View allAll Photos Tagged Latest_Technologies
The Main Fountain Garden revitalization builds upon Longwood's first-ever physical master plan, which was completed by the landscape architect in 2011. The original astonishing design by Pierre du Pont was honored, and yet, the fountain garden was re-imagined. It plays a key role in the park as it is the first and most dramatic encounter of the vast gardens which span 1.077 acres. The 83-year-old fountain infrastructure has been replaced with the latest technology, visitor's access to the garden and horticultural elements are improved and make the fountain garden an entirely new experience. These changes are in line with the garden's ambition of becoming one of the greatest gardens in the world. While the restoration included corporeal retrofits, it is the visitor-oriented design approach that truly brings it closer to its goal. The Fountain Garden is coherent throughout and manages to merge traditional design and values with sustainable, contemporary design practices and needs alike. The Main Fountain Garden achieves a renaissance for the gardens while retaining its identity as recognizably "Longwood".
Darkfold Legends "The Royalist"
Powered by Darkfold Productions
Since the release of 'The Monarch' bed we've spend a lot of time listening to the Darkfold community.
This has resulted in now having a single menu for both male and female and a more extended PG/Cuddle menu.
But as always the focus lays on the adult menus which are packed with brand new Darkfold animations created with the latest technology to give you maximum realism and options during those erotic SL moments.
The lifelike animations will bring your SL adult experience to the next level. The custom bento face animations are all made to the actual timeline of the animations to create maximum realism.
■ Now with AUTO animation synchronization!!!! (AnimSync)
Although i will keep animating for Aeros since i know a lot of our customers still use Aeros, i have also included the Physics cock and the 'V' bento pussy (ASA).
I highly recommend to ALWAYS demo before purchase, what ever product your buying.
■ Make sure you join the Darkfold Productions group so you know exactly when new products are being released. You can find the Darkfold Productions group in my profile (Ramos Darkfold) or use one of the group inviters at the Darkfold Mainstore
Available at the Darkfold Mainstore
■ Price: 6.000 L$
■ Land impact: 33 Li
■ Permission: Copy/Mod
________________________________________________
Two versions are included in the folder.
■ [MF] version (Male / Female)
■ [GN] version (Gender Neutral)
Animations:
■ Only Darkfold Productions animations (next generation)
■ Speed Up options on various animation sets
■ Custom (bento) face animations for every animation set
■ Custom Aeros ball swing physics (Aeros Bento Apollo)
Customization:
■ Fully customizable
■ Less pre-set themes and more variation
■ Custom material maps (Norm / Spec)
■ All textures are baked on mesh
■ White texture set included for tinting
Aditional systems:
■ Aeros
■ INM / INAM
■ Lovense / Lovebridge
■ Physics Cock (ASA)
■ 'V' Pussy
________________________________________________
■ There is also a limited Edition version available at the mainstore, this Limited Edition (7.500 L$) includes the (extra) following:
■ Classics menu.
A lot of you have asked for previous animations to return in new items. So we decided to add a 'classics menu' which contains a collection of Darkfold animations that go with the theme/vibe of The Royalist. These classics have been tweaked and updated to the new Darkfold standard for animating!
■ Photography menu with full bento static poses created from
the actual animations inside the bed. The priority of these static poses has been lowerd to prio 3 so you can use alternative systems/HUDs to adjust your avatar(s).
■ Animation engine.
The animation engine is basically a simple prim box that contains the same animations and alternative systems (Lovense, INM etc.) as The Royalist bed itself.
The engine can be placed over a bed of your choice and made transparent so your enable to enjoy The Royalist animations using a bed of your own choice.
■ Exclusive HD texture sets. (baked on mesh)
(18k, 24k gold textures, royal theme)
All the information and instructions needed to operate this product can be found inside the included notecard (INFO).
________________________________________________
■ Terms of use:
Copyright © 2023: HoffmanSL - Brand: Darkfold Legends
Copyright © 2023: Ramos Darkfold - Brand: Darkfold Productions
All rights reserved. By purchasing Darkfold Legends item/products you agree to the following terms:
All Darkfold Legends animations have been created to be used exclusively within the SecondLife™ environment only,
it is there for unauthorized to export Darkfold Legends products/animations in parts or as a whole outside
the SecondLife™ environment.
It is unauthorized to make electronic/digital/virtual copies of any Darkfold Legends copyright protected
products/animations and distribute, resell or give them away.
■ This product and it's content have been officially documented and registered prior to it's public release date.
The undulating curves of Canada’s Museum of Civilization, located in Gatineau, Quebec.
Client: Canadian Museum Construction Corporation, Canadian Museum of Civilization and Public Works Canada
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
Area: 93,000 sq.m
Cost: $340 million USD
Completed: 1989 (base building), 1999 (additional exhibit fit-ups)
“Douglas Joseph Cardinal, architect (born 7 March 1934 in Calgary, AB). Recognized for his commitment to excellence and his unique creative vision, Cardinal is credited with creating an Indigenous style of Canadian architecture, characterized by gracious organic forms, which continually challenged the most advanced engineering standards.” [1]
“Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau had a dream to raise Canada as a world leader. As part of this vision, he actuated a national competition to design world-class museums. Douglas Cardinal Architect was selected as the architect for the then-called Museum of Man.
Douglas Cardinal’s innovative solution to separate curatorial from exhibition spaces into two wings help to harmonize the museum with both its urban and natural settings. In the curatorial wing, offices around the perimeter allow natural light for staff while protecting the collections in the interior. In the exhibitions wing, large permanent exhibits interface with large areas for temporary exhibits. Two theatres for performing arts, and a Imax Omnimax complete the world-class national museum.
The ambitious complex used the latest technologies of the time, including using water from the adjacent Ottawa River to heat and cool the museum, and fibre optic wiring throughout the museum to broadcast a virtual museum all over the world.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is rich in symbolism, and eloquent curves. It is the most visited building in Canada, with more than one million visitors each year. It is consistently chosen as a stage to host world leaders visiting the Nation’s Capital on official business.” [2]
Sources: [1] www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/douglas-joseph-...
Unifree Duty Free offers the latest technologies in traveling retail sector at the duty free shops of Istanbul Airport. It's big, interesting and beautiful.
View LARGE On Black or View SMALL On Black but don't click "L" for obvious reasons.
Personal note:
It never ceases to amaze me how people evidently so adept in using the latest technology and social media chose to employ photography techniques which were designed, desired and richly rewarded in the middle of 1800's. For the lack of better term I call this style "social realism". It presumes (in my opinion presumes falsely) that all people are born equal i.e. we all see the world through the same eyes. Therefore, we should record it also the same way.
Excellent way to stamp out individualism and harness all "creative" energies in the name of "common good".
No wonder the first big sponsor of photography was British Admiralty.
The budding naval officers were taught how to click camera instead of trying to learn the art of precise and fast sketching.
No room for error.
No room for any alternate, and god-forbid dissenting and confusing way to look at the world through individual eyes.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, according to a survey of architects, placing it alongside iconic structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” residence.
Business Insider’s “Tech Insider” magazine surveyed 16 prominent architects, asking each to pick just one structure they fondly think of as “breathtaking.” Architect Marica McKeel of Studio MM worked on the IST Building design and said, “Not only do I love the design of the Innovation, Science and Technology Building, but I feel a real connection to this project and to the Lakeland community as my father grew up in Lakeland and I still frequently visit family there.”
Designed by internationally-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the IST Building is the cornerstone of Florida Poly’s campus and the University’s main classroom and laboratory building. The 162,000-square-foot, white-domed building is a moveable and functional work of art, with a louvered roof system that adjusts with the sun’s angle, surrounded by a ring of curved metal pergolas that shade its outer terrace and walkways.
Calatrava repeatedly breaks new ground in architecture, with soaring designs for a new transit station at the rebuilt World Trade Center, a spiraling “Turning Torso” skyscraper in Sweden and the Peace Bridge in Calgary. Among the numerous awards associated with the IST Building is the distinguished Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Global Project of the Year award.
