View allAll Photos Tagged Is
"Is it a bit draughty around here, or is it just me?"
Sexy Rockstar Energy drink promo babe wows the crowds at the Autosport International show, NEC, Birmingham UK.
Nikon D-300, Nikkor 18-200mm f3.5/5.6 ED, Speedlite SB-800.
© MSI Ireland 2017. All rights reserved.
Please note:
These images are not public domain and are protected by copyright law.
All images © MSI (Motorsport Images Ireland) 2017. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT: The copyright and intellectual property rights of this image are owned by MSI (Ireland), and are protected by copyright laws of Ireland and international intellectual property right treaties. You may not copy any portion of the images in any form whatsoever. You may not alter the images in any way.
UNAUTHORISED USE: You may not use, copy, rent, lease, sell, claim ownership, publish to a website, blog or other such electronic hosting medium, modify, de-compile, disassemble, otherwise reverse engineer, or transfer images in any form whatsoever whether electronically, mechanically or any other method. Any such unauthorised use shall result in immediate and automatic termination of this license and may result in civil and/or legal action against you/your company or representative.
If you are interested in the use of this digital photographic image, please contact (via e-mail) at msiireland@yahoo.com or motorsportimagesireland@gmail.com
......................................................................................................................
Photography by JOB/MSI Ireland
© John O’Brien / MSI Ireland 2017
All Rights Reserved
The giant panda is a so-called conservation reliant vulnerable species. For many years the panda was considered endangered, but in March 2015, the wild giant panda population increased by 268, or 16.8%, totalling to 1,864 individuals. In 2016, the IUCN reclassified the species from "endangered" to "vulnerable”. That’s good news, but the giant panda population is still far from healthy.
Habitat loss and extremely poor reproductive skills are the main reasons the panda is struggling. A fortune is being spent every year to save the panda, and it’s only because of the incredible cuteness factor of this charismatic animal that the conservation efforts have been succesful.
It was a real joy to watch these funny creatures in real life, and it reminded me of this important piece of oriental wisdom:
Always be yourself.
Unless you can be a panda,
then be a panda.
- - -
If you would like to photograph giant pandas yourself, then check out our China’s Endangered Wildlife photo tour: www.squiver.com/tours-workshops/china-wildlife-2017/
Not only will we photograph these über cute animals, we will also photograph the endangered Golden snub-nosed monkeys and Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in their beautiful forest habitat. These monkeys are incredibly photogenic and funny looking, and this is the first and only tour in the world that offers you this opportunity.
So if you’re done photographing elephants, lions, bears, foxes and eagles, and you’re in for something truly unique, then this will get you the shots very few other people have.
Marsel
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
©2016 Marsel van Oosten, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.
This is a time lapse video of the Milky Way rising over Australia Telescope Compact Array (near Narrabri, NSW) when the site is open to the public. Please enlarge before viewing. The 10 second video was compiled from 306 30 second exposures captured over nearly 4 hours at f/4, ISO 6400.
As a video, it's a complete failure. There are too many vehicle headlights and taillights, head torches, light painting, more light painting, and lens fogging. I've already removed the worst frames and tried to minimise flashing in other frames. It's not worth trying to do more.
But the video does reveal some possibly interesting phenomena. For the first half, you can see the dishes tracking so they remain fixed on the same target in the sky. I didn't notice them doing that at the time. The dishes move in unison, because you get more information from multiple, distributed dishes than from a single dish. Afterwards, you see the dishes move to track a second target, and then a third target.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California. Declared a U.S. National Park in 1994 when the U.S. Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act (Public Law 103-433), it had previously been a U.S. National Monument since 1936. It is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the park. It covers a land area of 790,636 acres (1,235.37 sq mi; 3,199.59 km2) —an area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. A large part of the park, some 429,690 acres (173,890 ha), is a designated wilderness area. Straddling the San Bernardino County/Riverside County border, the park includes parts of two deserts, each an ecosystem whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation: the higher Mojave Desert and lower Colorado Desert. The Little San Bernardino Mountains run through the southwest edge of the park.
The rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park were formed more than 100 million years ago from the cooling of magma beneath the surface into monzogranite, with roughly rectangular joints. Groundwater then filtered through the joints to erode away the corners and edges to create rounded stones, and flash floods washed away covering ground to create piles of boulders. These prominent outcrops are known as inselbergs.
(Wikipedia)
Der Joshua-Tree-Nationalpark ist eine Wüstenlandschaft im Südosten Kaliforniens, die den Übergang zwischen der Mojave-Wüste und der Colorado-Wüste bildet. Der Park ist nach der auffälligen, im Englischen „Joshua Tree“ genannten Josua-Palmlilie (Yucca brevifolia) benannt, der größten Art der Gattung der Palmlilien (Yucca), die auch Josuabaum genannt wird.
Neben den Joshuabaum-Wäldern bietet der Park eine der interessantesten geologischen Formationen, die man in den kalifornischen Wüsten findet. Es herrschen kahle Felsen vor, die in der Regel in einzelne Felsformationen aufgebrochen sind.
Joshua-Tree wurde 1936 zum National Monument und 1994 zum Nationalpark erklärt. Er wird jährlich von über einer Million Menschen – darunter Tausende von Felskletterern aus aller Welt – besucht.
(Wikipedia)
Bread is the king of the table and all else is merely the court that surrounds the king. The countries are the soup, the meat, the vegetables, the salad, but bread is king.
Louis Bromfield, American novelist (1896-1956)
This is a female brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). The male is behind her. He has a shiny black body and a dull brown head. She is a gray-brown color. The female will lay her egg in the nest of another bird and then abandon it for the other bird couple to raise. This is often at the expense of the most of the chicks of the foster couple. They don't build their own nests.
View on Black View On Black
It is a new office building which will complete soon. Too big, so blue.
赤坂グランドプリンスホテル跡地にそろそろできあがる噂のビルです。
------------------------------------------
東京ガーデンテラス紀尾井町 - 建築グラビア Architecture Gravure
Gallery : photowork.jp/christinayan01/architectural/archives/3618
----------------------------------------
Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, Kioi Tower (東京ガーデンテラス紀尾井町 紀尾井タワー).
Designed : Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (外装デザイン：コーン・ペダーセン・フォックス).
Architect : Nikken Sekkei (設計：日建設計).
Contractor : Kajima Corporation (施工：鹿島建設、鉄建建設、熊谷組JV).
Complete : July 2016 (竣工：2016年7月予定).
Structured : Steel frames (構造：CFT・SRC・RC造).
Height : 590 ft (高さ：180m).
Floor : 36th (階数：36階).
Floor area : 2,271,906 sq.ft. (延床面積：211,067㎡).
Location : 1-2 Kioicho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Japan (所在地：日本国東京都千代田区紀尾井町1-2).
Referenced :
www.tgt-kioicho.jp/facilities/office.html
www.kajima.co.jp/news/digest/nov_2015/site/index-j.html
ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B...
Fritillaria meleagris is a Eurasian species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae.
Its common names include snake's head fritillary, snake's head (the original English name), chess flower, frog-cup, guinea-hen flower, guinea flower, leper lily (because its shape resembled the bell once carried by lepers), Lazarus bell, chequered lily, chequered daffodil, drooping tulip or, in the British Isles, simply fritillary. The plant is native to the flood river plains of Europe where it grows in abundance.
The name Fritillaria comes from the Latin fritillus meaning dice-box, possibly referring to the chequered pattern on the flowers although this derivation has been disputed. The name meleagris means "spotted like a guineafowl". The common name "snake's head" probably refers to the somewhat snakelike appearance of the nodding flower heads, especially when in bud, on their long stems. Vita Sackville-West called it "a sinister little flower, in the mournful colour of decay".
The flower has a chequered pattern in shades of purple, or is sometimes pure white. It flowers from March to May and grows between 15–40 cm (6–16 in) in height. The plant has a button-shaped bulb, about 2 cm in diameter, containing poisonous alkaloids. It grows in grasslands in damp soils and river meadows at altitudes up to 800 m (2,625 ft).
