Affection ... Degradation ... Place ... Companionship ... Fun ... Relaxation

The multifaceted pleasure of pet

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R.Bento Poses - PUPPY Static Bento Poses

• 10 bento poses + 1 Bonus in fatpack

• HUD & animations

Available from → maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lorena Blue/46/16/23

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DICTATORSHOP - [Ds] BREEZE Holding Cage

• SOLO M or F

• 10 Animations

• 7 Woods // 6 Metals

Available at → Dictatorshop in world store.

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A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches and an elongated body. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight.

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I spent about two hours trying two photograph this balanced on a stick in my pond. I had to give up in the end but may have another go later. I'm bloody freezing and my clothes are soggy :v

Krka National Park - Šibenik-Knin - Croatia

Krka National Park (Croatian: Nacionalni park Krka) is one of the Croatian national parks, named after the river Krka that it encloses. It is located along the middle-lower course of the Krka River in central Dalmatia, in Šibenik-Knin county, downstream Miljevci area, and just a few kilometers northeast of the city of Šibenik. It was formed to protect the Krka River and is intended primarily for scientific, cultural, educational, recreational, and tourism activities. It is the seventh national park in Croatia and was proclaimed a national park in 1985.

The Park is a spacious, largely unchanged region of exceptional and multifaceted natural value, and includes one or more preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. The Krka Waterfalls has the second highest concentration of lavender per km squared in Europe, hence the high frequency of wasps and bees in the area.

Adult dragonflies are characterised by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies.

Does anyone know the actual name of this beautiful Dragonfly?

This image was taken in the Norfolk Broads in the UK

What started as a foggy night turned out to be just a mildly hazy night. Disappointing, but just because of my high expectations.

Here's a glass wall at a nearby swimming pool facility.

Taken with Pentax K-5 digital camera and smc Pentax-DA 16–45mm F4 ED AL zoom lens. On a tripod, and with long exposures, to keep the noise down. Just slightly tweaked white-balance and cleaned some dust; this is as close to straight out of the camera as possible.

I was in Messina, Sicily, for a convention - Messina, the city of the Strait. The city of the two seas, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian - not two whichever seas, but the very stuff of myths and epics. Scylla and Charybdis haunted these narrow, deep, perilous waters.

The weather was consistently unstable - an ever changing sky enlivened by an endless turmoil of clouds (sometimes benign, sometimes threatening and ominous), sudden showers followed by warm sun, and then again. There was at first a peculiar ambiance - a stormy mood, I would say - an epic character reminiscent of remote ages, when the gods and Cyclops trod these lands and monsters haunted these waters. I could understand the sense of awe the ancient dwellers of these places felt while contemplating such views. I could feel the presence of the gods of old just before me. Just all around me.

My third Sicilian sunrise was the most amazing of the whole trilogy of four (dedicated to my fellow Doug Adams' fans). At first I dubbed it "the sunrise of the happy painter", since it was so colourful and the sky was - well... It was just like a happy painter - maybe a painter in love - had brushed it with glowing orange and pink. I dubbed it like that to make my fellow librarians attending the convention regretful for not having accepted my invitation to come along with me and see the sunrise. Haha. And I showed them some photos taken with my smartphone, just to pour salt into the wound. Haha.

However when I immersed myself in the project humbly titled "In the Land of the Gods", I forgot the painter in love and came to see Nephele and her sister nymphs, the Nephelai, dancing in the morning sky with their billowing robes flying about and streaking the sky while capturing that incredible orange-rosy light. The Nephelai, or Nephelae, were the nymphs of the clouds and rain, daughters of the gods of the earth-encircling river Okeanos, the Titans Okeanos and Tethys.

As an individual nymph, Nephele originated from a cloud moulded by Zeus to look like his own wife, Hera, to test the integrity of Ixion, king of the Lapiths - or rather to test Hera's report that Ixion had tried to violate her. Be that as it may, Ixion failed the test and was chained to a fiery wheel for all eternity - a hell of a punishment for an impious king.

Well, I understand that by now you might be getting lost in the multifaceted, complex layers of Greek mythology, with their often conflicting traditions. To be honest I am fully with you, yet I believe that you can really see the beautiful girls dancing in their orange and rosy robes, smiling and laughing while looking at their own colourful reflections in the tidal pools - so close to a humble mortal like me that I felt I was almost able to touch them. I did not succumb to the temptation, anyway, fearing that disturbing those reflections would make the nymphs flee - after all you can only watch a reflection and delight in its beauty, but never seize it - so I contented myself with photographing the scene that I am sharing with you.

Explored on 2022/11/26 #43

I have processed this picture by blending an exposure bracketing [-2.0/-1.0/0/+1.0/+2.0 EV] by luminosity masks with the Gimp (EXIF data, as usual, refer to the "normal" exposure shot).

Along the journey - post-processing always is a journey of discovery to me - I tried the inverted RGB blue channel technique described by Boris Hajdukovic to give a slight tonal boost to several parts of the scene. As usual, I gave the finishing touches with Nik Color Efex Pro 4 and played a bit with dodging and burning. I used for the very first time the Gimp's Liquify tool - a very powerful and dangerous one, indeed - to impart a slight bending on the streaks of clouds on the left, that were absolutely straight. As always, it was a small touch, not betraying itself.

Raw files processed with Darktable.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body.

Behind the war curtain photography series.

Just above the entry door, a poster displays the photos of those who died at war, mostly very young men and teenagers...

