide range of travelers
These fun little video clips were created by Petra cdv from photos taken by me using Grok which is an AI tool. Such great fun and very clever!
1968, the end of May.
A final bell celebration at a school in Sverdlovsk, USSR.
The Final Bell or Последний звонок is rung, usually by a first grader for the 10th-graders who are just about to graduate. Here one of the girls, it seems, has stooped to kiss the bellringing (flower-carrying?) first-grader. ^_^
Nowadays the date of the last bell celebration is probably 25th of May, judging by the visitor stats at the Russian Wikipedia article.
P.S. The teacher on the photo had no family by the 2000 and, as they say, was rambling the streets and searching dumpsters to make her living. The girl on the left became an architect. The girl on the right became a psychiatric patient. The girl that kisses the boy became a drunkard and died. The girl behind her left abroad and is now living in Israel.
So it goes.
Combining what can be done in TypePlay, ArtRage, PhotoWizard, Procreate, and Aquarella HD. You probably recognize this word that Heinlein invented in his novel, Stranger in a Strange Land, which I read decades ago, not too long after it was first published.
Metro Transit PD officer leading an arrested protester onto a Metrobus for transport to processing. The interplay between so many different police agencies in DC is really interesting to witness and grok.
Washington, DC / April 30, 2009
Protests took place in several major cities across the U.S. on Monday, 2/17/25, the Presidents Day holiday, according to activists.
These demonstrations are being organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement." The protests are a response to what organizers describe as "the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration." This marks the second nationwide protest by the group, following an event held on Feb. 5.
The protests follow a series of executive orders signed by President Trump, including actions led by billionaire Elon Musk, which have been criticized for their aims to diminish the role of the federal government.