Fritillaria meleagris is native to Europe and western Asia but in many places it is an endangered species that is rarely found in the wild but is commonly grown in gardens. In Croatia, the flower is known as kockavica and is associated by some with the country's national symbol. It is the official flower of the Swedish province of Uppland, where it grows in large quantities every spring in the meadows of Kungsängen (King’s Meadow), just outside Uppsala, which gives the flower its Swedish name, kungsängslilja (king’s meadow lily). It is also found for example in Sandemar Nature Reserve, a nature reserve west of Dalarö in Stockholm Archipelago.
The only species that occurs in the wild in the Netherlands is the wild fritillary flower; in Belgium it is extinct or very rare.
Like many plants in the lily family, F. meleagris is susceptible to the scarlet lily beetle, which can seriously damage or kill it.
You have to check out Serena's stream if you haven't done so far. As you all might know I am not a big fan of pet shots but she is amazing. She does mainly pictures of her dogs that are clever, hilarious and so well done. The post processing is the cherry on top. I am a huge fan of her work. I went through her whole stream today and it took me ages to decide for only 9 shots cause all of them are amazing. She also does rocking portraits. Serena surely is one of the most creative and funny people I have met on Flickr.
For Wednesday Contact Showcase
1. lap dog, 2. control, 3. walls apart, 4. feeding time, 5. a face only a mother could love, 6. rabbit, 7. the cosmo gentleman II, 8. a banger in mash, 9. world record in a shopping trolley
#abfav_Easter_and_or_yellow
Or the chicken that laid the Golden egg??? LOL
Seasonal table decoration.
Some fun for the season.
Smile!
I wish you all a very good day and thank you for all your kind words, time, comments and likes. Very much appreciated.
Magda, (*_*)
For more: www.indigo2photography.com
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other
All rights reserved, no use without license
++++++ From Wikipedia +++++++
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is an autonomous territory south to Mainland China and east to Macao in East Asia. With around 7.2 million Hong Kongers of various nationalities[note 2] in a territory of 1,104 km2, Hong Kong is the world's fourth most densely populated country or territory.
Hong Kong used to be a British colony with the perpetual cession of Hong Kong Island from the Qing Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). The colony expanded to the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and acquired a 99-year lease of the New Territories from 1898. Hong Kong was later occupied by Japan during the Second World War until British control resumed in 1945. The Sino-British Joint Declaration signed between the United Kingdom and China in 1984 paved way for the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, when it became a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China with a high degree of autonomy.[15]
Under the principle of "one country, two systems",[16][17] Hong Kong maintains a separate political and economic system from China. Except in military defence and foreign affairs, Hong Kong maintains its independent executive, legislative and judiciary powers.[18] In addition, Hong Kong develops relations directly with foreign states and international organisations in a broad range of "appropriate fields".[19] Hong Kong involves in international organizations, such as the WTO[20] and the APEC [21], actively and independently.
Hong Kong is one of the world's most significant financial centres, with the highest Financial Development Index score and consistently ranks as the world's most competitive and freest economic entity.[22][23] As the world's 8th largest trading entity,[24] its legal tender, the Hong Kong dollar, is the world's 13th most traded currency.[25] As the world's most visited city,[26][27] Hong Kong's tertiary sector dominated economy is characterised by competitive simple taxation and supported by its independent judiciary system.[28] Even with one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, it suffers from severe income inequality.[29]
Nicknamed "Pearl of the Orient", Hong Kong is renowned for its deep natural harbour, which boasts the world's fifth busiest port with ready access by cargo ships, and its impressive skyline, with the most skyscrapers in the world.[30][31] It has a very high Human Development Index ranking and the world's longest life expectancy.[32][33] Over 90% of the population makes use of well-developed public transportation.[34][35] Seasonal air pollution with origins from neighbouring industrial areas of Mainland China, which adopts loose emissions standards, has resulted in a high level of atmospheric particulates in winter.
Etymology
Hong Kong was officially recorded in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking to encompass the entirety of the island.[39]
The source of the romanised name "Hong Kong" is not known, but it is generally believed to be an early imprecise phonetic rendering of the pronunciation in spoken Cantonese 香港 (Cantonese Yale: Hēung Góng), which means "Fragrant Harbour" or "Incense Harbour".[13][14][40] Before 1842, the name referred to a small inlet—now Aberdeen Harbour (Chinese: 香港仔; Cantonese Yale: Hēunggóng jái), literally means "Little Hong Kong"—between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. Aberdeen was an initial point of contact between British sailors and local fishermen.[41]
Another theory is that the name would have been taken from Hong Kong's early inhabitants, the Tankas (水上人); it is equally probable that romanisation was done with a faithful execution of their speeches, i.e. hōng, not hēung in Cantonese.[42] Detailed and accurate romanisation systems for Cantonese were available and in use at the time.[43]
Fragrance may refer to the sweet taste of the harbour's fresh water estuarine influx of the Pearl River or to the incense from factories lining the coast of northern Kowloon. The incense was stored near Aberdeen Harbour for export before Hong Kong developed Victoria Harbour.[40]
The name had often been written as the single word Hongkong until the government adopted the current form in 1926.[44] Nevertheless, a number of century-old institutions still retain the single-word form, such as the Hongkong Post, Hongkong Electric and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
As of 1997, its official name is the "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China". This is the official title as mentioned in the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Hong Kong Government's website;[45] however, "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" and "Hong Kong" are widely accepted.
Hong Kong has carried many nicknames. The most famous among those is the "Pearl of the Orient", which reflected the impressive nightscape of the city's light decorations on the skyscrapers along both sides of the Victoria Harbour. The territory is also known as "Asia's World City".
History
Main articles: History of Hong Kong and History of China
Prehistory
Main article: Prehistoric Hong Kong
Archaeological studies support human presence in the Chek Lap Kok area (now Hong Kong International Airport) from 35,000 to 39,000 years ago and on Sai Kung Peninsula from 6,000 years ago.[46][47][48]
Wong Tei Tung and Three Fathoms Cove are the earliest sites of human habitation in Hong Kong during the Paleolithic Period. It is believed that the Three Fathom Cove was a river-valley settlement and Wong Tei Tung was a lithic manufacturing site. Excavated Neolithic artefacts suggested cultural differences from the Longshan culture of northern China and settlement by the Che people, prior to the migration of the Baiyue to Hong Kong.[49][50] Eight petroglyphs, which dated to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 BC – 1066 BC) in China, were discovered on the surrounding islands.[51]
Imperial China
Main article: History of Hong Kong under Imperial China
In 214 BC, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a centralised China, conquered the Baiyue tribes in Jiaozhi (modern-day Liangguang region and Vietnam) and incorporated the area of Hong Kong into his imperial China for the first time. Hong Kong proper was assigned to the Nanhai commandery (modern-day Nanhai District), near the commandery's capital city Panyu.[52][53][54]
After a brief period of centralisation and collapse of the Qin dynasty, the area of Hong Kong was consolidated under the Kingdom of Nanyue, founded by general Zhao Tuo in 204 BC.[55] When Nanyue lost the Han-Nanyue War in 111 BC, Hong Kong came under the Jiaozhi commandery of the Han dynasty. Archaeological evidence indicates an increase of population and flourish of salt production. The Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb on the Kowloon Peninsula is believed to have been built as a burial site during the Han dynasty.[56]
From the Han dynasty to the early Tang dynasty, Hong Kong was a part of Bao'an County. In the Tang dynasty, modern-day Guangzhou (Canton) flourished as an international trading centre. In 736, the Emperor Xuanzong of Tang established a military stronghold in Tuen Mun to strengthen defence of the coastal area.[57] The nearby Lantau Island was a salt production centre and salt smuggler riots occasionally broke out against the government. In c. 1075, The first village school, Li Ying College, was established around 1075 AD in modern-day New Territories by the Northern Song dynasty.[58] During their war against the Mongols, the imperial court of Southern Song was briefly stationed at modern-day Kowloon City (the Sung Wong Toi site) before their ultimate defeat by the Mongols at the Battle of Yamen in 1279.[59] The Mongols then established their dynastic court and governed Hong Kong for 97 years.
From the mid-Tang dynasty to the early Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Hong Kong was a part of Dongguan County. During the Ming dynasty, the area was transferred to Xin'an County. The indigenous inhabitants at that time consisted of several ethnicities such as Punti, Hakka, Tanka and Hoklo.