The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted armed conflict that took place from 1975 to 1990. It resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities and an exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Civil_War

Ektachrome 100 @35mm Pentax-M lens on Pentax-MX body - E6 Processing Jobo CPP2 - Digitized with Sony Alpha 6000. Edited in CameraRaw.

A very small section of the colourful and multifaceted Holocaust Memorial in New Orleans.

Sculptor/Artist: Yaacov Agam. 2003.

A sweet shop vendor looks up from his afternoon newspaper to acknowledge the photographer.

In India, sweets hold a uniquely integral role in daily life, significantly more so than in many other countries. They are deeply embedded in religious rituals, such as offerings to deities during festivals like Diwali and Holi, symbolizing auspiciousness and devotion. Sweets are essential in celebrations marking life's milestones, such as weddings and births, where sharing mithai signifies joy and communal bonding. Additionally, offering sweets is a customary gesture of hospitality and respect towards guests. This multifaceted significance of sweets in religious, social, and cultural contexts underscores their indispensable role in Indian life.

I was in Messina, Sicily, for a convention - Messina, the city of the Strait. The city of the two seas, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian - not two whichever seas, but the very stuff of myths and epics. Scylla and Charybdis haunted these narrow, deep, perilous waters.

The weather was consistently unstable - an ever changing sky enlivened by an endless turmoil of clouds (sometimes benign, sometimes threatening and ominous), sudden showers followed by warm sun, and then again. There was at first a peculiar ambiance - a stormy mood, I would say - an epic character reminiscent of remote ages, when the gods and Cyclops trod these lands and monsters haunted these waters. I could understand the sense of awe the ancient dwellers of these places felt while contemplating such views. I could feel the presence of the gods of old just before me. Just all around me.

This photo comes from my fourth Sicilian sunrise, when I ventured as far as Capo Peloro, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas swirl into each other. Directly above the beach stands the mammoth electricity pylon of Messina, that was one of the tallest in the world. It is disused now, but it still stands proudly like a sentinel on the very northeasternmost tip of the island - a modern giant guarding the place once haunted by the monstruous Charybdis. The dolphins and swordfish that frequent these waters in Summer where gone, but the magic of the place was fully there. It was a windy, almost but not quite cloudless morning and the blooming light at the horizon, pouring from the rugged coastline of Calabria felt just like the fiery chariot of Apollo was about to rise from the very edge of the world as the wavebreakers emerging from the sand were stirring to hail the new day.

Apollo was one of the Olympian gods, son of Zeus and the nymph Leto. He was the god who used to give his gifts to the mortals: medicine and healing were among the most important gifts from Apollo (Asclepius was his son), along with music, songs, dance and poetry (Orpheus was another renowned son of his); he was the inventor of string music and archery, and the protector of herds and crops from diseases. Apollo was also a protector of the young, concerned with the health and education of children. He was also the giver and inspirer of laws and of prophecy - he was the prophetic deity of the Delphic Oracle. Apollo was a complex, multifaceted, mostly benevolent deity, who was willing to offer his many gifts to the mortals, to the point that one could wonder what was the raison d'etre of the other gods. And it is no wonder that since the 5th century BC he has been identified with Helios, the personification of the Sun, and depicted while driving a fiery chariot across the sky, maybe as Aurora, goddess of the dawn, strews flowers in his path, announcing his - and the new day’s - arrival (see an example from Italian Renaissance).

Explored on 2022/12/12 nr. 41

I have processed this picture by blending an exposure bracketing [-2.0/-1.0/0/+1.0/+2.0 EV] by luminosity masks with the Gimp (EXIF data, as usual, refer to the "normal" exposure shot).

It has been a long, difficult, and devious post-processing journey, and I am not really ok with how this photo has come out. The sky always tried to overdo itself and I often had to retrace my steps, trying to get a more realistic result; this was made even more difficult by those streaks of clouds, that were strangely flat and saturated from the very onstart of the journey. I tried my best to bring out the real three-dimensional look of the treacherous clouds while not having the whole sky looking like clown vomit (I am indebted to Pat David for this brilliant, self-explanatory phrase). No inverted RGB blue channel technique for this photo, since it only worsened things. I hope to get your feedback and constructive criticism.

As usual, I gave the finishing touches with Nik Color Efex Pro 4 and played a bit with dodging and burning in the foreground.

Raw files processed with Darktable.

a quiet moment with jean remy von matt at the keys – a portrait of a man who’s achieved legendary success in advertising, but who’s always had the heart and mind of an artist. jean remy changed the world of commercials with work that resonates across generations. here, he’s in his element, lost in the music, capturing that spark that’s driven him not only in business but in his creative pursuits. few people bridge the gap between commerce and true art the way he does.

Unglaublich, welche Farben der Herbst in dieses Wein-Laub gezaubert hat ! Wenn schon die Blätter so abwechslungsreich und schön sind, wie facettenreich und wohlschmekcend muß da erst der Wein sein, der von diesen Reben gekeltert wurde ?!

Unbelievable, what colours the autumn has conjured up in this vine foliage! If the leaves are already so varied and beautiful, how multifaceted and delicious must the wine be that was pressed from these vines ?!

In collaboration with David Lynch, the Bonnefantenmuseum is presenting an impressive retrospective of Lynch's multifaceted artistry.

Introducing the enigmatic Sukeban Brie, a fearless force to be reckoned with, born and raised on the unforgiving streets of Tokyo. She's the embodiment of a unique blend of strength and allure, effortlessly mastering the art of fighting and captivating hearts in equal measure.