“The IST Building was created to provide an inspiring, modern atmosphere for learning, collaboration and innovation,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s invigorating to walk into this building each day and work alongside faculty, students and staff in one of the world’s most advanced structures.”
The IST Building houses 26 classrooms, the Aula Magna auditorium, faculty and administrative offices, an 11,000-square-foot Commons area and 11 innovation labs – including a 3D printing lab, cyber security lab and heath informatics lab – where students are able to get hands-on experience with the latest technology. Skanska USA was the lead contractor.
Other top accolades earned by the IST Building include:
2014 Engineering News Record Global Best Project by Engineering News Record
Best Projects: 2014 Project of the Year – Southeast Region, Best Higher Education/Research by Engineering News Record
2014 Metal Construction News Design Award in Metal Building Systems
2014 Best Innovative Structural Steel Project of the Year by the American Institute of Steel Construction
2015 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award
2015 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture
Data above originated from the following website:
floridapolytechnic.org/news-item/florida-polys-ist-buildi...
First CS-100 from Swiss paid a very short visit to the Farnborough airshow. Just enough for us to take a look inside the cockpit and check out the latest technologies. I have to say it looks very very good!
The 4E49 11.29 Daventry to Doncaster Iport liner passes the impressive Cemex works on the outskirts of Rugby.
With its origins in the early 19th century, the company was founded in 1862 as the Rugby Lias Lime & Cement Company Ltd before being renamed the Rugby Portland Cement Company Ltd in 1872, in 1979 it was renamed the Rugby Group plc. In 2000 Rugby Cement was taken over by the RMC Group, which was itself taken over by the Mexican firm Cemex in 2005. Cement production still continues at the New Bilton site in Rugby under Cemex ownership.
The business was first started in 1825 as a small family business by two local businessmen Thomas Walker and his son George Walker when they started producing lime mortar at a site on their land at New Bilton and nearby Newbold-on-Avon, exploiting locally available deposits of what Professor H.B. Woodward described in 1898 as "the finest inland section of lower lias limestone in the country".
The first public company the Rugby Lias Lime & Cement Company Ltd was founded in 1862. In around 1870 the company began producing portland cement, and the company was renamed the Rugby Portland Cement Company Ltd. in 1872.
The next milestone in the company's history occurred in 1933 when Sir Halford Reddish became the managing director of the company. The company began to expand its activities, acquiring four plants at nearby Southam in 1934, Rochester in 1937, Gillingham in 1939, and Stockton in 1945. The first two were rebuilt and modernised with the latest technology, but the latter two were soon closed down as they competed with the Southam and Rochester plants.
In 1955, the company founded an Australian subsidiary, Cockburn Cement Ltd, in Perth, Australia, which was later merged in 1999 into Adelaide Brighton Cement.
In 1965 a 92 km pipeline was opened to transport chalk as slurry from Kensworth Chalk Pit, Bedfordshire to the Rugby plant.
By the 1980s the company branched out from its Portland cement base to offer a wider variety of cement types, including sulfate-resistant cements, cements for the offshore oil industry, and quick-drying cements.
In 1984 the company bought the Addison Corporation of Atlanta, Georgia, thus entering the American construction market, and also saw it enter the joinery market.
In the late 1990s, the plant at Rugby was upgraded at a cost of £200 million to a production capacity of 1.8 million tonnes. At the same time the plants at Southam and Rochester were closed down as production was concentrated at Rugby.
Neuschwanstein Castle was commenced by the Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1869 and never completed. He saw it as a monument to medieval culture and kingship, which he revered and wanted to imitate. Built and furnished in medieval styles but equipped with what at the time was the latest technology, it is the most famous work of historicism and the embodiment of German idealism.
This battle station has been designed with the latest technology. It's almost 100% chain reaction-proof.
"The Hunt For Red January" (Sunsets); SS IMRAN - Hunter-Class Sun(set)Seeker. Target In Range, Ready, Arm Photon Torpedoes, Shoot/Fire! - IMRAN™
If you have loved movies like "The Hunt For Red October", then you will enjoy my version of a sequel in the parallels to the story of this sunset.
Columbia (MBA IMRAN's) Pictures Presents: "The Hunt For Red January."
EXT.
Florida. Coast Of Tampa Bay.
Present Day. 1800 Zulu.
Pakistani American mariner & aviator is peering across the scene in front of him. He unzips his windbreaker to reach into a pocket. He pulls out 2 dog treats he tosses at two attentive U-boat experienced German(Shepherd Dog)s standing at attention on either side of him.
VOICEOVER:
"We had completed the assigned circle around the sun. We had survived the year 2020. 2021 had officially begun. But there were still negative energy and dangerous radiation leaks from around us that meant 2020 had not given up its hold. It was repeating the negative cycles by sending a repeating red heavenly body which we had to shoot down every night until January 21, when, we were assured, the last of the orange radiation and Soviet-era enemy influences would wane.
That was our mission tonight. The Hunt For Red January Sunset(s).
The sleek black and gadgetry armed Nikon D850 with its long lens in front was braving the whipping wind, using its latest technology to track and then to shoot (a timelapse video of) this (stunning) sunset. A massive force of a red and gold sun with an accompanying armada of pink, gold, and purple clouds was giving it cover from the prying eyes of SS (Sunset Seeker) IMRAN Hunter Class warriors.
The predicted course of the starship Sun was unfolding on the heavenly map over Tampa Bay, across from my blessed home in Apollo Beach, Florida. But these last few days would require everything the fleet could throw at it. So it was a great moment for the old but experienced Nikon D300 to play some photography war-games alongside its two-decades newer cousin, the D850. The SS IMRAN Hunter Class D850 (non-submersible) was silently tracking the movements of the sun. It appeared to be peering at it like a periscope raised from inside the swimming pool.
The older and slower, but strategic and untethered D300 was lurking nearby, watching the watcher, sunset, and camera hunting the sunset-hunting camera.
The flagship D850 led the action. Target(s) in-sight(s), ping for autofocus, target acquired, lock on, hold her steady, go full manual, lens to manual, set shutter priority, arm photon torpedo zoom tube, set range for 200mm, set depth (of field) infinite, (focus) lock, and fire.... Fire! Fire! Fire!
Pink trails of Apollo (Beach) rocket photon torpedoes in the water streak across the oceanic horizons.... striking the massive space body just as it touches the horizon... It's a direct hit. And another. Another one gone.... Another one strikes the rust (ball of fire).
Flash, boom,.... and, .... Fire again..... More photos.... Flash, Boom!
And then the massive sun, at least on this one day, seeming to try and hold its place on the horizon, doing its best to stay afloat, struggling like a mighty orange beast humbled into defeat, attempting to unleash some gamma rays in retaliation before sinking, seems to give up the fight, and at first slowly, but then rapidly sinks. There is goes.... down....down... down. The sun, the orange ball, has sunk.
Distant waves like ripples in space-time mark where the nuclear fusion-powered solar beast met its timely and nightly end.... Sinking below the depths of the horizon, into the seas of reality, and the history books of memories of another day of a blessed life. Mission Accomplished.
Turning up my collar to the cold wind and damp winter air, I looked at Kennedy and K2, my German Shepherds. Down periscope. Down, boys, down. All Nikons, disarm shooting systems, switch to fully automatic. Multiple beeps sound.... Program Mode confirmed on all devices. Kennedy and K2 wagged confirmations and I ordered a return to a warmer home base... back inside the house.
"The End!"
© 2021 IMRAN™
Presenting the latest weapon from Ebonycore, is the Hammerhead.
This bullpup assault rifle utilizes the 7.62x41mm ammunition to provide for optimal recoil control and stopping power. Although this type of ammunition does have higher recoil than the standard 5.56mm ammunition, the latest technology from Ebonycore reduces the weapon's recoil by approximately forty percent.