European discovery
The earliest European visitor on record was Jorge Álvares, a Portuguese explorer, who arrived in 1513.[60][61] Having established a trading post in a site they called "Tamão" in Hong Kong waters, Portuguese merchants commenced with regular trading in southern China. Subsequent military clashes between China and Portugal, however, led to the expulsion of all Portuguese merchants from southern China.
Since the 14th century, the Ming court had enforced the maritime prohibition laws that strictly forbade all private maritime activities in order to prevent contact with foreigners by sea.[62] When the Manchu Qing dynasty took over China, Hong Kong was directly affected by the Great Clearance decree of the Kangxi Emperor, who ordered the evacuation of coastal areas of Guangdong from 1661 to 1669. Over 16,000 inhabitants of Xin'an County including those in Hong Kong were forced to migrate inland; only 1,648 of those who had evacuated subsequently returned.[63][64]
British Crown Colony: 1842–1941
A painter at work. John Thomson. Hong Kong, 1871. The Wellcome Collection, London
Main articles: British Hong Kong and History of Hong Kong (1800s–1930s)
In 1839, threats by the imperial court of Qing to sanction opium imports caused diplomatic friction with the British Empire. Tensions escalated into the First Opium War. The Qing admitted defeat when British forces captured Hong Kong Island on 20 January 1841. The island was initially ceded under the Convention of Chuenpi as part of a ceasefire agreement between Captain Charles Elliot and Governor Qishan. A dispute between high-ranking officials of both countries, however, led to the failure of the treaty's ratification. On 29 August 1842, Hong Kong Island was formally ceded in perpetuity to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland under the Treaty of Nanking.[65] The British officially established a Crown colony and founded the City of Victoria in the following year.[66]
The population of Hong Kong Island was 7,450 when the Union Flag raised over Possession Point on 26 January 1841. It mostly consisted of Tanka fishermen and Hakka charcoal burners, whose settlements scattered along several coastal hamlets. In the 1850s, a large number of Chinese immigrants crossed the then-free border to escape from the Taiping Rebellion. Other natural disasters, such as flooding, typhoons and famine in mainland China would play a role in establishing Hong Kong as a place for safe shelter.[67][68]
Further conflicts over the opium trade between Britain and Qing quickly escalated into the Second Opium War. Following the Anglo-French victory, the Crown Colony was expanded to include Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary Street) and Stonecutter's Island, both of which were ceded to the British in perpetuity under the Convention of Beijing in 1860.
In 1898, Britain obtained a 99-year lease from Qing under the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, in which Hong Kong obtained a 99-year lease of Lantau Island, the area north of Boundary Street in Kowloon up to Shenzhen River and over 200 other outlying islands.[69][70][71]
Hong Kong soon became a major entrepôt thanks to its free port status, attracting new immigrants to settle from both China and Europe. The society, however, remained racially segregated and polarised under early British colonial policies. Despite the rise of a British-educated Chinese upper-class by the late-19th century, race laws such as the Peak Reservation Ordinance prevented ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong from acquiring houses in reserved areas such as Victoria Peak. At this time, the majority of the Chinese population in Hong Kong had no political representation in the British colonial government. The British governors did rely, however, on a small number of Chinese elites, including Sir Kai Ho and Robert Hotung, who served as ambassadors and mediators between the government and local population.
File:1937 Hong Kong VP8.webmPlay media
Hong Kong filmed in 1937
In 1904, the United Kingdom established the world's first border and immigration control; all residents of Hong Kong were given citizenship as Citizens of United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC).
Hong Kong continued to experience modest growth during the first half of the 20th century. The University of Hong Kong was established in 1911 as the territory's first higher education institute. While there had been an exodus of 60,000 residents for fear of a German attack on the British colony during the First World War, Hong Kong remained unscathed. Its population increased from 530,000 in 1916 to 725,000 in 1925 and reached 1.6 million by 1941.[72]
In 1925, Cecil Clementi became the 17th Governor of Hong Kong. Fluent in Cantonese and without a need for translator, Clementi introduced the first ethnic Chinese, Shouson Chow, into the Executive Council as an unofficial member. Under Clementi's tenure, Kai Tak Airport entered operation as RAF Kai Tak and several aviation clubs. In 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out when the Japanese Empire expanded its territories from northeastern China into the mainland proper. To safeguard Hong Kong as a freeport, Governor Geoffry Northcote declared the Crown Colony as a neutral zone.
Japanese occupation: 1941–45
Main article: Japanese occupation of Hong Kong
The Cenotaph in Hong Kong commemorates those who died in service in the First World War and the Second World War.[73]
As part of its military campaign in Southeast Asia during Second World War, the Japanese army moved south from Guangzhou of mainland China and attacked Hong Kong in on 8 December 1941.[74] Crossing the border at Shenzhen River on 8 December, the Battle of Hong Kong lasted for 18 days when British and Canadian forces held onto Hong Kong Island. Unable to defend against intensifying Japanese air and land bombardments, they eventually surrendered control of Hong Kong on 25 December 1941. The Governor of Hong Kong was captured and taken as a prisoner of war. This day is regarded by the locals as "Black Christmas".[75]
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the Japanese army committed atrocities against civilians and POWs, such as the St. Stephen's College massacre. Local residents also suffered widespread food shortages, limited rationing and hyper-inflation arising from the forced exchange of currency from Hong Kong dollars to Japanese military banknotes. The initial ratio of 2:1 was gradually devalued to 4:1 and ownership of Hong Kong dollars was declared illegal and punishable by harsh torture. Due to starvation and forced deportation for slave labour to mainland China, the population of Hong Kong had dwindled from 1.6 million in 1941 to 600,000 in 1945, when the United Kingdom resumed control of the colony on 2 September 1945.[76]
Resumption of British rule and industrialisation: 1945–97
Main articles: British Hong Kong, 1950s in Hong Kong, 1960s in Hong Kong, 1970s in Hong Kong, 1980s in Hong Kong, and 1990s in Hong Kong
Flag of British Hong Kong from 1959 to 1997
Hong Kong's population recovered quickly after the war, as a wave of skilled migrants from the Republic of China moved in to seek refuge from the Chinese Civil War. When the Communist Party eventually took full control of mainland China in 1949, even more skilled migrants fled across the open border for fear of persecution.[69] Many newcomers, especially those who had been based in the major port cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou, established corporations and small- to medium-sized businesses and shifted their base operations to British Hong Kong.[69] The establishment of a socialist state in China (People's Republic of China) on 1 October 1949 caused the British colonial government to reconsider Hong Kong's open border to mainland China. In 1951, a boundary zone was demarked as a buffer zone against potential military attacks from communist China. Border posts along the north of Hong Kong began operation in 1953 to regulate the movement of people and goods into and out of the territory.
Stamp with portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
In the 1950s, Hong Kong became the first of the Four Asian Tiger economies under rapid industrialisation driven by textile exports, manufacturing industries and re-exports of goods to China. As the population grew, with labour costs remaining low, living standards began to rise steadily.[77] The construction of the Shek Kip Mei Estate in 1953 marked the beginning of the public housing estate programme to provide shelter for the less privileged and to cope with the influx of immigrants.
Under Sir Murray MacLehose, 25th Governor of Hong Kong (1971–82), a series of reforms improved the public services, environment, housing, welfare, education and infrastructure of Hong Kong. MacLehose was British Hong Kong's longest-serving governor and, by the end of his tenure, had become one of the most popular and well-known figures in the Crown Colony. MacLehose laid the foundation for Hong Kong to establish itself as a key global city in the 1980s and early 1990s.
A sky view of Hong Kong Island
An aerial view of the northern shore of Hong Kong Island in 1986
To resolve traffic congestion and to provide a more reliable means of crossing the Victoria Harbour, a rapid transit railway system (metro), the MTR, was planned from the 1970s onwards. The Island Line (Hong Kong Island), Kwun Tong Line (Kowloon Peninsula and East Kowloon) and Tsuen Wan Line (Kowloon and urban New Territories) opened in the early 1980s.[78]
In 1983, the Hong Kong dollar left its 16:1 peg with the Pound sterling and switched to the current US-HK Dollar peg. Hong Kong's competitiveness in manufacturing gradually declined due to rising labour and property costs, as well as new development in southern China under the Open Door Policy introduced in 1978 which opened up China to foreign business. Nevertheless, towards the early 1990s, Hong Kong had established itself as a global financial centre along with London and New York City, a regional hub for logistics and freight, one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia and the world's exemplar of Laissez-faire market policy.[79]
The Hong Kong question
In 1971, the Republic of China (Taiwan)'s permanent seat on the United Nations was transferred to the People's Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong's status as a recognised colony became terminated in 1972 under the request of PRC. Facing the uncertain future of Hong Kong and expiry of land lease of New Territories beyond 1997, Governor MacLehose raised the question in the late 1970s.