Hailing from Tokyo's gritty underworld, Sukeban Brie has earned her reputation as a sukeban - a fierce and stylish gang leader who fearlessly navigates the city's toughest neighborhoods. Her combat skills are as sharp as a katana blade, and she commands respect with a gaze that could cut through steel.

But it's not just her fighting prowess that sets her apart; it's her magnetic allure. Brie's beauty is as breathtaking as the cherry blossoms in spring, and her style is a fusion of Tokyo's eclectic fashion scene with a touch of rebellion. She effortlessly blends the traditional and the modern, making kimonos look just as fierce as leather jackets.

When Sukeban Brie walks into a room, she owns it. Her presence is a potent combination of confidence and sensuality. With an enigmatic smile and a hint of mischief in her eyes, she keeps everyone on their toes, never quite knowing what she'll do next.

In a world where strength meets seduction, Sukeban Brie thrives. She's a symbol of empowerment, reminding us that one can be both a warrior and an irresistible enigma simultaneously. She's a beacon of individuality, proving that you can break free from societal norms, embracing your multifaceted self without apology. Sukeban Brie is a Tokyo legend, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant chaos and the elegance that hides beneath its rough exterior.

Credits

Blog - ubwoodman.wixsite.com/briessecondlife

Tattoo - .:RiotzInk:. Gulag Tattoo {BOM}

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tiamo%20Reef/170/29/1506

Shoes - Goth Sneakers by Punk JUSTUS

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Loveless%20Persistence/161/114/3275

Hair - Magika - Adelaide Hair

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika/127/128/22

Skirt - NANAOxLoki - Libi Harness & Skirt - Reborn Juicy Rolls

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Winter/190/98/1022

Top - nera. juicy flare set [reborn juicy rolls]

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Leebon/157/76/1513

Flyer duo Christoph Korn / A23H in 1994 at club Der Blinde König, Frankfurt/M.

In the 1990s, after nearly three decades of restless activity on international stages since the late 1960s, Alfred 23 Harth recalibrated his artistic pace and direction. While his early career had been driven by uncompromising global momentum, the new decade marked a strategic turning inward. He began to focus more intently on the cultural and musical ecosystems of Frankfurt am Main, often embedding himself in younger or more locally rooted scenes, while simultaneously continuing to maintain a few projects of truly international ambition.

A central moment in this transitional phase was his decision to form, out of friendship and respect, the duo Parcours Bleu À Deux with saxophonist Heinz Sauer in 1990. Shortly thereafter, in 1993, Harth founded the Forum Improvisierender Musiker (FIM), an initiative that functioned both as a structural nucleus for local improvising musicians and as a platform for his protean creativity. From the Forum emerged several ensembles—Stern4et, Imperial Hot, and Imperial Hoot—each embodying a swing between experimental immediacy and a collective sense of performance that situated them squarely in the improvisational network of the time.

Alongside these local constellations, Harth also continued to forge projects of a wider scope. His QuasarQuartet, assembled in the immediate wake of the political changes in Eastern Europe (1992/93), signaled a willingness to draw from the shifting cultural energies of the "Opening of the East." A still more decisive forward-looking gesture came in 1995 at the Jazzfestival Frankfurt, where Harth convened a remarkable lineup with David Murray, Fred Hopkins, and Dougie Bowne. Here, for the first time, he openly engaged a Korean theme, anticipating the long trajectory of his later artistic life that would become deeply entwined with South Korea. Toward the end of the decade, in 1998/99, he entered into a duo collaboration with Peter Kowald, linking two generations of German improvisers in one of Harth’s last Frankfurt-based partnerships of that decade.

The mid-1990s also saw significant encounters that extended into large ensemble formations. When saxophonist Harry Petersen of the Hessian Radio Big Band approached him at the 1995 festival, their shared sympathy grew into Hale Peat, a band co-created in 1997 with guitarist Martin Lejeune and drummer Bülent Ates. This, in turn, gave rise to the expansive Cassini Orchestra (1998), a hybrid ensemble drawing in members from Hale Peat, Imperial Hoot, and Harth’s earlier West Side Story Heartliners 23. Around the same time, pianist Uwe Oberg invited Harth to form a duo that revived early avant-garde cinema through live performances, again pointing to the eclectic, transdisciplinary scope of Harth’s musical imagination.

By the turn of the millennium, the first cycle of the FIM began to slow and eventually fell dormant in 2000, not to be revived until 2014. Harth closed his Frankfurt chapter with one last collective: tatt00 (2000–2001), a project named in resonance with the artist group of the same title, conceived both as an inscription of closure and as a marker of transition. Alongside music, this period re-confirmed his wider artistic networks: besides being a member of the short-lived tatt00, Harth also participated in the Gdańsk-based art collective Delikatesy Avantgarde, mounting exhibitions in Poland that underscored his visual and conceptual artistic reach. Earlier, between 1993 and 1995, he had formed his own art microsystem, the Gedankenhotel, a framework that allowed him to unfold visual, textual, and performative strands in parallel to his ongoing exhibitions. These activities reveal Harth’s multifaceted self-positioning at the intersection of sound and visual culture, never confining his practice to music alone.

