I've been playing around a lot lately with my 70-200 mm lens, since you can both pick thing out in the landscape and exclude others using limited depth of field.

 

Shooting this desert sunflower close at 200 mm, there's a high risk of losing one or more of the flowers to softness due to depth of field, so I went to f/22. There was a lot of focus a few years back on losing some resolution to diffraction. While true, it's not a huge or noticeable difference, not on the same scale of losing a flower to DOF, and the rest of the photo is soft anyway, so it's better to prioritize depth of field over resolution and get the shot.

 

Rules and technical knowledge are great, but they're just guidelines, factors to consider, but we can't get caught blindly serving them, because sometimes other considerations should have a higher priority.

Accelerating over alien terrain against air resistance at a approximately 1,264.8 feet/second squared Northeast.

Just a little something I made a while ago.

 

>:(

A note to Flickr's administration: Why? Seriously, why?

I'm not stupid, I've noticed over the past couple months before logging in how non-members view the beta version of Flickr while members use the sweet, wonderful original once logged in. Now that EVERYONE sees and has to use the impractical beta version, it begs the question: Is Flickr prioritizing nonmembers over the people who actually use it? I haven't seen any Flickr users who profess to prefer this version over the other. Most hate it, and are being driven away.

 

We can leave, if that's what you want...

This 1963 Chevrolet C10 pickup was a patina paradise. I spoke with the owner and he said it took a long time to achieve the look he wanted. I personally like the outcome and it has a matte finish verse glossy. As seen at the 2026 Appleton City car show in Appleton City Missouri.

 

The 1963 Chevrolet C10 represented a pivotal year for the first-generation C/K truck series, featuring significant mechanical improvements that set it apart from its predecessors. This half-ton pickup, designated by its "C" for two-wheel drive and "10" for payload capacity, benefited from a modernized chassis and suspension configuration designed to offer a smoother, more car-like experience on the road.

 

Feature SpecificationDetail Model Year1963 C/K series redesign introduced coil springs to the front end.

 

Drive Type Two-Wheel Drive C designation signifies rear-wheel drive configuration for this model

Suspension Coil-SpringShort/long-arm design replaced the earlier torsion-bar setup.

 

Body Styles: Fleetside or Stepside. Two-door regular cab offered in both bed configurations

 

Mechanical Evolution

 

The 1963 model year marked a fundamental shift in how the truck handled, moving away from the complex torsion-bar setup used in the initial 1960–1962 production years. By transitioning to a coil-spring short/long-arm independent front suspension, Chevrolet provided better durability and simplified maintenance for the owner.

 

Drop-center ladder frame construction allowed the cab to sit lower to the ground for easier access and a lower center of gravity.

Long trailing arms paired with coil springs at the rear helped ensure a more composed ride, even when the truck was unladen.

 

New engine options including the 230-cubic-inch and 292-cubic-inch inline-sixes enhanced both the performance and long-term durability of the powertrain lineup.

These engineering choices were part of a broader strategy to reposition the light-duty truck as a versatile tool that was comfortable enough for family use.

 

Design and Styling

 

Visual consistency across the 1960–1963 model years was maintained through the use of signature design cues that characterized the early first-generation trucks. Owners of this specific year were treated to a unique exterior aesthetic that blended utility with the popular automotive styling trends of the early 1960s.

Wraparound windshield glass remained a distinct feature for 1963 before the major facelift that arrived with the 1964 model year.

Sculpted hood forms and prominent design lines helped define the truck's Jet-Age aesthetic compared to the later, cleaner Action

 

Line models.

 

Base interior trim prioritized a functional work environment with painted steel surfaces and rubber flooring as standard equipment.

While the exterior design was soon replaced by a flatter windshield and updated grille in 1964, the 1963 truck remains a highly collectible piece of Chevrolet history today.

Valentines Day is just around the corner! Remember you don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate! Loving yourself means embracing your flaws and celebrating your strengths. It involves prioritizing your well-being and setting boundaries that honor your needs.

Merry Art Deco Christmas featuring La Cocotte Voisin (stylized eagle) Hood Ornament, the very unique French Voisin mascot.