The British Nationality Act 1981 reclassified Hong Kong into a British Dependent Territory amid the reorganisation of global territories of the British Empire. All residents of Hong Kong became British Dependent Territory Citizens (BDTC). Diplomatic negotiations began with China and eventually concluded with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. Both countries agreed to transfer Hong Kong's sovereignty to China on 1 July 1997, when Hong Kong would remain autonomous as a special administrative region and be able to retain its free-market economy, British common law through the Hong Kong Basic Law, independent representation in international organisations (e.g. WTO and WHO), treaty arrangements and policy-making except foreign diplomacy and military defence.
It stipulated that Hong Kong would retain its laws and be guaranteed a high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years after the transfer. The Hong Kong Basic Law, based on English law, would serve as the constitutional document after the transfer. It was ratified in 1990.[69] The expiry of the 1898 lease on the New Territories in 1997 created problems for business contracts, property leases and confidence among foreign investors.
Handover and Special Administrative Region status
Main articles: Transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong and 2000s in Hong Kong
Transfer of sovereignty
Golden Bauhinia Square
On 1 July 1997, the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China took place, officially marking the end of Hong Kong's 156 years under British colonial governance. As the largest remaining colony of the United Kingdom, the loss of Hong Kong effectively represented the end of the British Empire. This transfer of sovereignty made Hong Kong the first special administrative region of China. Tung Chee-Hwa, a pro-Beijing business tycoon, was elected Hong Kong's first Chief Executive by a selected electorate of 800 in a televised programme.
Structure of government
Hong Kong's current structure of governance inherits from the British model of colonial administration set up in the 1850s. The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration states that "Hong Kong should enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all areas except defence and foreign affairs" with reference to the underlying principle of one country, two systems.[note 3] This Declaration stipulates that Hong Kong maintains her capitalist economic system and guarantees the rights and freedoms of her people for at least 50 years after the 1997 handover. [note 4] Such guarantees are enshrined in the Hong Kong's Basic Law, the territory's constitutional document, which outlines the system of governance after 1997, albeit subject to interpretation by China's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC).[95][96]
Hong Kong's most senior leader, Chief Executive, is elected by a committee of 1,200 selected members (600 in 1997) and nominally appointed by the Government of China. The primary pillars of government are the Executive Council, Legislative Council, civil service and Judiciary.
Policy-making is initially discussed in the Executive Council, presided by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, before passing to the Legislative Council for bill adoption. The Executive Council consists of 30 official/unofficial members appointed by the Chief Executive and one member among them acts as the convenor.[97][98]
The Legislative Council, set up in 1843, debates policies and motions before voting to adopt or rejecting bills. It has 70 members (originally 60) and 40 (originally 30) among them are directly elected by universal suffrage; the other 30 members are "functional constituencies" (indirectly) elected by a smaller electorate of corporate bodies or representatives of stipulated economic sectors as defined by the government. The Legislative Council is chaired by a president who acts as the speaker.[99][100]
In 1997, seating of the Legislative Council (also public services and election franchises) of Hong Kong modelled on the British system: Urban Council (Hong Kong and Kowloon) and District Council (New Territories and Outlying Islands). In 1999, this system has been reformed into 18 directly elected District Offices across 5 Legislative Council constituencies: Hong Kong Island (East/West), Kowloon and New Territories (East/West); the remaining outlying islands are divided across the aforementioned regions.
Hong Kong's Civil Service, created by the British colonial government, is a politically neutral body that implements government policies and provides public services. Senior civil servants are appointed based on meritocracy. The territory's police, firefighting and customs forces, as well as clerical officers across various government departments, make up the civil service.[101][102]
Waikiki is most famous for its beaches and every room is just two or three blocks away from the sea. With Leahi (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. In fact, legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medallist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing”. Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.
I feel as if we're living on the fringe of an apocalypse. Ike's "afterbirth" (as I call it) stirred up a Category 1 hurricane through Cincinnati, an area that is about 700 miles from the nearest coast. 850,000 people are without power. 85mph winds knocked down trees, ripped off roofs and -- in an area that wouldn't imagine experiencing these types of winds -- mass chaos ensued. Gas stations closed. Grocery stores closed. School closed. Lines form in every store with power, and supplies of food and gas are running out.
The past 2 days I've had to work from our bathtub because its the only place in the house that I get a wireless signal (thanks to a neighbor who has a different internet provider). Thankfully, somehow, we still have electricity. I might go out there and see if I can't document some of it.
This is just one of my test shots before I embark on my little project to capture this amazing part of the Milky Way that passes through Scorpio (Southern Sky, that is - for you guys in the Northern Hemisphere this photo appears up-side-down). This was captured outside my in-law's house tonight, in our hometown, Echuca, a town of 12,500 people, so there's still plenty of light pollution about. My plan is to take several shots at various landmarks 45 minutes out of town to get more amazing shots. This image was captured at ISO 2000, f3.5 for 25 seconds at 18mm. Can anyone lend me a 10mm DX lens?
The image is mine, the processing is by me, but that wonderful statue is by Ju Ming.
Sculpture title: Tai Chi Single Whip
Artist: Ju Ming (Taiwan: 1938-2023)
Material: Bronze
太
Tai... as in the Chinese character for highest, which is the first character in the word Tai Chi (太極). The word Tai Chi means, "the ultimate." Tai Chi was originally a type of Chinese martial art. It evolved into a low-impact form of exercise.
Do you see the bold brush-stroked calligraphy of that two-dimensional character Tai in the sculpture's three-dimensional form and movement?
I know. I know. You don't read Chinese. But look anyway, harder. 太
This creative Tai Chi sculpture in St. Louis that I photographed reminded me of a similar one at Exchange Square in Central, Hong Kong, where the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is. It turns out it is from the same famous artist from Taiwan.
Thanks for stopping by and viewing this photo. The reason for posting this photo on Flickr is to learn so if you have constructive feedback regarding what I could do better and / or what should I try, drop me a note I would love to hear your input.
View on Black the way it should be seen!
-- Let the sound of the shutter always guide you to new ventures.
© 2023 Winkler
Remember to follow me on Social Media Facebook: Bjarne Winkler, We Capture Your Business, or Twitter @Bjarne Winkler, @CaptureWe, @NewTeamSoftware
IAPP Member: US#12002
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal in Europe. It is a really beautiful city. One I enjoyed walking through a lot. This is a view from a hill which homes a huge statue of jesus (similar to the one found in Rio de Janeiro.)
The amazing star effect on the city lights is nothing to do with the camera's aperture. I have a special bit of glass that I occasionally put on the end of the lens called a star filter. I call it the 'bling bling' filter.
The Mk.82 (formerly known as Hargreaves machine gun, Model 1882) is a gas operated and water-cooled machine gun designed by Sir Obadiah Hargreaves, a Seranian inventor in 1882.
The Hargreaves gun has served in many conflicts with the Seranum Imperium Military since 1889 and has been made with many variants from fighter aircraft's gun to lightweight squad automatic weapon.
The Model 1994 of this weapon featured the lightweight all-synthetic furniture, top and bottom picatinny rails and corrosion-proof water jacket and barrel. The weapon chambered in 5.56mm NATO, come with standard 100 rounds large-box magazine.
This is my interpretation of the ultimate MidCentury Modern Workspace. 50 plus year old designs that still looks timeless yet modern and contemporary. Dieter Rams would say "Less is More." Don Draper would say, "Make it simple, but make it significant." Yes, it is expensive but it will outlive and outlast any computers I have or will have for the next 40 years. This is a "luxury desk set-up."
George Nelson Swag Leg Desk design by Charles Pollock for Nelson Associates in 1958.