This broad spectrum also encompassed theatre. In 1992, Harth composed the score for Antigone at the Schauspielhaus Düsseldorf. Later, in 1997/98, his role expanded into West Side Story at the Schauspiel Frankfurt, where Harth connected musical direction with theatrical experiment. He further participated in a staged adaptation of Winterreise, performing in New York for a fortnight at La MaMa alongside actor Michael Altmann, with whom he had already collaborated in Nach Aschenfeld (Residenz Theater, Munich, 1984) and Der Architekt und der Kaiser von Assyrien (Schillertheater, Berlin, 1988).

Thus the 1990s appear as a period of recalibration: a decade of local immersion and network-building in Frankfurt, counterpoised with selective but highly significant international gestures that foreshadowed his decisive relocations after 2000. It was in these years that Harth both consolidated his roots and prepared the conceptual as well as artistic ground for the next phase of his transcontinental journey.

(Please, in order to understand my style, you must read my profile.)

"(MAXXUM AF 50mm 1 : 1.7 (22) With adapter)"

The dragonfly

It's easy to be fascinated by dragonflies. They were among the very first winged insects to evolve over 300 million years ago! Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but adults hold their wings away from, and perpendicular to the body when at rest. Their two sets of wings work independently, allowing dragonflies to maneuver through the air effortlessly. Their huge eyes give them incredible vision in almost every directions except directly behind them.

Many people ask, "What do dragonflies eat?" As adults, dragonflies eat other insects and can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in one day! typically eat mosquitoes and other small insects. They are valued as predators, since they help control populations of harmful insects. Dragonflies are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Adult dragonflies do not bite or sting humans, though nymphs are capable of delivering a painful but harmless bite.

"(Well, this type of photography was never my point of interest but it certainly is interesting, when you try to see everything that happens around you.

Here I will leave you in some photos of these experiments, I hope you like it.)" ☺

The Ways of Mandalore refer to the cultural and religious practices of the Mandalorians, a group of warriors and artisans from the planet Mandalore. The Ways of Mandalore are deeply rooted in their history, traditions, and values, and are a central part of their identity.

The Way of the Mandalore is a code of conduct that guides the behavior of Mandalorians. It emphasizes the importance of protecting fellow Mandalorians, taking in foundlings, and wearing a helmet at all times. The Way is also associated with the Children of the Watch, a group of Mandalorians who seek to reestablish the traditional ways of Mandalore.

The Mandalorian Creed is a central part of the Way, and is recited by new members of the tribe when they are given a helmet. The Creed is a promise to never remove the helmet, and to follow the Way of the Mandalore.

The Ways of Mandalore also include a strong emphasis on tradition and cultural heritage. Mandalorians place great importance on their history and customs, and strive to preserve and pass them down to future generations.

In addition, the Ways of Mandalore are closely tied to the concept of “This is the Way,” a phrase that is often used by Mandalorians to express their commitment to their code and their way of life. This phrase is often used as a rallying cry, and is a symbol of Mandalorian identity and unity.

Overall, the Ways of Mandalore are a complex and multifaceted aspect of Mandalorian culture and identity, and are deeply rooted in their history and traditions.

Picture taken at Sunny's Photo Studio

[DPSP] - RB Backdrop V3 - No Pose

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunny%20Photo%20Studio/55/...

Pose B(U)Y ME Poses - Dean

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BuY%20ME%20POSES/162/70/27

Mandalorian Armor [AD] Mando Gianni Black Set

Gacha Set.

Piper's Version

flic.kr/p/2pP9K4J

English has but one word for love: "love". Yet love is multi- dimensional. The New Testament of the Bible is written in Greek which has four words for love: Eros - romantic love, Filios (Phileo) - love of friends, Storge (STOR-jay) - family love: between parents & children as well as between siblings, and Agape - unselfish love: love in action that cares for and about others. Agape is the word for love most used in the New Testament. "Agape" your neighbor is to take actions to care about even those you may not personally know. It is radical: Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you." So to "Agape" your enemies is to take actions that care about them! In this photo are several hearts that embody these multifaceted kinds and ways of love. Including love of and from animals, for the gift of life itself, and always The Cornerstone: God who IS LOVE.

Thank you for taking the time to view my photo, and for the faves and comments you make, thank you.

Introducing the enigmatic Sukeban Brie, a fearless force to be reckoned with, born and raised on the unforgiving streets of Tokyo. She's the embodiment of a unique blend of strength and allure, effortlessly mastering the art of fighting and captivating hearts in equal measure.

Hailing from Tokyo's gritty underworld, Sukeban Brie has earned her reputation as a sukeban - a fierce and stylish gang leader who fearlessly navigates the city's toughest neighborhoods. Her combat skills are as sharp as a katana blade, and she commands respect with a gaze that could cut through steel.

But it's not just her fighting prowess that sets her apart; it's her magnetic allure. Brie's beauty is as breathtaking as the cherry blossoms in spring, and her style is a fusion of Tokyo's eclectic fashion scene with a touch of rebellion. She effortlessly blends the traditional and the modern, making kimonos look just as fierce as leather jackets.

When Sukeban Brie walks into a room, she owns it. Her presence is a potent combination of confidence and sensuality. With an enigmatic smile and a hint of mischief in her eyes, she keeps everyone on their toes, never quite knowing what she'll do next.

In a world where strength meets seduction, Sukeban Brie thrives. She's a symbol of empowerment, reminding us that one can be both a warrior and an irresistible enigma simultaneously. She's a beacon of individuality, proving that you can break free from societal norms, embracing your multifaceted self without apology. Sukeban Brie is a Tokyo legend, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant chaos and the elegance that hides beneath its rough exterior.