Credits to Mokii for the workspace
The Main Fountain Garden revitalization builds upon Longwood's first-ever physical master plan, which was completed by the landscape architect in 2011. The original astonishing design by Pierre du Pont was honored, and yet, the fountain garden was re-imagined. It plays a key role in the park as it is the first and most dramatic encounter of the vast gardens which span 1.077 acres. The 83-year-old fountain infrastructure has been replaced with the latest technology, visitor's access to the garden and horticultural elements are improved and make the fountain garden an entirely new experience. These changes are in line with the garden's ambition of becoming one of the greatest gardens in the world. While the restoration included corporeal retrofits, it is the visitor-oriented design approach that truly brings it closer to its goal. The Fountain Garden is coherent throughout and manages to merge traditional design and values with sustainable, contemporary design practices and needs alike. The Main Fountain Garden achieves a renaissance for the gardens while retaining its identity as recognizably "Longwood".
The undulating curves of Canada’s Museum of Civilization, located in Gatineau, Quebec.
Client: Canadian Museum Construction Corporation, Canadian Museum of Civilization and Public Works Canada
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
Area: 93,000 sq.m
Cost: $340 million USD
Completed: 1989 (base building), 1999 (additional exhibit fit-ups)
“Douglas Joseph Cardinal, architect (born 7 March 1934 in Calgary, AB). Recognized for his commitment to excellence and his unique creative vision, Cardinal is credited with creating an Indigenous style of Canadian architecture, characterized by gracious organic forms, which continually challenged the most advanced engineering standards.” [1]
“Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau had a dream to raise Canada as a world leader. As part of this vision, he actuated a national competition to design world-class museums. Douglas Cardinal Architect was selected as the architect for the then-called Museum of Man.
Douglas Cardinal’s innovative solution to separate curatorial from exhibition spaces into two wings help to harmonize the museum with both its urban and natural settings. In the curatorial wing, offices around the perimeter allow natural light for staff while protecting the collections in the interior. In the exhibitions wing, large permanent exhibits interface with large areas for temporary exhibits. Two theatres for performing arts, and a Imax Omnimax complete the world-class national museum.
The ambitious complex used the latest technologies of the time, including using water from the adjacent Ottawa River to heat and cool the museum, and fibre optic wiring throughout the museum to broadcast a virtual museum all over the world.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is rich in symbolism, and eloquent curves. It is the most visited building in Canada, with more than one million visitors each year. It is consistently chosen as a stage to host world leaders visiting the Nation’s Capital on official business.” [2]
Sources: [1] www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/douglas-joseph-...
NS 7654 flies westbound past the DeKalb, IL depot at 1:29 AM on June 2, 2022 with job CSHNR-30.
This seems completely unremarkable. Oh, you may like how I lit up the engine and the depot. But this is actually a pretty historic photograph. Let me explain with some background.
Union Pacific (that is, UP, and it's predecessor, the Chicago and NorthWestern) used a safety system called Automatic Train Control, or ATC, to keep trains from crashing. In general, they slow the train down if they are in danger and the crew doesn't respond. The crew also sees the current signals in the cab so that they know if they have to stop, or if they can go. This is in case of external signal failure, the "traffic lights" next to the tracks. As a result, another railroad company engine such as CSX or NS or CN or Canadian Pacific couldn't lead, or be the engine on the "point". They weren't equipped with ATC.
Positive Train Control, or PTC, is the latest technology that is supposed to prevent all train accidents from happening that involve other trains. And, all large railroads in the US have to use them. Because they use standard equipment, a Norfolk Southern engine could lead on Union Pacific tracks equipped with PTC.
On June 1, ATC was turned off on the UP, leaving PTC as the safety system for the railroad. And when that happened, for the first time outside of emergency short-term orders (like when severe flooding several years ago stopped Union Pacific from having enough engines, so to keep freight moving, any engine could lead, but with a speed limit of 40 MPH), any engine is now free to lead that is PTC-equipped, and all leading engines MUST have PTC.
So, people started taking bets: what would be the first non-Union Pacific engine that would lead a train on Union Pacific tracks? At roughly 9 PM on June 1, 2022, we had our answer: a Norfolk Southern engine would lead an empty coal train west, leaving West Chicago, IL yard around midnight.
And so, at 1:29 AM on June 2, 2022, the first non-emergency, regularly scheduled train got a non-UP engine leader, and went by the DeKalb depot.
In a matter of a few weeks, seeing other non-UP company engines leading will be just as mundane as all the other railroads, which have been doing this for many years, as they used a different safety system. But on this line, on this night, history was quietly made...with a mundane photo of NS 7654 doing the honors for a "foreign" company engine leading for the first time...and almost certainly not the last time.
This was part of a series I did during the pandemic to keep some creative energy flowing, as well as satisfy my curiosity: what’s inside of a computer processor?
I already knew the answer from marketing images way back in the ‘90s – shiny rainbow-like structures showcasing the latest technology and computational power. A processor without the lid on the compartment was beautiful. And old processors are thankfully easy to find on eBay being sold for gold reclamation.
To be fair, this chip would have never worked again; it had irreparable damage to the pins. With a heat gun to soften the solder around the metal cap on the underside and a flathead screwdriver with a hammer, it didn’t take long before I could successfully remove the metal covering to see the sparkly bits inside.
What makes them sparkle? Diffraction. The structures in the silicon are so small that they function effectively as a diffraction grating, splitting light into its component colours. The angle of the light will often change the resulting colour through these structures, so multiple LED lights are positioned on gooseneck arms to help facilitate this and dial in the preferred colours.
This image is unlike the historical images I remember from my youth – this is photographed on an angle to add extra dimension to the marvels of technological manufacturing. This requires focus stacking which would not have been possible in the 1990s when these processors were created. The pins around the processor cavity were removed in post, giving a much cleaner look to the image and allowing for the focus to be on the beauty in the center.
Why not use newer processors? They’d be harder to get into, often requiring a dissolving bath of boiling nitric acid. Not exactly my thing. They’re also manufactured on much smaller scales; while I have the equipment to photograph them, they just wouldn’t look as cool… or as nostalgic.
This is a Pentium 60mhz, one of the very first ones and for those who remember: yes, it has the FDIV bug. Shot on my Lumix S1R.
All the techniques required to make images like this are included in my new book, even though this series didn’t make the cut (though one did end up in the extra chapter in the Limited Edition version): skycrystals.ca/product/pre-order-macro-photography-the-un... - the reviews have been perpetually positive! Many have called it the best book on macro photography ever published, and I’m humbled by the continuing praise it receives in reviews.
Modified text from Wikipedia
The Locomobile Company of America was a pioneering American automobile manufacturer founded in 1899. It was one of the earliest car manufacturers in the advent of the automobile age. For the first two years after its founding the company was located in Watertown, Massachusetts. Production was transferred to Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1900, where it remained until the company's demise in 1929. The company manufactured affordable, small steam cars until 1903, when production switched entirely to internal combustion-powered luxury automobiles. Locomobile was taken over in 1922 by Durant Motors and eventually went out of business in 1929. All cars ever produced by the original company were always sold under the brand name Locomobile.
The Locomobile Company of America was founded in 1899, the name coined from 'locomotive' and 'automobile'. John B. Walker, editor and publisher of the Cosmopolitan magazine bought the plans for an early steam-powered vehicle produced by Francis and Freelan Stanley for a price they could not resist: US$250,000, promptly selling half to paving contractor Amzi L. Barber. Their partnership lasted just a fortnight; Walker went on to found Mobile Company of America at the Stanley works in Tarrytown, New York, while Barber moved house to Bridgeport, Connecticut, as Locomobile; the Stanley twins were named general managers. The Stanley twins founded the Stanley Motor Carriage Company in 1902, becoming the sharpest rival to Locomobile.