Eames Soft Pad Management Aluminum Group Chair designed in 1969 by the legendary design masters, Charles and Ray Eames. Both manufactured by Herman Miller. Artemide Tolomeo Lamp. Designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide. 1987. The design classics. All featured and on displays at various Museums of Modern Art like NY MoMA. George Nelson Bench for storage. Everything pictured are authentic, licensed pieces.
BTW, people have been wondering. Yes, you can fit a 27" iMac on a George Nelson Swag Desk. As long as it is under 25 lbs.
I'm pretty much complete except I might swap out the Tolomeo Lamp for an AJ (Arne Jacobsen) Desk Lamp.
Update: Thanks. This was featured on lifehacker.com
coloquei os blocos lado a lado pra ter uma idéia de como ficará, depois de colocar as molduras ficará maior.
Italien / Toskana - Sorano
Sorano is a town and comune in the province of Grosseto, southern Tuscany (Italy).
It as an ancient medieval hill town hanging from a tuff stone over the Lente River.
History
Sorano was probably inhabited by Villanovan culture, but the first historical mentions are relative to the 3rd century BC, when it was an Etruscan city under the influence of the more populous nearby Sovana.
Disappearing from history under the Roman domination, it is again known in 862 when a county was founded by Emperor Louis II, under the Aldobrandeschi suzerainty. The Aldobrandeschi were the most powerful feudataries of southern Tuscany for more than four centuries, disappearing in 1312 when Margherita, son of Ildibrandino, died without male heirs. His daughter Adelaide married to Romano di Gentile Orsini, who added the city to the family fiefs.
The county of Pitigliano-Sorano fought against the Republic of Siena, but was forced to accept its suzerainty from 1417. It regained a full independence in 1556, when the latter was annexed to the Duchy of Tuscany. The fortress, due to its strategic position, was frequently attacked; it was also the seat of fratricidal fights between the Orsini. In 1604, with the death of Alessandro di Bertoldo, it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Frazioni
The municipality is formed by the municipal seat of Sorano and the villages (frazioni) of Castell'Ottieri, Cerreto, Elmo, Montebuono, Montevitozzo, Montorio, San Giovanni delle Contee, San Quirico, San Valentino and Sovana.
Culture
Comedian Jack Benny mentions Sorano in a running gag on both the radio and television versions of The Jack Benny Program, in which Jack has written a song entitled “When You Say 'I Beg Your Pardon,' Then I’ll Come Back to You.” In the gag, each time Jack reaches the lyric “when the swallows at Sorano return to Capistrano,” the song is interrupted by a cast member or guest star questioning how a swallow could possibly fly all the way from Italy to California.
Main sights
Rocca degli Orsini (Orsini castle), built in the 14th century but totally renovated by Niccolò IV Orsini in 1552. It is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance military architecture. It has two massive angular bastions, connected by a line of walls with the main gate, which is surmounted by a noteworthy coat of arms and by a square tower. In the interior of the walls are remains of the ancient nucleus, with a round tower and the draw-bridge, now disappeared. A cycle of 16th-century frescoes of Sienese school have been recently found out.
Masso Leopoldino, a natural tuff stone carved to form a fortified, panoramic terrace by order of Gran Duke Leopold.
Vitozza cave settlement and fortress
Another castle is in the frazione of Sovana.
(Wikipedia)
Sorano ist eine kleine mittelalterliche Stadt mit 3180 Einwohnern (Stand 31. Dezember 2019) der italienischen Provinz Grosseto in der Toskana.
Geografische Lage
Die Stadt liegt in der südlichen Toskana, im äußersten Osten der Hochmaremma, am Hang eines Tuffsteinhügels über dem Fluss Lente, der hier von den kleineren Wasserläufen Cercone und Castelsereno gespeist wird. Wie Pitigliano und Castell’Azzara ist sie eine der „Tuffsteinstädte“ (città del tufo).
Zur Gemeinde gehören folgende Siedlungen: Castell'Ottieri, Cerreto, Elmo, Montebuono, Montevitozzo, Montorio, San Giovanni delle Contee, San Quirico, San Valentino und Sovana.
Nachbargemeinden sind Acquapendente (VT), Castell’Azzara, Latera (VT), Manciano, Onano (VT), Pitigliano, Proceno (VT) und Semproniano. Im Osten grenzt Sorano an die Region Latium. Die Entfernung zur Provinzhauptstadt Grosseto beträgt etwa 80 km. Nach Rom sind es etwa 150 km, Siena ist etwa 100 km und Florenz etwa 180 km entfernt.
Geschichte
Das Felsplateau von Sorano war vermutlich seit der Bronzezeit besiedelt. Zur Zeit der Etrusker war das Gebiet sicher besiedelt, der etruskische Name der Siedlung ist allerdings nicht überliefert. Der heutige Ortsname leitet sich vermutlich von dem lateinischen Namen einer etruskischen Gottheit, Pater Soranus her. Sorano wurde in der Römerzeit durch das Municipium von Sovana verwaltet.
Im Mittelalter war die Stadt im achten Jahrhundert unter langobardischer Herrschaft. 862 ging sie in den Besitz der Grafen Aldobrandeschi über. Diese wurden 1312 von dem Geschlecht der Orsini als Herrscher abgelöst, die die Stadt wiederum 1604 an die Medici abtreten mussten. 1737 kam die Stadt unter die Herrschaft des Hauses Habsburg-Lothringen.
Die Erosion des Tuffsteinfelsens, der die Bausubstanz der Stadt mit betraf, führte zu einem allmählichen Niedergang der Stadt. In den letzten Jahren wurde Sorano als Touristenziel wieder aufgewertet.
Sehenswürdigkeiten
Die Kirche Collegiata di San Niccolò wurde bereits 1276 erwähnt.
Der Ort verfügt über zwei mittelalterliche Befestigungsanlagen, die Fortezza Orsini und den Masso Leopoldino.
Der zur Fortezza Orsini gehörende Orsinipark ist nur noch teilweise erhalten, einige Skulpturen und die Reste eines Brunnens sind noch sichtbar.
Der Palazzo Comitale ist ein gut erhaltener Renaissancepalast, der den Orsini als Residenz diente.
Die Porta dei Merli ist ein Stadttor, das früher mit einer Zugbrücke ausgestattet war und mit Wappen verziert ist.
Außerhalb der Stadt gibt es eine Reihe von Höhlen zu sehen, die von den Etruskern und Römern genutzt wurden. Am bekanntesten dabei ist die Nekropole von San Rocco.
Ebenfalls außerhalb der Stadt befinden sich mehrere Via Cave, Wegsysteme der Etrusker, die in den Tuffstein gegraben wurden.
(Wikipedia)
19/100 Still Life
And 66/119 - Less is more
I've seen other people do shots like this. I am really not OCD enough!!
====The Iceberg Lounge====
"Have you ever considered that life is one cruel joke? That every second, the clock ticks ever closer to death. You might ask what that is, death. What happens at the end? Nothing? Everything? The only people who have seen it, can't come back and tell us, can they? I know what you might think "Superman came back. Batman came back. Green Arrow and a couple of Lanterns have the odd resurrection too." But did they talk? No, It simply can't be comprehended. Nothing more than a "bright light," sometimes we don't even get that. Not all of us are superheroes, not all of us can rely on divine intervention to bring us or our loved ones back. We search and search, but we've found nothing! Zombies exist! Ghosts exist! I've seen them with my own two eyes, but do they talk? Never. No one ever does. It's a conspiracy. I mean what about you? Have you ever died? What do you think?"
Len- I think Billy, you've had too much to drink. When I'm saying that, it's best to just go home.
*Clock King grumbles something about being unappreciated, then staggers away. It's almost funny. You'd think working with Penguin, these kinds of ramblings would be different. But nope. Same old shit about the people they've killed, the women they've screwed and some novice first year philosophical crap. There are some changes though. The chants. Those are new*
Patrons- Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.
*Penguin's office overlooks the main bar, sat on top of an enormous fish tank. The black mass within swims about, it's interest piqued. Penguin stands beside the Zebra- an ex-Kobra agent, who dangles a terrified man above the tank*
Walton- Please Mr Cobblepot.