Credits

Blog - ubwoodman.wixsite.com/briessecondlife

Tattoo - .:RiotzInk:. Gulag Tattoo {BOM}

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tiamo%20Reef/170/29/1506

Shoes - Goth Sneakers by Punk JUSTUS

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Loveless%20Persistence/161/114/3275

Hair - Magika - Adelaide Hair

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika/127/128/22

Skirt - NANAOxLoki - Libi Harness & Skirt - Reborn Juicy Rolls

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Winter/190/98/1022

Top - nera. juicy flare set [reborn juicy rolls]

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Leebon/157/76/1513

Yulier P. e Fabian (2 + 2 = 5), si dedicano all'uso dell' arte per mostrare che la cultura cubana è poliedrica, multiculturale e molto più delle vecchie macchine, sigari e musica di salsa che attira così tanti turisti nella capitale cubana dell'Avana. 2 + 2 = 5, affermano che è un simbolo che rappresenta la libertà

quindi dobbiamo risolvere noi stessi l'equazione. Per essere liberi, dobbiamo essere liberi dalla realtà che non è la realtà. "

Yulier P. and Fabian (2 + 2 = 5), we dedicate ourselves to the use of art to show that Cuban culture is multifaceted, multicultural and much more than the old machines, cigars and salsa music that attracts so many tourists to the capital Cuban in Havana. 2 + 2 = 5, claim that it is a symbol that represents freedom

so we have to solve the equation ourselves. To be free, we must be free from reality which is not reality. "

I wish to dedicate this photo to the medical & healthcare professionals of our hospitals (and the ambulance people, who are at the very first line). They are facing the Covid-19 emergency at the best of their professional and humane possibilities, wrestling with limitations in supplies, lack of ventilators, ICU beds, personal safety devices, and all sorts of other difficulties, of which I am able to imagine only a small part.

Covid-19 infected people are cut off from their relatives (who are quarantined at home as soon as the patient has been found to be positive), so the psychological side of the hospitalisation can be almost as hard as the infection itself. Cell phones help a lot, of course - and, in case, WhatsApp can compensate for difficulties in speaking (e.g. because of the oxygen mask). However the feeling of loneliness is very strong, an almost physical sensation - you feel lost, overwhelmed. At the mercy of events.

Physicians and nurses could restrict themselves to the management of the health threat in itself - after all, who could blame them for this? They are justly called heroes for their dedication. But they are aware of your psychological distress and do not restrain themselves... They offer you their sympathy and humane support. I can only begin to imagine the additional weight of this burden at the end of their by now exhausting shifts (when they return to their beloved ones being so worn-out and worrying about even the remotest chances to infect them). Note that I do not say such things in principle: I have experienced this closeness, which greatly helped me to rise up. So they are not "simply" heroes - they are angels as well: angels at work in a hell of spherically symmetrical pain, where you can see two people slip away in a handful days, and that only in your own hospital room.

I am deeply moved when I think of them. I am quarantined at home now - effectively out of hell - but I cannot forget that they are still in the trenches of the struggle against this multifaceted infection and its often deadly effects, so I often phone the ward to ask them if they are faring well and to renew my gratitude and moral support. So I heartily offer this image to them: to those who supported me* and to all the others who are doing the same for so many other infected people.

More than three years later I am re-reading this text, after the ebbs and flows of the pandemic and of the conspiracy theorists and no-vax, and biosimilars, I confirm every single word. I would write the very same text right now. Maybe in uppercase.

* Sadly, I cannot even recall their faces, since the safety devices made almost all of them an indistinct blur of facial features. Of course I was able to discern whether they were male or female, or to recognise someone taller than the average; however I can not forget their unique voices.

This image has been unhearted from my Rosolina Mare archives (June 2016) (see the album Rosolina sunrise). That surprigingly beautiful location gifted me with a couple of sunrise sessions; the first was the most fruitful one: a powerful thunderstorm had stormed the night, leaving behind an incredible cloudscape. Moreover the low tide revealed harmonious wavy patterns carved in the sand by the flow of the gentle waves.

As I walked southwards the beach resorts soon ended and I found myself walking along an expanse of wild beach with beautiful dunes and stranded driftwood here and there. This image depicts one of the innumerable views I was gifted with that morning.

I have obtained this picture by blending an exposure bracketing [-1.0/0/+1.0 EV] by luminosity masks in the Gimp (EXIF data, as usual, refer to the "normal exposure" shot), then I added some final touches with Nik Color Efex Pro 4. RAW files processed with Darktable.

The look & feel of this photo notwithstanding, here there is only an intensive work of blending of the bracketed photos (uncharacteristically, much of this work has dealt with the overexposed shot). No Orton or similar effects; just the inverted RGB blue channel technique described by Boris Hajdukovic as a final contribution to the processing of the foreground. While this technique (which, its imposing name notwith standing, is pretty simple to implement) often holds interesting results in full daylight landscapes, its effects on a low-light capture (e.g. a sunrise) are utterly unpredictable, so at the end of my workflow I often give it a try to ascertain its possibilities.

Classically, people have tried to ascribe complex emotions as purely human. Let’s face it. For many, it would be too difficult to capture or kill an animal if they realized that their prey was subject to the same level of happiness, sadness, or love as they were. In fact, in scientific circles it has long been considered unprofessional to ascribe human traits to wildlife. Frankly, I couldn’t disagree more. Although it may not be as easy for us to comprehend these emotions in non-human species, they most certainly do exist. Don’t misunderstand me. Nature isn’t kind. The natural world is purely unemotional. It is beautiful beyond imagination but also savage and brutal. The beasts that inhabit the natural world are as emotionally multifaceted and complex as they are diverse.