Locomobile began by producing steam cars. Initially, they were offered with a single body style only, an inexpensive runabout at US$600. They were a curiosity and middle-class Americans clamoured for the latest technology. Salesmen, doctors, and people needing quick mobility found them useful. More than 4000 were built between 1899 and 1902 alone. In 1901, Locomobile offered seven body styles at prices between $600 and $1,400. Most Locomobiles had simple twin-cylinder engines (3x4 in, 76.2x102 mm; 57 in3, 927 cm3) and a wire-wrapped 300-psi boiler, and burned the liquid fuel naphtha to create steam. Typical of the product was the 1904 Runabout, which seated two passengers and sold for $750. The two-cylinder steam engine was situated amidships of the wood-framed car. The car had improved boilers and a new water pump, manufactured by the Overman Wheel Company in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. This company itself built the Victor Steamer.
Once upon a time this was the latest technology like the Iphone will be in 20 years. Yes it is a little bit out of focus but the sun was making it difficult to manually focus so this was a guess. As it happens the reason I uploaded it is because I feel the focusing adds to my picture and it's story.
Alfred duPonte named the estate Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, Alfred also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.
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~~~~~~~~~
Jeddah - Jiddah - Jidda - Jedda (Arabic: جدّة Ǧiddah) is a Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. The population of the city currently stands at over 3.4 million. It is considered the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and the wealthiest city in the Middle East and western Asia. Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which able-bodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the most loved and visited sightseeing spots in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is a classic mix of ancient with modern which is finely evident in its majestic architectures and buildings. The location of Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea and the beaches subsequently formed makes it a favored travel destination of the tourists.Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the sacred sites in the city. The mosque is placed just next to the Red Sea which gives the impression that the mosque is floating in water. It is henceforth named the Floating Mosque. Due to the shimmering white color of the mosque it is also referred as the White Mosque. The mosque is located close to the center of Jeddah. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated. The mosque has all the modern facilities like the latest technology based sound systems. For the winter season the mosque also has the provision of hot shower. The Floating Mosque at Jeddah is a landmark of the city and is frequented by numerous tourists round the year from across the world. Floating Mosque in Jeddah bears testimony of the religion of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the marvelous sacred destinations in Jeddah. The architectural beauty with the huge decorated prayer space and the elegant rooftop gives a unique semblance to the mosque. A soothing ambiance is created inside the mosque. The serene ambiance in the interior of the mosque helps in meditating during the prayer. Not only the Muslims but people from all religions across the globe make it a point to visit the Floating Mosque in Jeddah at least once during their stay at the city.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 21.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 20.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Sitges, Garraf, Barcelona (Spain).
49 International Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally
The international Rally of vintage cars of Barcelona-Sitges, organized by Fomento de Turismo de Sitges uninterruptedly from year 1958, is sponsored at the present time by Audi and allows to see pieces of authentic museum in operation (previous to 1924) and with its passengers dressed in the clothing of the years in which the vehicle was created.
With the passage of the years the event has been rooting and at the moment it is considered as one of most traditional at European level. According to the organizing sources it would be the second more important encounter of vintage cars in Europe behind a classic one like London-Brighton.
Locomobile was a company that produced automobiles in the United States of America from 1899 to 1929.
The Locomobile Company of America was founded by Amzi L. Barber and John Brisben Walker and was based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The name "Locomobile" was coined from the words locomotive and automobile. Locomobile began by producing steam powered autos, leasing a motor design from the Stanley Steamer Company. The steam Locomobiles were unreliable, finicky to operate, had flammable parafin fires, small water tanks and took time to raise steam. Nevertheless, they were a curiosity and middle class Americans clamoured for the latest technology. Salesmen, doctors and people needing quick mobility found them useful. Several thousand of the steam buggies were eventually sold. Locomobile started experimenting with gasoline internal combustion engines in 1902, and stopped making steam vehicles the following year.
The 1904 Locomobile Runabout was a runabout model. It could seat 2 passengers and sold for US$850. The compound 2-cylinder steam engine was situated amidships of the armored wood-framed car.
The 1904 Locomobile Touring Car was a touring car model. Equipped with a tonneau, it could seat 5 passengers and sold for US$4500. The vertically-mounted water-cooled straight-4, situated at the front of the car, produced 16 hp (11.9 kW). A 3-speed sliding transmission was fitted, as on the Système Panhard cars it competed with. The angle steel-framed car weighed 2200 lb (998 kg).
Locomobile soon became known for well built and speedy luxury cars. A Locomobile was the first United States-built auto to win an international motor race, taking the Vanderbilt Cup in 1908.
The 1908 Locomobile 40 Runabout was a runabout model. It could seat 2 passengers and sold for US$4750. It had a 60 hp engine.
In 1922 Locomobile was acquired by Durant Motors, which continued using the Locomobile brand name for their top-of-the-line autos until 1929.
DREAMING OF A CULTURE TEMPLE
In 1912, H.E. van Gelder (1876-1960) director of the Art Museum. He dreams of the construction of a new large museum complex, including concert and conference rooms. In 1914 he argued in a museum note for the construction of even a number of new museums. After the First World War, the municipality made a site available at Stadhouderslaan. Architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage (1856-1934) becomes the architect. Van Gelder and Berlage have known each other for some time and find each other in the conviction that art can elevate the people. This new museum should therefore not have an elite appearance and should become a culture temple for the common man. Moreover, it must become a modern museum, equipped with the latest technologies and presentation techniques.
Mondrian
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A slight increase in the number of new infections, but sharp drop in intensive care patients was reported yesterday. 252 new infections, compared to 192 the day before confirmed that the novel corona virus hasn't gone yet but we’re hopeful that we’re moving in the right direction. Whilst the country has been less than impressed with how politicians are handling the corona crisis and the support for both the federal and the regional cabinets is scoring poorly, the government continues to disappoint. You’d think that they would become more sensible for doing the right thing but no… The Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters decided yesterday to halt the process to trace very polluting diesel cars despite the tools for doing so are ready at the technical check centers. The consequences of this absurd decision are huge: this group of polluting cars destroys the benefits of 746 million modern diesel cars with very low pollution levels due the latest technologies. Wwhy don’t they care about improving the air quality across the country for the generations to come? – Woodrow Wilsonplein, Ghent, Belgium.
The Seaway Strashnov has a unique hull shape and is outfitted with the latest technology. Its 5,000 tonnes revolving crane has a main hook lifting height of 102m. There are 800 tonnes and 200 tonnes auxiliary hooks and a 30 tonnes trolley hoist. With generous deck space totalling 3,700 sq. m (8,500 tonnes load capacity) the Seaway Strashnov represents the ideal vessel for the installation of large, heavy structures. It is also equipped for the installation of TLP/SPAR foundations and topsides, together with the in-field installation of modules on FPSOs.
"After Ice is a documentary made by researchers at the University of Iceland Research Centre at Hornafjörður and the University of Dundee in Scotland. The researchers use the latest technology to shed light on the great impact that a warming climate has had on the melting of glaciers in Iceland. The documentary was released on March 11, 2021."
Go North East's brand new Wright StreetDeck 6306 (NK16 BXF), which carries a two-tone metallic blue base livery, is pictured here at Go North East's Saltmeadows Road Depot, shortly after delivery to the company, alongside 6303 (NK16 BXC) in the middle and 6301 (NK16 BXA) on the right. 19/02/16
Representing an investment of over £1.5m, this batch of vehicles are believed to be in line to upgrade "Pronto" services X21 and X46. These vehicles feature the latest technology, and are fitted with Daimler 4-cylinder, 5.1-litre OM934 Euro-6 Emission compliant engines. Internally; they feature Esteban Civic V3 seating complete with e-leather; four tables on the upper saloon; two-colour Tarabus 'Wood Effect' flooring; and blue accent lighting, which is fitted underneath seats, to provide extra light on the gangway.
The first vehicle which arrived last week, 6302 (NK16 BXB), has now received "The Castles Express" branding. "The Castles Express" will become the new brand name for service X21, replacing "Pronto", when the new vehicles are launched on these services. The X21 service links Newcastle, Chester-le-Street, Durham and Bishop Auckland, all of which have prominent historic castles.