Penguin- These past weeks have been hard gentlemen, I'll admit it. A sniper attacked here. Here, in the Iceberg Lounge! And yet through that crucible of blood, truces have been made and alliances have been forged. We should be enjoying peace time, sharing laughs over the finest beer, no? Yet, there are some, who don't approve of this peace and quiet! Some who want to stir things up! You remember Mr Walton don't you? Mr Walton's been picking fights, haven't you son? Why he went over to Blackfire's turf and tried to blow the damn place to smithereens! And you know what we do to troublemakers!
Patrons- Orca! Orca! Orca!
Penguin- Yes. I hope you packed your swim wear son.
*Walton screams as the Zebra drops him into the fish tank below. He struggles, trying to gasp for air, but upon reaching the surface, Penguin knocks him back down with the tip of his umbrella. The crazed crowd roar with pleasure, and Oswald Cobblepot feels ten men tall, as the patrons praise his name, as Walton disappears into the murky depths, leaving a trail of blood behind. One Kabuki lights his cigarette, placing it on the holder. As Cobblepot puffs it, he sees his bartender and raises his umbrella in recognition "Leonard! Let's talk"*
===Solomon Chapel===
*These past weeks I've done things I've never done before. My memory is hazy. I kept having visions of things... orders, like commands from God but I- I don't know what it is, but with everything that happened, I don't want the past repeating itself*
Blackfire- Leaving Philip?
Ten- Yes, I... um, I appreciate everything you've done for me Deacon, really, but I saw... heard you at the meeting and I just... I'm going to the hotel. Charles has agreed to take me in. I just need to get my belongings and I'll be gone.
Blackfire- I'm... disappointed you won't reconsider.
Ten- I'm not a violent man father. Maybe once, but not anymore. I can't condone a witch hunt of any kind.
Blackfire- A shame. I'd rather hoped you'd continue our journey together. You and I.
Ten- And I'm sorry. But this... isn't me.
Blackfire- A drink then. For your trouble. I have an unopened bottle of communion wine in the chapel.
*I nod. It's only fair. We raise our glasses and I sip. He just watches, peculiarly.*
Blackfire- I brought you a gift.
Ten- Pardon?
*My head... It's thumping... I stagger out of my seat and I try reaching out into the darkness
Blackfire- Feeling lightheaded? I'm afraid I can't let you leave just yet. You see, I'd like to reintroduce you to an old friend of yours. Harold Simms. We found him in Chinatown. The GCPD never caught him following his escape from Blackgate, but the new Task Force is much more effective
Ten- You... You poisoned me?
Blackfire- No. I've enlightened you.
*I... Finding it harder to think. I'm surrounded by cloaked figures... Followers... jeering at me all of a sudden*
Blackfire- Behold the ten-eyed monster my children! He is a non believer, and a traitor to our holy mission. But watch, as I change his mind!
*And then I realise... why I've been having head aches, why I've been acting out*
Ten- How many times? How many times have you drugged me?
Blackfire- Not enough.
Ten- You... you sir, are a fraud. You're no holy man! You're a-
Blackfire- Do not preach to me. Your eyes, Philip, were not what failed you, it was your soul. Blackened by your crimes. I speak not of your robberies or your heists, but your "service." Fighting and killing for the rich and corrupt! The same rich who would wall in their problems rather than taking the direct approach as I have done. They are all sinners, and only I can lead the way. And yet, I can fix you, set you right. All it takes is one sip of my cleansing cocktail... All I ask of you, is to kill the photographic fiend before you.
====Elliot Heights Hotel====
*Batman stopped by a few days ago, leaving Dekker with us. Said Sionis would kill him if he had the chance. Do I like the guy? Honestly, he creeps us all out a bit, and he's completely self serving. But when the alternative is leaving him to Black Mask, I get why Bats left him here. Even if *he* doesn't*
Dekker- I need to get out of here. This, my little Peanut, is bollocks, and I won't be sucked dry sir, not today!
Rigger- Do I gag him?
Chuck- What? No, he might like it. Dekker, you're among friends. Batman left you here for a reason, there isn't a safer place in Arkham.
Dekker- And that's just it cupcake. I don't want to be here. I was promised freedom for my cooperation!
Chuck- Didn't you think that none of us want to be here? We don't Dekker! We don't! We all want to fly our fucking kites, but we can't! Out of fear that they'll shoot em down!
Rigger- I'm sorry. What do kites have to do with this?
*There's a knocking at the door. Maybe it's Stingeree, back with Ten? Or, maybe it's Black Mask? Rigger arms himself, and opens the door, where a blue, green and bloody figure runs in*
Chuck- Jesus, Mitch, where have you been? I thought-
*He grabs Chuck by his uniform and looks up with horror filled eyes*
Chuck- Hey, hey it's ok
Mitch- I was... I was waiting for the food dumps on Sunday, Easter Sunday, when it went down. I went into the Gazette building and I- I saw *him*
Rigger- Wait, who?
Dekker- It's the Joker! It's the Joker, I bloody knew it!
Chuck- Shut up! Mitch, who... who did it?
Mitch- Black... Black Spider...
====Iceberg Lounge====
Penguin- This is my pride and joy Leonard. My Arctic Roller. Custom built of course, the base model is German. Those patterns, are engravings by a fine Norwegian artist, Stefan Tomlinson. Hidden weaponry, under the hood. It's a good thing the guards never found it. Last thing I'd want is it confiscated, and driven into a tree by some imbecile who never passed his driving test...
You're thinking about Walton aren't you? ... I told you, when we first met, that I valued loyalty above all else. Those who lie, or cheat me deserve nothing less than a swim with Ms Balin.
Len- I get it.
*Penguin places a pudgy hand on his back*
Penguin- You're a good man Leonard. Better than I ever was. Excuse me.
*He waddles over to Zebra Man*
Penguin- This better be important.
Zebra- They say they have witness.
Penguin- What?
Zebra- Yes, they-
Penguin- Sssh, quiet! Who? Who, you idiot?
Zebra- Mitchell... Mayo.
...
Penguin- Who the bloody hell is Mitchell Mayo?
Central Railway Station, Helsinki - Finland (Suomi) / September 2012
© Copyright 2012 Mario Rasso
All Rights Reserved. Please contact me, if you are interested in using my work
e-mail: mariorasso@yahoo.com
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
Helsinki Central railway station (Finnish: Helsingin päärautatieasema, Swedish: Helsingfors centralstation) is a widely recognised landmark in central Helsinki, Finland, and the focal point of public transport in the Greater Helsinki area. The station is used by approximately 200,000 passengers per day, making it Finland's most-visited building. It serves as the point of origin for all trains in the local VR commuter rail network, as well as for a large proportion of long-distance trains in Finland. The station also hosts the Rautatientori metro station, which is the busiest station of the Helsinki Metro.
On 7 June 2010, the Helsinki Central railway station was officially renamed Helsingin päärautatieasema-Helsingfors centralstation (Helsinki main railway station, or Helsinki central railway station) in Finnish and Swedish, replacing the previous official name Helsingin rautatieasema-Helsingfors järnvägsstation (Helsinki railway station). The Finnish transport bureau use "Helsinki C" as a shorthand, and there were erroneous news reports that this shorthand would also be taken into official use. The Turku Central railway station was renamed in a similar manner.atieasema, Swedish: Helsingfors centralstation) is a widely recognised landmark in central Helsinki, Finland, and the focal point of public transport in the Greater Helsinki area. The station is used by approximately 200,000 passengers per day, making it Finland's most-visited building. It serves as the point of origin for all trains in the local VR commuter rail network, as well as for a large proportion of long-distance trains in Finland. The station also hosts the Rautatientori metro station, which is the busiest station of the Helsinki Metro.
On 7 June 2010, the Helsinki Central railway station was officially renamed Helsingin päärautatieasema-Helsingfors centralstation (Helsinki main railway station, or Helsinki central railway station) in Finnish and Swedish, replacing the previous official name Helsingin rautatieasema-Helsingfors järnvägsstation (Helsinki railway station). The Finnish transport bureau use "Helsinki C" as a shorthand, and there were erroneous news reports that this shorthand would also be taken into official use. The Turku Central railway station was renamed in a similar manner.
Tallin is the capital and largest city of Estonia.
Tallinn occupies an area of 159.2 km2 - population of 431,184. It is situated on the northern coast of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, 80 km (50 mi) south of Helsinki, east of Stockholm and west of Saint Petersburg. Tallinn's Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is ranked as a global city and has been listed among the top 10 digital cities in the world. The city was a European Capital of Culture for 2011, along with Turku in Finland.