Mom has had a wonderful morning. The weather was perfect. The fish were plentiful. There are full bellies all around and she has her cubs safely at her side. Even the presence of an ugly, potentially unemotional human nearby doesn’t seem to ruin her day.

Excerpt from the brochure:

15 Petal Burst by Gayle Kells

My work delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and the female body, presenting a multifaceted exploration of how women’s bodies are both objectified and celebrated. Incorporating found objects like corsets and undergarments underscores the historical and cultural roles that clothing and adornment play in shaping the perception of women’s bodies. These items, once symbols of constraint, can also reflect notions of beauty, femininity, and identity, which are layered and often contradictory.

Cadix hospital, Antwerp

Insect

Black-tailed Skimmer

Description

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Wikipedia

They say that “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” I imagine the old adage doesn’t really apply to bears. For this young female brown bear seems to delight in the activity whenever she enters a stream.

I was photographing coastal brown bears on the Cook Inlet as I have done for over a decade. I have seen bears play with sticks, stones, and shells before, but not as avidly and repeatedly as this young female. At times she would simply drop the stone. Other times she would let it roll off the back of her massive paw and down her leg. At times, however, she launches the stone like the forward on a basketball team. Having the opportunity to see these bears enjoying themselves is something I have grown to love. Their lives are much more multifaceted and complex than many believe. They aren’t simply the eating machines that some would have us believe.

Subconscious exploration is a project that explores the multifaceted nature of reality.

Leeves Cottage, situated in Weston-Super-Mare, holds a rich history interwoven with the town's evolution. Historical records reveal a complex narrative regarding the cottage's inception. Officially dated back to 1791 by Historic England, whispers of a pre-existing primitive hut cloud the certainty. This uncertainty adds depth to the cottage's historical mystique.

Its origins trace back to Reverend William Leeves, whose connection with the influential Pigott family and John Pigott, the Lord of the Manor, played a pivotal role in its creation. Leeves, a multifaceted individual involved in military service and Holy Orders, not only built and inhabited the cottage but also contributed to Weston's transformation into a thriving town, earning mentions in publications as the seaside rejuvenation gained popularity. The echoes of his musical prowess, connection to Scottish balladry, and controversies over song ownership reverberate through time. His friendship with Hannah More marked his engagement with cultural and societal currents of the age.

Over the years, Leeves Cottage saw various tenants and visitors, from the Taylor family with clerical ties to Count Possenti, a notable figure linked to Queen Victoria's court.

Traces of Leeves' presence persist in sketches, paintings and the cherished memory of a community he served devotedly. His passing in 1828 left an indelible mark on Wrington Church, where he rests beneath the altar, commemorated by a chancel window and a poignant memorial.

A sale in 1842 heralded a new era, while the passage of the Weston-Super-Mare Improvement and Market Act cemented the cottage's distinctive character. Joseph Glossop's ownership in the 1850s marked a significant juncture in the cottage's narrative.

Leeves Cottage, like a treasured artefact of heritage, continues to whisper stories of its occupants, guardians and the winds of change that shaped its history. As the threads of time intertwine, the cottage stands as a living testament to the legacy of Reverend William Leeves and the vibrant history of Weston-Super-Mare.

... In 2004, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, opened its doors in its magnificent new facility in Hanam-dong, Seoul. … Leeum is a multifaceted cultural complex, consisting of three conjoined structures: Museum 1, for Korean traditional art; Museum 2,for contemporary art; and Samsung Child Education and Culture Center, for educating youth and cultivating the future of world culture. leeum.samsungfoundation.org/html_eng/introduction/welcome...

… merged from 13 photos taken inside the reverse cone structure of the Museum 1 of the Leeum… not a realistic merge but just my impressions …

When we think about Silves, we immediately picture its orange-red castle, from King D. Sancho I (12th Century), which is, undoubtedly, magnificent.

But Silves evokes stories about other realms, remembered when we stroll through its meandering alleys. Legends about Moorish kings, especially the great Poet-King al-Mutamid (who has a legendary status but was quite real, born in Beja and ruler of Sevilha while all the Southern Peninsula was Arab), who marked his presence in Silves.

The main church of Silves (once a Cathedral) is beautiful, and across the street, we found the Moorish window, which never goes unnoticed.

Silves has many multifaceted historical layers, and we felt it every time we explored it.

*

Quando pensamos em Silves, lembramo-nos logo do seu Castelo vermelho alaranjado, do tempo de D. Sancho I (Séc XII) e que é, de facto, magnífico.

Mas Silves tem histórias de outras paragens, evocadas quando percorremos as suas ruelas. Lendas de reis mouros e sobretudo do grande Rei Poeta al-Mutamid (com estatuto de lenda mas bem real, nascido em Beja e que chegou a ser rei da Taifa de Sevilha, quando todo o sul da Península era árabe), e que marcou a sua presença por Silves.

A Igreja Matriz de Silves (antiga Sé) é belíssima, e do outro lado da rua, encontrámos a famosa janela mourisca que nunca passa despercebida.

Silves tem camadas de história multifacetadas, e essa sensação impôs-se, sempre que a visitámos.

Sponsored by :

NeoJapan, cinphul, Lelutka & BeMyMannequin?

Neo Japan has opened its doors and awaits you with multifaceted designs from many creative minds!