Rising Star Digital Studio is an innovative Photography Studio Managed by Amjad Akram an experienced professional Photographer with full experties,new ideas and latest technology.deals in indoor and outdoor photography
A slight increase in the number of new infections, but sharp drop in intensive care patients was reported yesterday. 252 new infections, compared to 192 the day before confirmed that the novel corona virus hasn't gone yet but we’re hopeful that we’re moving in the right direction. Whilst the country has been less than impressed with how politicians are handling the corona crisis and the support for both the federal and the regional cabinets is scoring poorly, the government continues to disappoint. You’d think that they would become more sensible for doing the right thing but no… The Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters decided yesterday to halt the process to trace very polluting diesel cars despite the tools for doing so are ready at the technical check centers. The consequences of this absurd decision are huge: this group of polluting cars destroys the benefits of 746 million modern diesel cars with very low pollution levels due the latest technologies. Wwhy don’t they care about improving the air quality across the country for the generations to come? – Recreation Park Bergelen, Wevelgem, Belgium
Darkfold Legends "The Monarch" Powered by Darkfold Productions
"The Monarch" will be released on Monday the 6th of December at 11.59pm SLT.
The first 24 hours ONLY Darkfold Productions group members will be allowed on (store) sim to have first pick to obtain one of the Limited Edition's, after those 24 hours the (store) sim will open up for all people.
Darkfold Legends Mainstore
(There are wall tablets spread out over the store to join the Darkfold Productions group)
Prices:
6.450 L$ Limited edition
4.450 L$ "Regular" version
(The "regular" version has the same animations as the Limited Edition)
Extra's on the Limited Edition:
■ Animation Engine
(The animation engine can be used to enjoy "The Monarch" animations on a different bed. Info on how to install/set up can be found inside the notecard included in the folder)
■ Luxurious gold texture set
(A Limited Edition gold texture set to give the bed that special luxurious look))
■ Photography menu
(18 couple and 6 threesome static full bento pose sets that were created from the actual animations inside "The Monarch")
■ "The Monarch" Cabinet
(This is a wooden standing cabinet in the same style as the bed. This cabinet is not animated)
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■ Now with gender neutral [GN] version! (no pre-set genders)
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"The Monarch" is all custom build mesh and is therefor only available at Darkfold Legends.
The textures are baked on Mesh, materials enabled and custom made for "The Monarch".
The customization menu allows for many different texture options which make the "The Monarch" suitable for pretty much any setting.
"The Monarch" is mod/copy.
________________________________________________
■ Animations:
Every single bone of the SL skeleton is animated so please, DISABLE ankle locks, hand animations, face animations etc etc if you want to get the full experience.
The animations inside "The Monarch" were all created by Darkfold Productions (Ramos Darkfold) using the latest technology giving you the most realistic experience possible.
Custom physics (Aeros Bento Apollo) were created for "The Monarch" to add even more realism.
The natural ball swing and movements of the cock taking adult animations to the next level.
In order to experience these physics you will need a bento Aeros cock which currently only the Apollo cock is.
A lot of time has been spend on making the animations as realistic as possible.
Some of the animations have been created with the latest mocap technology (NANSENSE) keeping in mind the many variations in shapes and mesh bodies in Second Life.
Every animation set has it's own custom made bento face animation, even the Speed Up animations.
The face animations have been kept subtle hoping they will work for as many different mesh heads as possible.
If for what ever reason these bento face animations aren't working for you (or you don't like them), then you can simply turn the face animations off (or back on) using the [ADJUST] menu.
There is a 'Speed Up' option on various animations which can be easily recognized inside the menu by the '+'
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■ Customization:
The customization menu allows you to fully customize "The Monarch" using custom made materials enabled textures.
There are some pre-set 'themes' which allow you to fully re-texture "The Monarch" all at once and of course there
are also individual re-texture options allowing you to fully customize "The Monarch".
________________________________________________
■ "The Monarch" Engine:
The animation engine included in the Limited Edition folder is basically a prim holding "The Monarch" animations.
It has the same menu (except of course the customization menu) and the same animations and can be placed over pretty much any bed.
When it comes to placing the engine: The size of the engine (prim) is the size of your mattress.
It is obviously very unlikely that the engine is the same size as your bed. In this case i would advice to just hop on the engine and move it around till your positioned right on your bed.
If you want to link your bed to "The Monarch" engine: This can be done, and i will explain.
First you remove the animations and scripts from your current bed (just remove all it's content).
Then double check if your engine is positioned right on the bed. Next step is to link your current bed TO the engine. NEVER link the engine to your bed, but always link your bed to the engine (this is because all the scripts that run the engine need to be in the ROOT prim).
Then just edit (don't use the show/hide option in menu) the engine and set it to 100% transparent and your good to go!
________________________________________________
■ Photography Menu:
The photography menu included in the Limited Edition folder has 18 couple poses and 6 threesome static pose sets.
These pose sets are obviously full bento and created from the actual animations inside "The Monarch".
The pose sets were made at the best visual moment (timeline).
On these static pose sets i did not set Aeros or made any face animations so you can give your own twist to the photo(s).
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■ Aeros System (.API):
The Aeros plugin (.API) is installed in the "The Monarch".
The Aeros system has a pre-set cock angle for every animation, this allows the guys using an Aeros Apollo cock
to focus on other things rather then be messing around with a hud on each new selected animation.
If for what ever reason the pre-set cock angles don't work for you, you simply turn this option off inside
the [ADJUST] menu.
For more information about this feature, check: bitbucket.org/aeros-in-sl/aeros-api/wiki/Home
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■ INM / INAM System (.API):
The 'It's Not Mine! Cum system' plugin (.API) is installed in "The Monarch".
This system/action can be triggered by cumming using your genitals HUD.
All the specific bodyparts (to cum on) are pre-set so you won't have to be using a menu at the heat of the moment.
Many genitals (male & female) are supported, for a detailed listing or more info, check: itsnotmine.net/INM/Docs/Its-NOT-Mine-User-Manual.pdf
________________________________________________
■ Terms of use:
Copyright © 2021: HoffmanSL - Brand: Darkfold Legends
All rights reserved. By purchasing Darkfold Legends item/products you agree to the following terms:
All Darkfold Legends animations have been created to be used exclusively within the SecondLife™ environment only,
it is there for unauthorized to export Darkfold Legends products/animations in parts or as a whole outside
the SecondLife™ environment.
It is unauthorized to make electronic/digital/virtual copies of any Darkfold Legends copyright protected
products/animations and distribute, resell or give them away.
"Radford’s first new model of the modern era is built in a partnership with Lotus. While the mid-engine two-seater coupé takes inspiration from the revered 1960s Lotus Type 62, it utilises the latest technologies to deliver the purest possible driving experience. The Radford Type 62-2 is engineered for an unadulterated mechanical feel, exceptional engagement and uncompromising poise..."
Source: H.R. Owen.
Photographed at Goodwood Festival of Speed - the event which offers enthusiasts an unrivalled opportunity to get close to the action, and to meet the great champions who gather at Goodwood each summer.
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Brighton Pavilion opened its door for free entry day once a year.
It was very busy inside the palace but I was lucky to have a brief moment of clear shot here.
The Brighton pavilion was once a purpose built seaside pleasure palace for King George IV about two hundred years ago. It has also served as a civic building, First World War hospital (for the lucky few Indian army) and has become a true icon of Brighton. The interior is Chinese theme decorated whilst the exterior is Indian / Muslim style.
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The Royal Pavilion grew over 35 years from a simple lodging house to a spectacular oriental palace.
George IV had a vision. His confidence in this vision, combined with his extravagant and indulgent ways and indifference to the opinion of others, resulted in the creation of the palace as we see it today.
From lodging house to modest villa
In 1787 architect Henry Holland extended the original lodging house into a neo-classical building known as the Marine Pavilion.
The exterior of this building was decorated with Holland’s favourite cream-glazed Hampshire tiles. The east face looked over the Steine (an open area where fishermen used to dry their nets). The prince’s apartments were located in the south wing, and the modest kitchens were located in the west.