The city was known as Reval from the 13th century until 1917 and again during the Nazi occupation of Estonia from 1941 to 1944.
32.7% of Estonia's total population lives in Tallinn.
3rd. port of call summer 2014 Baltic cruise
Woodland Listeni/ˈwʊdlənd/ is a low-density forest forming open habitats with plenty of sunlight and limited shade. Woodlands may support an understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants including grasses. Woodland may form a transition to shrubland under drier conditions or during early stages of primary or secondary succession. Higher densities and areas of trees, with largely closed canopy, provide extensive and nearly continuous shade and are referred to as forest.
Conservationists have worked hard to preserve woodlands. For example, the woodlands in Northwest Indiana have been preserved as part of the Indiana Dunes.
Woodland is used in British woodland management to mean tree-covered areas which arose naturally and which are then managed, while forest is usually used in the British Isles to describe plantations, usually more extensive, or hunting Forests, which are a land use with a legal definition and may not be wooded at all. The term "ancient woodland" is used in British nature conservation to refer to any wooded land that has existed since 1600, and often (though not always) for thousands of years, since the last ice age (equivalent to the American term old-growth forest).
Woodlot is a closely related American term, which refers to a stand of trees generally used for firewood. While woodlots often technically have closed canopies, they are so small that light penetration from the edge makes them ecologically closer to woodland than forest.
Photo taken in the woodland on the walk from the waterfall at Janet’s Foss, only a short walk from Malham village. Somewhat uneven and rocky towards the end, this route provides that little bit of excitement to tempt the kids.
This walk is particularly memorable in springtime as the woodland is a mass of wild garlic.
Location Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Canon EOS 1V HS
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro USM
Kodak Portra 160
Today is finally starting to look like spring. The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and it got up to 66 F today. Farmer Smurf can’t wait to get busy in the garden, but it's a little too early yet.
365 Days in Color, blizzard blue and/or almond No. 11
315/365
365 Toy Project No. 70
70/365
You are not them. You are not your family. You do not have to be trapped into their footsteps or their habits. I’m so sick of being afraid of picking up the bad traits of my family. I’m so sick of being stressed because I feel like I can never impress them.
My best friend since we were two has come to church every once and a while with me growing up but this summer she gave her heart to God and she’s absolutely amazing. However, one day she came and told her Dad something exciting that happened at a youth event and his response was “You can’t believe everything you hear at church.” When she told me this she was crying, she…being a girl who has these walls that block off so many people from seeing her broken like that, was crying because of this strong amount of discouragement she felt. Aren’t your parents supposed to build you up? Like when we’re four and you painted the ugliest thing yet your mother or father had put it up on the fridge and praised you for how beautiful it was.
Then there are some of you that come from broken families, abusive families,families who do not have the same beliefs as you, or maybe you even come from a great, happy, united family yet you just feel you do not fit.
The bible says obey your parents and I am in no way telling you otherwise. But I am telling you that they…do not control who you will be. Or at least, you do not have to let them.
Growing up Ruth was my favourite book in the bible. It’s a story about a woman(Ruth) who marries into a family yet when her husband dies and her mother-in-law plans on going back to her homeland Ruth begs and pleads to go with her. She leaves her own family, her own land, perhaps even the beliefs she was raised to believe. All to follow a woman she had become so close with. Yes, they were not related by blood yet Naomi(the mother in law) loved Ruth.
“…and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and you have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:11,12
Ruth was blessed. And blessed. And blessed. She married a man named Boaz and bore a son named Obed who happened to be the grand father of David.
What I’m getting at here is when you watch your family and you are hurt by them you need to understand that yes, God tells us to love everyone and you should love and forgive them yet you do not have to force yourself to be like them. To believe the same things as they do. You do not have to feel discouraged like my own friend had. Because, like God did with Ruth, he can bring people into your life that will affect you and encourage you and love you. Whether they’re your relatives or not.
You are your own person and God find that so beautiful. He died so you could be free from your sins so why are you letting yourself be captive to these huge shadows your family or friends cast on you? You are not them.
So do not let them tear you down or destroy your faith or hope. Because there will always be someone else out there meant for you who believes the same and who wants to see you grow not to bottle that light.
(I'm tagging charlotte because she is wonderful and so encouraging even if she doesn't have the same beliefs. And she inspired this more than i can even explain)
Desert Sand Whale (Cetus arenaceous ssp. mojavensis) breaching. This extremely rare species is occasionally seen along Hwy 178 east of Ridgecrest. The small population there is the result of a surreptitious reintroduction program. Near Argus, San Bernardino Co., Calif.
She is my Evangeline! I gave her a new face up and body blushing today with some freckles... I'm glad with the result... she looks totally different as intended.
Here is the new Evangeline still in the Spa... looking herself in the mirror for the very first time!
♥ ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥
Koprivnjak is a humble summit, entirely on the Austrian territory. This picture is interesting, as it shows the main ridge of Karavanke Mountains. Baba / Frauenkogel on the left is famous by its ski touring slopes. But its NW face is steep and rocky. The massif of Kepa / Mittagskogel massif on the right shows first the Plevelniki ridge.
Following PN's 3PM6 on line clearance is SCT Intermodal service 6AM9 from Penfield to Laverton with the combination of SCT005/CSR019/CF4430/CSR012 hauling 1104/1101 through Hawthorn on Friday the 29th of November 2024.
The 1100 class locomotives are owned by QUBE Logistics and are returning East after a 5 month stint working services for Watco Australia in Western Australia. The CF is also a new addition to the SCT roster, with 5 new build C44aci locomotives on long-term lease to the operator from Railfirst Asset Management, due to the failures of multiple Gen 1 CSR class units.
© Dom Quartuccio 2024.
what is it with T girls and the urge to take a photo in the bathroom/ loo/ restroom ?
I just can't pass one without whipping out my............camera to take a photo.
This is how I looked an hour after finishing work the night, That's how long it takes to go from him to her. sometimes the results are good others times it doesn't really work. Its even more of a gamble If I have to do my makeup in the car before heading out for the night
Maybe that's why we hit the bathroom! just to make sure we don't look to scary.
Why not take a walk, around Snowshill, if you have time, please click "here"!