This picture was requested by my two partners as well as some other people when I posted a fanart on Facebook a while ago. Of course it doesn't come close to the original, but I hope you like it anyway!

This was made possible by my good friend from BeMyMannequin, who shortly after seeing the fanart conjured up a complete fatpack for the pictures! You can find this and two other related poses on the latest round of TheDarkness.

NEO-JAPAN: Event Round #8: 26th March 2022 (Saturday) to 17th April 2022 (Sunday)

TheDarkness: April 5 - April 28

No props included

Copy/Mod/No Trans

Fatpack is 10% off at the event

Fatpack is not sold in store after event ends

Credits

twitter.com/TTAAKKS

Blogpage

Highsnobsiety Community

Me on Facebook

Ice calves in titanic chunks from great glaciers into beautiful blue lake waters, where it drifts and melts as an iceberg before one day finding its way through a narrow outlet into the pounding North Atlantic surf to be broken into the innumerable shards and shapes washed up on the adjacent black sand beaches near Jokulsarlon, Iceland.

Going through some old photo files the other day, I came across this shot from a late winter trip to Iceland back before the pandemic. It was a gray afternoon, threatening rain and who knows what other weather conditions in short order as is typical in Iceland. The unending waves were milder than I'd seen before, but still more than enough to relentlessly twirl and shake the multifaceted ice chunks that shined even in the dull, dim light.

Almost all the ice out there had been smashed into smaller pieces, and I was fascinated by this little one, shaped as it was like an old telephone receiver and seeming to hold just a bit of turquoise blue within. I never quite got the timing right as the ice shook and rolled at the surf's edge--but seeing this image again after the intervening years, I found it happily took me back to that day of glittering ice on black sands under spiritless skies.

Thanks for viewing!

View On Black

The Hyatt, Edmonton AB

IMG_6311_1_r (5D, 1, 7)

The Lantern House, designed by Heatherwick Studios, is a new architectural gem in Manhattan has a lantern like look. Especially at night it seems to burst with energy and its multifaceted windows are very eye catching. The light in this image is very comforting and soothing to me, a little bit like a fire place or a group of candles shining from the wall.

When we think about Silves, we immediately picture its orange-red castle, from King D. Sancho I (12th Century), which is, undoubtedly, magnificent.

But Silves evokes stories about other realms, remembered when we stroll through its meandering alleys. Legends about Moorish kings, especially the great Poet-King al-Mutamid (who has a legendary status but was quite real, born in Beja and ruler of Sevilha while all the Southern Peninsula was Arab), who marked his presence in Silves.

The main church of Silves (once a Cathedral) is beautiful, and across the street, we found the Moorish window, which never goes unnoticed.

Silves has many multifaceted historical layers, and we felt it every time we explored it.

*

Quando pensamos em Silves, lembramo-nos logo do seu Castelo vermelho alaranjado, do tempo de D. Sancho I (Séc XII) e que é, de facto, magnífico.

Mas Silves tem histórias de outras paragens, evocadas quando percorremos as suas ruelas. Lendas de reis mouros e sobretudo do grande Rei Poeta al-Mutamid (com estatuto de lenda mas bem real, nascido em Beja e que chegou a ser rei da Taifa de Sevilha, quando todo o sul da Península era árabe), e que marcou a sua presença por Silves.

A Igreja Matriz de Silves (antiga Sé) é belíssima, e do outro lado da rua, encontrámos a famosa janela mourisca que nunca passa despercebida.

Silves tem camadas de história multifacetadas, e essa sensação impôs-se, sempre que a visitámos.

When we think about Silves, we immediately picture its orange-red castle, from King D. Sancho I (12th Century), which is, undoubtedly, magnificent.

But Silves evokes stories about other realms, remembered when we stroll through its meandering alleys. Legends about Moorish kings, especially the great Poet-King al-Mutamid (who has a legendary status but was quite real, born in Beja and ruler of Sevilha while all the Southern Peninsula was Arab), who marked his presence in Silves.

The main church of Silves (once a Cathedral) is beautiful, and across the street, we found the Moorish window, which never goes unnoticed.

Silves has many multifaceted historical layers, and we felt it every time we explored it.

*

Quando pensamos em Silves, lembramo-nos logo do seu Castelo vermelho alaranjado, do tempo de D. Sancho I (Séc XII) e que é, de facto, magnífico.

Mas Silves tem histórias de outras paragens, evocadas quando percorremos as suas ruelas. Lendas de reis mouros e sobretudo do grande Rei Poeta al-Mutamid (com estatuto de lenda mas bem real, nascido em Beja e que chegou a ser rei da Taifa de Sevilha, quando todo o sul da Península era árabe), e que marcou a sua presença por Silves.

A Igreja Matriz de Silves (antiga Sé) é belíssima, e do outro lado da rua, encontrámos a famosa janela mourisca que nunca passa despercebida.

Silves tem camadas de história multifacetadas, e essa sensação impôs-se, sempre que a visitámos.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera (from Greek ανισος anisos "uneven" + πτερος pteros, "wings", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly eye has nearly 24,000 ommatidia.

Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their life are spent as a nymph living in freshwater; the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. They are fast agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often but not always found near water

A fascinating multi-faceted highrise in the commercial precinct just south of Melbourne central reflects the construction work next to it.

Taken with the Tokina AT-X 124 PRO DX 12-24mm F4 wide-angle zoom.

A rich photogenic source, I'll upload a few more on this theme in the next few days.