George was a great collector of French decorative art. He also loved the chinoiserie decorative style, a style inspired by China and at its most fashionable in the mid 18th century. He employed the Crace firm of decorators, as well as a team of independent agents, to furnish his Marine Pavilion with Chinese wallpapers, furniture and objects as well as large quantities of bamboo and lacquer furniture.
Magnificent stables
The prince had a passion for horse riding, hunting and carriage driving. In 1808 his magnificent
stable complex (now housing Brighton Museum and the Brighton Dome concert hall) was completed. It was one of the first major buildings in Europe built in the Indian style and was designed by William Porden.
Some considered these new buildings over-generous as accommodation for horses. They dwarfed the Marine Pavilion and the prince’s thoughts again turned to building a new Royal Pavilion.
From modest villa to magnificent splendour
The transformation of the Marine Pavilion began in 1815 and took seven years to complete.
George chose architect John Nash who proposed an Indian style in response to the design of the new stable block. Nash was also inspired by landscape gardener Humphrey Repton (who had published designs for a new palace based on Indian architectural forms) and based many of his ideas on a publication called Oriental Scenery by Thomas and William Daniell (1795-1808).
Work began on the alterations to the western central front, followed by the construction of the Great Kitchen and the two new state rooms – the Music Room and the Banqueting Room.
The entire building, the structure and the elaborate internal decorations, were completed in 1823.
The complex composition of domes, towers and minarets created a romantic exterior. Either side of the central large dome are two towers that serviced the interior rooms over the Saloon, one with a staircase, the other with a hoist. To achieve a picturesque effect the rendered surfaces of the Royal Pavilion were painted to create a unified vision of a building made of Bath stone.
Throughout the period of construction, the Prince Regent delighted in showing his guests and friends the progress of his favourite project. He occasionally gave after dinner tours of the works in progress, with Nash’s plans in hand.
1n 1817 George hired artist-designers Frederick Crace and Robert Jones. Their final schemes for the interiors combined rich and sophisticated decoration with the superb quality of the furniture and furnishings. Thus they created a magnificent and opulent setting for George IV, who was crowned king in 1820.
A Regency palace with the latest mod-cons
The completed Royal Pavilion was considered progressive for its time. It was designed to incorporate the latest technology and equipment to meet the king’s demands for warmth, comfort and convenience.
New gadgets were supplied for the kitchens. Gas lighting was introduced to illuminate the painted-glass windows from the outside. Local springs ensured easily available supplies of water and the king was provided with a fitted and fully plumbed bathroom, with flushing water closets installed throughout the palace.
Glorious Regency gardens
John Nash’s designs also incorporated the great revolution in landscape gardening that began in the 1730s.
The palace was soon surrounded by glorious Regency gardens with winding paths and drives interspersed with irregular beds of mixed shrubs and flowers, and neatly kept lawns.
Keeping George IV’s vision alive
By the time George IV died in 1830, the ambitious remodelling of the Royal Pavilion was already starting to show structural problems. The roof had started to leak and concealed drainpipes were overflowing and causing dry rot.
Restoration of the Royal Pavilion began in the mid 19th century and has been ongoing ever since. A major restoration and conservation programme of the interiors began in the 1920s, with work on the structure beginning in the early 1980s.
Source: Brighton Museum
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Thank you for viewing. If you like please fav and leave a nice comment. Hope to see you here again. Have a wonderful day 😊
Brighton 🇬🇧
19th January 2020
“Race up Red Rock Mountain” - PART FOUR of a four frame movie: Clem and Floyd were out at the junk yard doing some treasure hunting when the call came in, so Duke Monroe swung by with his rig to help pick up the pieces. Clem always said that he thought it was pretty funny the way Duke painted “No. 4” on the side of his truck. “Ol’ Duke never had four of anything unless you count the pedal cars we had when we was kids!”
“They weren’t from around here.” Duke says, “All the way back down the mountain, that college brat kept saying, “Front wheel drive, they tell me. Fancy new V-8 engine, they tell me. Latest technology can’t be beat. It’s a smart buy for a smart guy like you, they tell me…"
THE END
Featured Players: Franklin Mint 1937 Cord 812, Danbury Mint 1930 International Wrecker, Franklin Mint 1935 Auburn Speedster
Guest Stars: At least three deer and a couple of hikers in the background!
Art Department: Larry made the “ground/road” that the cars are sitting on. These are 1/24 scale cars against a real background.
In case you missed it, part one of this story can be found here:
www.flickr.com/photos/144054535@N05/31827365653/in/datepo...
Alorna Farm entrance (18th Century). Almeirim, Portugal
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The Quinta da Alorna was established in 1723, by Dom Pedro de Almeida, the first Marques de Alorna, who gave his name to the property following the conquest of Fort Alorna in India. Located in the heart of Portugal, near Santarém, Quinta da Alorna has a diversified of business based on the 2.800ha property. It compromises wine production, wine tourism, organic food production, a stud and real estate development. The visitor can see one of Portugals biggest single vineyards, the old winery in contrast to the new modern facilities. Then there is a chapel, a shaded garden beside the old house and a dressage ring for the horses. The 220ha vineyard is entirely planted on sandy, poor soils. The fruit has high concentrations that are essential to produce concentrated and complex wines. The Quinta da Alorna winery has been completely modernized in recent times and the latest technology is employed to make the highest quality wines.
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Jeddah (also spelled Jiddah, Jidda, or Jedda; Arabic: جدّة Ǧiddah) is a Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. The population of the city currently stands at over 3.4 million. It is considered the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and the wealthiest city in the Middle East and western Asia. Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which able-bodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the most loved and visited sightseeing spots in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is a classic mix of ancient with modern which is finely evident in its majestic architectures and buildings. The location of Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea and the beaches subsequently formed makes it a favored travel destination of the tourists.Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the sacred sites in the city. The mosque is placed just next to the Red Sea which gives the impression that the mosque is floating in water. It is henceforth named the Floating Mosque. Due to the shimmering white color of the mosque it is also referred as the White Mosque. The mosque is located close to the center of Jeddah. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated. The mosque has all the modern facilities like the latest technology based sound systems. For the winter season the mosque also has the provision of hot shower. The Floating Mosque at Jeddah is a landmark of the city and is frequented by numerous tourists round the year from across the world. Floating Mosque in Jeddah bears testimony of the religion of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the marvelous sacred destinations in Jeddah. The architectural beauty with the huge decorated prayer space and the elegant rooftop gives a unique semblance to the mosque. A soothing ambiance is created inside the mosque. The serene ambiance in the interior of the mosque helps in meditating during the prayer. Not only the Muslims but people from all religions across the globe make it a point to visit the Floating Mosque in Jeddah at least once during their stay at the city.
Again, luck was on my side as nearly from nowhere fantastic, dramatic sunset has appeared. It rather unusual to have any clouds in the sky here in the middle east therefore I was very thankful for such a scene.
PENTAX K20D, f/32.0, 15, ISO 100, 15 mm
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Denston, West Suffolk 2/10/2022
i'm lucky to have Red Kites literally on my doorstep, which gives me plenty of photographic opportunities. and they have slowly moved into the area over the last 15 years. its been around 32 years since the reintroduction of the Red Kite in Britain, but by the middle of the 19th century the red kite was locally extinct in England, Scotland and Ireland. Only a small population remained, hidden away in the hills of mid Wales. And i was lucky to see these back in 1988.
It was thought that the land in Wales was too marginal for the red kites’ population to grow and expand. So, the Nature Conservancy Council (now Natural England) and the RSPB made the, decision to reintroduce European red kites into England and Scotland. Between 1989 and 1994, 93 birds from Sweden and Spain were released in the Chilterns in England and the Black Isle in Northern Scotland with further releases in Northern England, Scotland and Ireland taking place over the next two decades. In the 1990s, red kites in Spain were doing well in comparison to the UK, where years of human persecution, including egg collecting, poisoning and shooting, had pushed the bird to near extinction.
While red kites in the UK have since boomed, populations in some parts of southern Spain have gone the other way due to a number of factors. Red kites have now been flown to Madrid to be released in Extremadura and Andalusia, and these birds being sent to Spain hail from forests in Northamptonshire.The birds will perfect their flight in aviaries before being released fitted with the latest technology for monitoring how they adapt to their new habitat.