Snowshill is a small rural settlement in the north of the borough of Gloucestershire which lies on a ridgeway, with the villages of Broadway, Buckland and Laverton nearby. The village offers panoramic views from certain vantage points within the conservation area boundary, while surrounding landscapes, including the Cotswold Ridge and Avon Valley, offer limited views into the village. Snowshill is a small, remote upland settlement situated in the Cotswold Hills in the Cotswold Area of Natural Beauty (AONB). It is one of the highest villages in Gloucestershire at 1,000 feet above sea level. The village of Snowshill is on a small unclassified road which runs from Broadway to Bourton on the Water. It is a nucleated village – one where the houses are located round a focal point such as a church or village green. Historically Snowshill developed as a farming village with the main industry being wool production. Local stone quarries provided the primary building materials for the village; stone slate roofs and stone walls The topography of Snowshill and the surrounding landscape means that the village remains sheltered from external views. However from the outskirts of Snowshill, from higher land and within Snowshill, there are glimpses of the village. Over time Snowshill has had many variations in name, including Snawesill in the 1087 Domesday Book, Snausilla in 1227, and Snoweshulle in 1360. The name Snowshill appears for the first time in the Valuation of Crown Lands of 1570. Derived from the old English, snaw for snow and hyll for hill, the name of the village refers to its topographical meaning i.e. “Hill of Snow”. It is often said that snow remains in the folds of the hill long after it has melted in the Vale. Despite being a relatively small village with a little over 200 inhabitants, Snowshill has a long history. The settlement sits near a large amount of spring water; it is also positioned close to the path taken by two prehistoric trackways. In the early ninth century King Kenulf gave the manor of Snowshill and the tithes and chaplaincy together with those for Stanton to St Mary’s Abbey, Winchcombe which had been founded in approximately 798 AD Following the Norman invasion of England, the whole land was claimed by William the Conqueror who granted lands to his followers, including the abbey at Winchcombe which still had control of Snowshill and Stanton. The Domesday entry for Snowshill states: “The church of St. Mary of Wincelcumbe holds Snawesill, in Holfordes hundred. There are seven hides taxed. In demean are three plowtillages, and twelve villeins, and two bordars, with fixed plow-tillages. There are six servi. It is worth and was worth 100 sol”. Carolyn Mason in her book Snowshill; A Gloucestershire Village says this equates to the manor having 840 acres and the population of the village being about 802 . Rudder, in his book A New History of Gloucestershire says that Winchcombe Abbey assigned the manor of Snowshill to the monastery of St Ebrulf in Normandy in the twelfth year of Edward II’s reign (1296) but that the manor returned to the abbey in 1415 when foreign onasteries were divested of their land in England. Snowshill remained in the ownership of the abbey until the Dissolution when it became the property of Henry VIII. Rudder says that Henry assigned the manor of Snowshill to Queen Catherine as part of her dower. This is confusing as three of his six wives were called Catherine. It seems likely that it was Catherine Parr as following the death of Catherine Edward VI granted it to John, Earl of Warwick. Catherine Parr was the only one alive in 1547 when Edward became king. Following the execution of the Earl of Warwick in the reign of Queen Mary the manor of Snowshill reverted to the possession of the Crown until it was given to Francis Bulstrode according to Carolyn Mason although Rudder makes no mention of this. At the time of Rudder’s history the population of Snowshill was 236 (more than today) and he states that at the beginning of the 18th century the population was about 190 and that there were 38 houses. The chapel is described as small with a tower at the west end ornamented with pinnacles and battlements. The chapel, together with the manor of Stanton was granted by the Crown to John Elliott. When the lands around Snowshill were enclosed in 1761 by Act of Parliament 202 acres were given to the rector to replace the tithes. The English Heritage register entry for the gardens of Snowshill Manor states that it was sold in 1572 to John and Thomas Warne (or Warren)
and that it remained in that family until around 1645 when it was sold to Will Wall. Between 1712 and 1743, the Manor was owned by the Sanbach family (Carolyn Mason and Rudder give the family name as Sambach) and, during that time, there were some additions to the house. William Sambach the younger died without issue in 1759 and Samuel Blackwell purchased the estate. He sold to John Small of Clapham in Surrey (d 1779). From 1759 to 1919 the Manor was owned by landlords who were largely absent. In the 17th century the manor and some of the cottages were built. The Rose cottage and The Old Shop, Manor Cottages and Green Close, all date to this time. The brewhouse and dovecote within the grounds of the manor are possible earlier from the 16th century. Part of Tower Close dates to the early 18th century and the two garden houses within the manor grounds are late 18th century. The chapel was rebuilt in 1864 but very little of it survives in the new church.
These are some of the ladies from Yorkshire Life Aquatic and where doing Synchronised swimming on dry land , it was great fun
The Blue Tit is a popular and easy to recognise garden favourite. With its small size and distinctive blue and yellow plumage , the Blue tit is a regular garden visitor that’s wide spread throughout the British Isles and mainland Europe. The Blue Tit is a member of the Tit family of birds , Paridae . Usually resident , the bird does not migrate and in fact most stay within a short distance from where they hatch , typically less than 20 miles.
The Blue Tit is around 12 cm long with a wingspan of 18 cm and weighs between 11- 20 g . With a blue crown and dark line passing through the eye, with white cheeks to the chin. The forehead and a bar on the wing are white. The nape, wings and tail are blue and the back is yellowish green. The underparts is mostly yellow with a dark line down the abdomen. Both male and female adult birds have a similar appearance.
The Blue tit will nest in any suitable hole in a tree, wall, or stump, or an artificial nest box, competing with Great Tits and House Sparrows for nesting sites. The same hole ( nesting site ) is returned to every year, and when one pair dies another pair will takes possession of the nesting site. It is estimated that there are 3,300,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
The successful breeding of chicks is dependent on sufficient supply of green caterpillars as well as satisfactory weather. Breeding seasons may be affected badly if the weather is cold and wet between May and July, particularly if this coincides with the emergence of the caterpillars on which the nestlings are fed.
Eggs are small in size, 14–18 mm in diameter. The egg size does vary, depending mostly on the size of individual females and habitat . The nesting material is usually moss, wool, hair and feathers, and the eggs are laid in April or May. The number in the clutch can be very large with seven or eight eggs laid by a single female. During the incubation period, female blue tits perform all of the incubation, however the male feeds the female during this time.
The Blue Tits diet is made up of small insects and spiders during the summer months supplemented by fruit , nuts and the young buds of trees and plants. The bird has adapted and evolved the ability to digest milk and cream and is an acrobatic favourite on bird feeders up and down the country.
Read more at www.wildonline.blog
The Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly widespread throughout Europe; from North Africa across Europe to the Urals, the Caucasus and Asia Minor, but is absent from the sub-arctic areas of Norway and Sweden. The butterfly occurs in shady woodland, clearings and edges, hedgerows and scrub, but too in parks and gardens.
In Europe it is a brown butterfly with pale yellow or cream spots on the wings and numerous eye-spots (subspecies P. a. tircis). In southwestern Europe and North Africa are the spots more orange (subspecies P. a. aegeria). The two forms gradually intergrade into each other. The undersides of the wings are marbled, and are light and dark brown in colour. Females have brighter and more distinct markings than males. The wingspan of both males and females is 4 - 4.5 cm, although males tend to be slightly smaller than females.
The flight-periods of the adults of each generation overlap, so they can be seen from March through to October. The speckled wood can overwinter either as a caterpillar or as a pupa, an unusual situation in a butterfly.
Het bont zandoogje (Pararge aegeria) is een wijdverspreide vlinder in heel Europa, van Noord-Afrika via Europa tot de Oeral, de Kaukasus en Klein-Azië, maar de soort is afwezig in Midden- en Noord-Scandinavië. De vlinder komt vooral voor in loof-, naald- en gemengde bossen, en dan vooral open plekken, paden en randen, hagen en struikgewas, maar ook in parken en tuinen.
De bruine vlinder heeft lichtgele of crèmige vlekken op de vleugels en tal van eye-spots (ondersoort P. a. tircis). In het zuidwesten van Europa en Noord-Afrika zijn de vlekken meer oranje (ondersoort P. a. aegeria). De twee vormen gaan geleidelijk in elkaar over.
De onderkanten van de vleugels zijn licht en donker bruin gemarmerd. Vrouwtjes hebben helderder en duidelijker markeringen dan de mannetjes. De spanwijdte van zowel de mannetjes als de vrouwtjes is 4 à 4,5 cm, hoewel de mannetjes de neiging hebben om iets kleiner te zijn dan vrouwtjes.
Het mannetje zit vaak op zonnige plekjes in het bos met geopende vleugels te zonnen en te wachten op een vrouwtje. Als er een ander mannetje op zijn plekje komt, jaagt hij hem snel weg.
De vluchtperiodes van de generaties overlappen elkaar, zodat ze kunnen worden gezien van maart tot oktober.
Het bont zandoogje kan overwinteren als rups of pop.
Deze opname is gemaakt in de Kwekerij voor Europese vlinders van www.passiflorahoeve.nl bij Harskamp op de Veluwe.
Europese vlinders, ook in Nederland verdwenen soorten, vliegen daar in een kweekvolière vrij rond en hebben ruimschoots de beschikking over hun eigen waardplanten en nectarplanten.
___________________
All rights reserved. Copyright © Martien Uiterweerd. All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission.
___________________
.
.
This is the pub where we had lunch on Saturday. We both had a lovely plate of fish and chips with mushy peas and Phill had a pint of Knight of Garter beer. If you are ever in London I would recommend it (it's just off Bayswater and across from Hyde Park)
Today begins for me is the most beautiful season of the year: the Autumn.
And who better to welcome it, my little "Autumn" ^^ That, like me, is very happy to finally be 23 September.
* * * * * * * * *
Hoy empieza la que es para mí la estación más bonita del año: el Otoño.
Y quién mejor para darle la bienvenida que mi pequeña "Autumn" ^^ Que, al igual que yo, está encantada de que por fin sea 23 de Septiembre.
(Aprovecho esta foto para estrenar este bonito outfit de Dolly Boutique que compré en la pasada Pullipcon) (Y como no, esos ojazos son de Puppelina ^_^).