Do view large for finer detail: farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3402676242_57e0309f30_o.jpg

Embark has been transforming the lives of street dogs and the communities they live in since 2007. The opportunity to reach out and make a difference with its multifaceted approach to animal welfare, is the driving force behind Embark’s dedicated team.

Focused not only on rescues or adoptions but also sterilizations, vaccinations, education and campaigning for improved policy with regard to animals islandwide, the Embark team takes the welfare of street dogs in Sri Lanka forward against the odds.

Inculcating values of respect, responsibility and compassion towards all living beings, Embark’s fundamental aim is to create a platform that inspires people to become agents of change, love and compassion.

embarkpassion.com/about-us/

When we think about Silves, we immediately picture its orange-red castle, from King D. Sancho I (12th Century), which is, undoubtedly, magnificent.

But Silves evokes stories about other realms, remembered when we stroll through its meandering alleys. Legends about Moorish kings, especially the great Poet-King al-Mutamid (who has a legendary status but was quite real, born in Beja and ruler of Sevilha while all the Southern Peninsula was Arab), who marked his presence in Silves.

The main church of Silves (once a Cathedral) is beautiful, and across the street, we found the Moorish window, which never goes unnoticed.

Silves has many multifaceted historical layers, and we felt it every time we explored it.

*

Quando pensamos em Silves, lembramo-nos logo do seu Castelo vermelho alaranjado, do tempo de D. Sancho I (Séc XII) e que é, de facto, magnífico.

Mas Silves tem histórias de outras paragens, evocadas quando percorremos as suas ruelas. Lendas de reis mouros e sobretudo do grande Rei Poeta al-Mutamid (com estatuto de lenda mas bem real, nascido em Beja e que chegou a ser rei da Taifa de Sevilha, quando todo o sul da Península era árabe), e que marcou a sua presença por Silves.

A Igreja Matriz de Silves (antiga Sé) é belíssima, e do outro lado da rua, encontrámos a famosa janela mourisca que nunca passa despercebida.

Silves tem camadas de história multifacetadas, e essa sensação impôs-se, sempre que a visitámos.

Mural de 30 metros en homenaje al compositor y músico Carles Santos con el texto «Jo no he marxat mai», está ubicado en la calle Raimon d’Alòs, frente a la plaza de toros, al lado de la casa donde vivía Santos.

Es obra del artista urbano de Vinaròs Francisco López "Chile".

"Chile" ha destacado que eligió la imagen y el texto por la sonrisa y expresión que representan su carácter más pillo, el texto que también habla mucho de él completando su imagen.

Carles Santos Ventura (Vinaròs, 1940-2017) fue un artista polifacético, pianista, compositor, escritor y performista español.

30-meter mural in tribute to the composer and musician Carles Santos with the text "Jo no he marxat mai", is located on Raimon d'Alòs street, in front of the bullring, next to the house where Santos lived.

It is the work of the urban artist from Vinaròs Francisco López "Chile".

"Chile" has highlighted that he chose the image and the text because of the smile and expression that represent his most mischievous character, the text that also speaks a lot about him, completing the image of him.

Carles Santos Ventura (Vinaròs, 1940-2017) was a multifaceted artist, pianist, composer, writer and Spanish performer.

Vinaròs (Baix Maestrat/ Castelló/ Spain).

www.musicadanza.es/efemerides/carles-santos-ventura-1

Red Dragonfly perched on a reed

Isaiah 24:3 “The earth will be completely laid waste and utterly pillaged, for the Lord has spoken this word.”

...and a cat.

The world around me appeared to me like a book with colorful illustrations, apart from my own. A monochrome illustration in a polychrome book.

Whenever I would effort to colorize my illustration according the book, it would turn monochrome. Thus, I would never resemble the world. Therefore, I have my own book. The book of polychrome illustrations, including mine. A book with a multitude of colors, in which absolutely everything is precisely as it is meant to be. Multidimensional and multifaceted. This is who I am. That’s the place I am from. If they like it or not doesn’t matter since they are not relevant for the story.

ilyK

When we think about Silves, we immediately picture its orange-red castle, from King D. Sancho I (12th Century), which is, undoubtedly, magnificent.

But Silves evokes stories about other realms, remembered when we stroll through its meandering alleys. Legends about Moorish kings, especially the great Poet-King al-Mutamid (who has a legendary status but was quite real, born in Beja and ruler of Sevilha while all the Southern Peninsula was Arab), who marked his presence in Silves.

The main church of Silves (once a Cathedral) is beautiful, and across the street, we found the Moorish window, which never goes unnoticed.

Silves has many multifaceted historical layers, and we felt it every time we explored it.

*

Quando pensamos em Silves, lembramo-nos logo do seu Castelo vermelho alaranjado, do tempo de D. Sancho I (Séc XII) e que é, de facto, magnífico.

Mas Silves tem histórias de outras paragens, evocadas quando percorremos as suas ruelas. Lendas de reis mouros e sobretudo do grande Rei Poeta al-Mutamid (com estatuto de lenda mas bem real, nascido em Beja e que chegou a ser rei da Taifa de Sevilha, quando todo o sul da Península era árabe), e que marcou a sua presença por Silves.

A Igreja Matriz de Silves (antiga Sé) é belíssima, e do outro lado da rua, encontrámos a famosa janela mourisca que nunca passa despercebida.

Silves tem camadas de história multifacetadas, e essa sensação impôs-se, sempre que a visitámos.