Gabriel Voisin, on 5 November 1906, established the Appareils d'Aviation Les Frères Voisin with his brother Charles [3] (English: Flying Machines of Voisin Brothers). The company, based in the Parisian suburb of Billancourt, was the first commercial aircraft factory in the world.[4] It created Europe's first manned, heavier-than-air powered aircraft capable of a sustained (1 km), circular, controlled flight, including take-off and landing, the Voisin-Farman I.

 

After Charles died in an automobile accident in 1912; the full official company name then became Société Anonyme des Aéroplanes G. Voisin[1][2][note 1] (English: Aeroplanes Voisin public limited company). During World War I, it was a major producer of military aircraft, notably the Voisin III. After the war Gabriel Voisin abandoned the aviation industry, and set up a company to design and produce luxury automobiles, called Avions Voisin.

 

In 1919 he started producing cars using Knight-type sleeve valve engines. Former student of the Fine Arts School of Lyon and enthusiast for all things mechanical since his childhood, Voisin's uncompromisingly individual designs made extensive use of light alloys, especially aluminum. One of the company's most striking early designs was the Laboratoire Grand Prix car of 1923; one of the first cars ever to use monocoque chassis construction,[2] and utilising small radiator-mounted propeller to drive the cooling pump. The characteristic Voisin style of 'rational' coachwork he developed in conjunction with his collaborator André Noel. Noel prioritized lightness, central weight distribution, capacious luggage boxes and distinctively angular lines. The 1930s models with underslung chassis were strikingly low.

 

In the early 1930s, Gabriel Voisin could not pay all of his draftsmen any more and a young creative engineer named André Lefèbvre quit, recommended by Gabriel to Louis Renault. Lefèbvre finally entered Citroën where he led three particularly significant car projects: the Traction Avant, the 2CV and the DS, using a lot of Gabriel's lessons.

Engines

Sleeve valve Knight engines were used exclusively until some later models switched to Graham 3.5 litre engines. The Knight engines included: inline four; inline six; V8 (prototype); V12 - 7.2 liter, 1921 (prototype); inline twelve and a seven-cylinder radial (prototype).

I know you all needed this info for Xmas reading in front of the fire..............Merry Christmas

Having been here a few years ago for 148 as seen here: flic.kr/p/2otLTub

 

I really wanted to get a freight here with sun. Alas timing didn't work out for me to catch the Friday Sebring Turn here as originally planned, but the rail gods favored me thanks to Cane 1 loading way up at Childs, near Lake Placid. This meant I had an opportunity for a train here on Saturday, which I made sure to prioritize.

 

South Central Florida Express train Cane 1 is rumbling south across the wood pile trestle over alligator filled Fisheating Creek at about MP 918.4 (as measured from Richmond, VA via the old Atlantic Coast Line main) led by USSC 4203, a rebuilt GP40-2 that began life in Oct. 1966 as a straight GP40 built new for the Milwauke Road as their number 193. Childs is the longest distance cane run on the SCFE with the loadout located less than seven miles from the depot in downtown Lake Pacid. The trip back to the Clewiston sugar mill is a bit over 50 miles total which made for a nice long morning chase of which this was by far the highlight.

 

Unincorporated Palmdale

Glades County, Florida

Saturday March 15, 2025

Stroll along the spring-kissed streets as the sun sets on this magical evening... 💕🌹

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

Outfit: Beauty Factory - Luma Outfit (Fatpack) / @ FaMESHed

 

FaMESHed Event

Taxi: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FaMESHed/218/219/801

 

Beauty Factory

Taxi: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beauty%20Factory/128/128/21

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

After a long day or week of hard work, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we just need to keep pushing ourselves to achieve more. But in reality, taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our energy, motivation, and overall well-being. We need to give ourselves permission to take a break and indulge in the things that bring us joy and relaxation.

 

So, don't forget to treat yourself with some much-needed love and care. Whether that means taking a relaxing bath, spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking a walk in nature, make sure to find time to do what makes your soul deeply happy.

 

Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. One way to do this is by stopping to smell the flowers, quite literally! Take a deep breath in and appreciate the beauty and fragrance of the flowers around you.

 

And if you're feeling like doing some happy ladies' things, go for it! There's no need to worry about what others may think or understand. Whether it's treating yourself to a spa day or shopping for some new clothes, make sure to prioritize your own happiness and well-being.