Pangaea-X is a test campaign that brings together geology, high-tech survey equipment and space exploration. Astronauts, scientists, operations experts and instrumentation engineers work side-by-side to advance European know-how of integrated human and robotics mission operations.
An extension of ESA’s Pangaea geology training, the training involves working with the latest technologies in instrumentation, navigation, remote sensing, 3D imaging and geoscience equipment.
The Pangaea-X crew explores the barren and dry landscape of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, to prepare for the day when we set foot on other worlds. Known as the island of a thousand volcanoes, Lanzarote was chosen because of its geological similarity with Mars, such as a volcanic origin, mild sedimentary processes owing to a dry climate, hardly any vegetation and a well-preserved landscape.
Credits: ESA–A. Romeo
Go North East's Crook-based "The Castles Express" branded Wright StreetDeck 6301 (NK16 BXA) is pictured here at Durham Market Place, Durham, whilst attending a publicity event to promote the investment into new vehicles on service X21. 01/03/16
Representing an investment of over £1.5m, this batch of vehicles are believed to be in line to upgrade "Pronto" services X21 and X46. These vehicles feature the latest technology, and are fitted with Daimler 4-cylinder, 5.1-litre OM934 Euro-6 Emission compliant engines. Internally; they feature Esteban Civic V3 seating complete with e-leather; four tables on the upper saloon; two-colour Tarabus 'Wood Effect' flooring; and blue accent lighting, which is fitted underneath seats, to provide extra light on the gangway.
The vehicles are also feature the provision of free Wi-Fi and power sockets, including USB charging points, allowing customers to keep connected on the go.
"The Castles Express" will become the new brand name for service X21, replacing "Pronto". The X21 service links Newcastle, Chester-le-Street, Durham and Bishop Auckland, all of which have prominent historic castles.
The new vehicles are due to enter service on Monday 7th March 2016.
These robots are prototypes of the older "MJR09" versions, which were specially built in 2374 to decrease the crime level in big Space colonies. "MJR" is an abbreviation of Mobile Jaeger Robots and number "3" is a third subdivision of Space army. This subunit is known locally as "Retributive agency". The robots were tracing dangerous criminals in a variety of suspicious districts and arrested them or if the situation was out of control they had an order #206 to use their weapons...The life in Space was flowing peacefuly for 90 years...
But by the 2464, the most agressive criminals have invented new manners of defeating the older versions of these robots and they coped well, until the newer technologies have replaced the older types of these machines in the form of "MJR05".
These new mechs are the "children" of the latest technologies and are made of the bulletproof materials. They have an improved built-in artificial intelligence and special rapid-fire handguns...
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Neuschwanstein Castle was commenced by the Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1869 and never completed. He saw it as a monument to medieval culture and kingship, which he revered and wanted to imitate. Built and furnished in medieval styles but equipped with what at the time was the latest technology, it is the most famous work of historicism and the embodiment of German idealism.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, according to a survey of architects, placing it alongside iconic structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” residence.
Business Insider’s “Tech Insider” magazine surveyed 16 prominent architects, asking each to pick just one structure they fondly think of as “breathtaking.” Architect Marica McKeel of Studio MM worked on the IST Building design and said, “Not only do I love the design of the Innovation, Science and Technology Building, but I feel a real connection to this project and to the Lakeland community as my father grew up in Lakeland and I still frequently visit family there.”
Designed by internationally-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the IST Building is the cornerstone of Florida Poly’s campus and the University’s main classroom and laboratory building. The 162,000-square-foot, white-domed building is a moveable and functional work of art, with a louvered roof system that adjusts with the sun’s angle, surrounded by a ring of curved metal pergolas that shade its outer terrace and walkways.
Calatrava repeatedly breaks new ground in architecture, with soaring designs for a new transit station at the rebuilt World Trade Center, a spiraling “Turning Torso” skyscraper in Sweden and the Peace Bridge in Calgary. Among the numerous awards associated with the IST Building is the distinguished Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Global Project of the Year award.
“The IST Building was created to provide an inspiring, modern atmosphere for learning, collaboration and innovation,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s invigorating to walk into this building each day and work alongside faculty, students and staff in one of the world’s most advanced structures.”
The IST Building houses 26 classrooms, the Aula Magna auditorium, faculty and administrative offices, an 11,000-square-foot Commons area and 11 innovation labs – including a 3D printing lab, cyber security lab and heath informatics lab – where students are able to get hands-on experience with the latest technology. Skanska USA was the lead contractor.
Other top accolades earned by the IST Building include:
2014 Engineering News Record Global Best Project by Engineering News Record
Best Projects: 2014 Project of the Year – Southeast Region, Best Higher Education/Research by Engineering News Record
2014 Metal Construction News Design Award in Metal Building Systems
2014 Best Innovative Structural Steel Project of the Year by the American Institute of Steel Construction
2015 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award
2015 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture
Data above originated from the following website:
floridapolytechnic.org/news-item/florida-polys-ist-buildi...
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* * * * * *
Jeddah (also spelled Jiddah, Jidda, or Jedda; Arabic: جدّة Ǧiddah) is a Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. The population of the city currently stands at over 3.4 million. It is considered the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and the wealthiest city in the Middle East and western Asia. Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which able-bodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the most loved and visited sightseeing spots in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is a classic mix of ancient with modern which is finely evident in its majestic architectures and buildings. The location of Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea and the beaches subsequently formed makes it a favored travel destination of the tourists.Floating Mosque in Jeddah is one of the sacred sites in the city. The mosque is placed just next to the Red Sea which gives the impression that the mosque is floating in water. It is henceforth named the Floating Mosque. Due to the shimmering white color of the mosque it is also referred as the White Mosque. The mosque is located close to the center of Jeddah. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated. The mosque has all the modern facilities like the latest technology based sound systems. For the winter season the mosque also has the provision of hot shower. The Floating Mosque at Jeddah is a landmark of the city and is frequented by numerous tourists round the year from across the world. Floating Mosque in Jeddah bears testimony of the religion of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the marvelous sacred destinations in Jeddah. The architectural beauty with the huge decorated prayer space and the elegant rooftop gives a unique semblance to the mosque. A soothing ambiance is created inside the mosque. The serene ambiance in the interior of the mosque helps in meditating during the prayer. Not only the Muslims but people from all religions across the globe make it a point to visit the Floating Mosque in Jeddah at least once during their stay at the city.
Again, luck was on my side as nearly from nowhere fantastic, dramatic sunset has appeared. It is rather unusual to have any clouds in the sky here in the middle east therefore I was very thankful for such a scene. I was taking photos from the mosque only and when I was nearly finished and about to leave I've noticed this group of women with children. Older ladies were praying while the children were running around. As a result of 30 sec exposure you see them rather as ghosts.
PENTAX K20D, f/19.0, 30 sec, ISO 100, 14 mm
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Athena is a unique head embedding all the latest technologies helping photographers to surpass themself and guiding their creativity towards another dimension of freedom.
Designed for the new generation of remote- controlled digital SLR professional cameras, Athena is the ideal support for nature and sports shots where variability and unpredictability are ever present aspects that can affect the outcome. It is, however, also great for art photographs taken in architectural or scientific settings when the need to isolate details requires particular placing of the camera.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, according to a survey of architects, placing it alongside iconic structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” residence.
Business Insider’s “Tech Insider” magazine surveyed 16 prominent architects, asking each to pick just one structure they fondly think of as “breathtaking.” Architect Marica McKeel of Studio MM worked on the IST Building design and said, “Not only do I love the design of the Innovation, Science and Technology Building, but I feel a real connection to this project and to the Lakeland community as my father grew up in Lakeland and I still frequently visit family there.”
Designed by internationally-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the IST Building is the cornerstone of Florida Poly’s campus and the University’s main classroom and laboratory building. The 162,000-square-foot, white-domed building is a moveable and functional work of art, with a louvered roof system that adjusts with the sun’s angle, surrounded by a ring of curved metal pergolas that shade its outer terrace and walkways.
Calatrava repeatedly breaks new ground in architecture, with soaring designs for a new transit station at the rebuilt World Trade Center, a spiraling “Turning Torso” skyscraper in Sweden and the Peace Bridge in Calgary. Among the numerous awards associated with the IST Building is the distinguished Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Global Project of the Year award.
“The IST Building was created to provide an inspiring, modern atmosphere for learning, collaboration and innovation,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s invigorating to walk into this building each day and work alongside faculty, students and staff in one of the world’s most advanced structures.”
The IST Building houses 26 classrooms, the Aula Magna auditorium, faculty and administrative offices, an 11,000-square-foot Commons area and 11 innovation labs – including a 3D printing lab, cyber security lab and heath informatics lab – where students are able to get hands-on experience with the latest technology. Skanska USA was the lead contractor.
Other top accolades earned by the IST Building include:
2014 Engineering News Record Global Best Project by Engineering News Record
Best Projects: 2014 Project of the Year – Southeast Region, Best Higher Education/Research by Engineering News Record
2014 Metal Construction News Design Award in Metal Building Systems
2014 Best Innovative Structural Steel Project of the Year by the American Institute of Steel Construction
2015 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award
2015 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture
Data above originated from the following website:
floridapolytechnic.org/news-item/florida-polys-ist-buildi...
Some of you might now that last month I returned to Canada for a week. My alma mater, Georgian College, graciously nominated me for the Ontario Premier’s Awards and I was able to attend the ceremony in person. I didn’t win, but I was incredibly honoured that my accomplishments since college were recognized at such a level. Having been back in Canada for the first time in over a year, it brought about some reflections of the recent years of my life. I’d like to share that briefly.
First of all, this photo was taken from my hotel room in Toronto, from the Sheraton overlooking Nathan Phillips Square. Definitely beautiful, with a modern and dense skyline. This was one day after the Cavalcade of Lights festival with many of their structures still assembled, and people casually skating on the ice. This is a space I had been to many times in all seasons, and I have fond memories of photo walks with fellow photographers exactly here – it pulled on some nostalgia strings, as did the entire visit.
There are certain things about Canada that I miss, most notably the friends and family that I get to see much less frequently. However, that’s tempered by the isolation of the pandemic, as we discovered many other ways to communicate virtually; this allowed me to connect with friends I rarely spoke with much more often, as a casual chat didn’t need to be in-person. This continued seamlessly when we moved to Bulgaria. I miss family gatherings in Canada, and we’ll be back at some point in the summer for more of them, but we’ve got many similar gatherings over here now.
Geographically, Southern Ontario is rather uninteresting – aside from the waterfalls that dot the landscape and the Niagara escarpment. Let’s put this in perspective: Just Southern Ontario alone is 114,217 km^2. The entire country of Bulgaria is 110,993.6 km^2. Bulgaria has seven distinct mountain ranges with countless waterfalls, caves, and a vast coastline on the Black Sea where we live (10 minutes away). Southern Ontario has a population of 13.5 million, Bulgaria with 6.5 million. When driving along the roads that connect the major 400-series highways in Ontario and then attempting to navigate the downtown core of Toronto, I felt lost and claustrophobic compared to the weave of urban and rural infrastructure here near Varna, both antiquated and modern within the same city block. All the modern conveniences are here, but different; You walk into a Starbucks and look down – the floor is glass, revealing ancient Roman ruins that the city has been built over. It’s truly a different world.
Working from home is excellent, though the income possibilities are slightly less – I’m not sure if I’d get a sufficient return on investment for large-format printing here, as one example. Workshops might be harder to fill. Business is still good, but less money needs to be made as the cost of living is much lower. So are the taxes. Get this: income tax is a flat rate 10%. It gets better: as the director of a company, I can pay myself dividends with a flat tax rate of 5%. These are the most favourable tax rates across Europe. VAT is 20% and fuel costs are higher than Canada, but financially this is a wonderful place to be.
Every encounter we have had with the healthcare system has been prompt, efficient, and effective. Often times there is no cost, but if you want immediate medical imaging / bloodwork / diagnostics there is a small fee. When I say small, if you want to get a full spinal MRI tomorrow? It would run you about $400. In Canada it would be free, after you convince your doctor it’s necessary and get a referral. Then wait six months, to head into a 3AM appointment in another city. I had originally held high value in my OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) card and was reluctant to leave Ontario for more than six months when it would lose its validity. That fear has disappeared. As a permanent resident of Bulgaria, I am required by law to purchase a €60,000 health insurance plan, that costs me about CAD$120 a year. My wife and daughter are Bulgarian citizens, so no cost to them.
The language is hard. Harder than I expected. It’s a very “compact” language with modifications to verbs and nouns replacing extra words in English; the language has no prepositions. There are more tenses and genders than used in English as well. Thankfully most younger people speak enough English to get by, and I speak enough Bulgarian for most casual interactions. I’ll need to learn more, though – the citizenship exam requires it. After three years of living here, I can apply for dual citizenship. That’s a goal to work towards!
Since moving here, I had discovered a love for traditional cooking in a wood-fired oven. We’ve made many new friends, including here in our small village. We plan to buy some neighbouring properties to simply expand our garden space and get closer to the land, to nature, while simultaneously embracing the latest technology in a globally connected world. There are many goals moving forward – my wife is studying for her masters in fine arts with the goal of teaching. My daughter is already fluent in the Bulgarian language and will be starting 1st grade in September. We all have a sense of growth and prosperity.
They say that with big life change, give it a year to see how you feel. I feel at home. Dealing with post-communist bureaucracies can be frustrating at times, but the good far outweighs the bad. I didn’t even mention the weather! We’ve got highs in the double digits (Celsius) for the next two weeks. After seeing the horrendous storms that have strong many parts of Canada and the United States… I’m happy with the climate near the Black Sea. No natural disasters, either.
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union with hopes to be in the Schengen region in October next year (open borders, like crossing the borders between provinces in Canada), and adopting the Euro as currency in January 2024 if all goes according to plan. It’s also a NATO member. This is critically important; we feel safe.
Do I miss Canada? Absolutely. I always will. However, it took a trip back to Canada to truly realize where home is now located.
1.26 was an installation by Janet Echelman at the Signal Festival in Prague. The festival as a whole was really impressive and a great way to see the city in a new light (pun intended...). With this picture there was a fairly boring foreground from where I had set up my camera, so I waited for a tram to pass and had a relatively long exposure in order to make the pic a bit more interesting. This is one of my favourite photos from 2015.
A description of the installation taken from the festival website is as follows:
This spectacular seven-meter installation by American artist Janet Echelman creates an expansive net that floats in an ethereal manner over the heads of the viewer. This combination of monumental forms with apparently light materials creates an unconventional conceptual canvas for a play of light created by variable waves of contrasting colours.
The concept of the work is inspired by the interconnectedness of terrestrial phenomena and systems. The artist used data from NASA laboratories (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the USA) and NOAA (the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) related to the effects of the 2010 earthquake in Chile, which caused the shortening of Earth days by 1.26 microseconds. The shape of the net is defined by the various heights of Tsunami waves across the ocean.
Visually and conceptually this engaging installation invites not only festival visitors but passing pedestrians to pause and contemplate.
American artist Janet Echelman excels in all categories and definitions. Her unique sculptures and installations on a monumental scale change depending on the effects of wind, water or light. Echelman became inspired in India by the lives of local fishermen, and she began using unusual materials for her installations, such as fishing nets. In her work, she combines traditional crafts with the latest technology, and she cooperates with experts from various fields, ranging from aviation engineering to rural architecture and light design.
She has been awarded several times for her work by the professional public. She earned the prestigious Guggenheim and Fulbright scholarship as well as several other important prizes and recognitions, in recent years, for example, from the Smithsonian Institute, the Society of Architects in Boston and the Aspen Institute.