 

Remember, if you don't take good care of yourself, no one else will. Prioritizing your own well-being is not a selfish act, but rather a necessary one. So let's all make a commitment to finding balance in our lives and making time for the things that truly matter.

 

" Wishing you all a happy and rejuvenating upcoming weekend... 💕🌹 "

 

ε(´｡•᎑•`)っ 💕

For me, K-2SO is easily the best part about Rogue One. After seeing the many awesome versions of this droid out there I was inspired to build one myself. (The folks pointing out the K2 influences in this bot got me thinking about it as well.)

 

I'm pretty happy with how this turned out! The shoulder/hip articulation is below my usual standards but for this build I decided to prioritize the shape and look.

 

I'm even happier I can stop thinking about it; I've been working on this and obsessing about it for weeks so it's nice to let my mind move onto other things (who else does this?). Of course there are still some areas I'd like to improve (*cough*feet*cough*) but what else is new?

 

I usually let the pieces do all the talking but in this case I couldn't resist dotting the balljoint with some eyes. I may have to relax my "rules" a bit!

 

75 pcs

Excerpt from the plaque:

 

In 1965, at the height of his fame, Warhol announced that he was retiring from painting to make films. He staged his “farewell” in a New York gallery the following year. One room included only wallpaper featuring a fluorescent pink cow. In the other, metallic silver balloons filled with helium floated through the gallery space, where viewers could interact with them. Titled Silver Clouds, this work continued Warhol’s association with the colour silver: the silver Factory, his silver paintings, his silver-grey wigs.

 

Warhol described Silver clouds, which he made with engineer Billy Kluver, as “painting that float”. He wanted to challenge the dominance of Minimalist art in the New York art scene at the time. Minimalism prioritized order, mathematical precision, and heavy industrial materials. Although Silver Clouds is also made of an industrial material, a silver laminate called Scotchpak, Warhol approached this work with a focus on fluidity, buoyancy, and movement.

This is the sky after sunset on the summit of "Pedra Partida".

Instead of taking a long exposure photo with a lot of stars, I decided to prioritize the last light of the sun and a very big star that shone brighter than the others.

Plan Dog was drawn up by Admiral Harold Stark in 1940 which prioritized the western hemisphere in case of a war against Germany and Japan, defeating Germany would be a top priority. Early plans for invasion of Europe were drawn as a part of plan dog and Russia also pushed for a invasion in Europe to open up a second front. if the plan to invade France in 1943 when through the weapons used would still be early to mid war ranking. The American Light tank is a custom built one, a picture of it will come soon explaining it more in depth. I also didn't have my good camera and I really wanted to post this so please don't count it against the build.

Au Moyen Âge, il suffisait de se promener dans les rues de Trèves pour découvrir le bon vieux temps. En effet, les gens de cette époque traitaient leur héritage historique de manière très pragmatique : les bâtiments qui ne pouvaient plus être utilisés devaient servir de carrières pour de nouvelles constructions. Et c'est ainsi que nombre des tours résidentielles en forme de forteresse qui ont vu le jour dans le centre-ville aux XIe et XIIe siècles ont souvent été construites avec des antiques matériaux de pierre romains que l'on trouvait encore partout. Seules quelques-unes de ces tours ont survécu jusqu'à aujourd'hui, - la tour des Francs du XIVe siècle, dont l'un de ses habitants se nommait Franco von Senheim, est l'une d'entre elles et aussi la mieux conservée. Dans ses murs aussi, des pierres antiques ont survécu aux âges.

La façade sans ornement et la couronne murale crénelée indiquent déjà que les constructeurs de la tour ont mis en priorité le facteur de sécurité. En fait, alors que la muraille d’enceinte antique de la ville avait été en grande partie détruite, la construction du mur d’enceinte médiéval n'était pas encore terminée. Une raison suffisante, donc, pour prouver leurs propres capacités défensives avec de petites fenêtres et des murs défiants. De plus, la porte d'entrée se trouvait au premier étage du côté est et ne pouvait être atteinte que par un escalier en bois rabattable. En cas d'attaque, les invités non invités se tenaient donc devant un mur solide et ne pouvaient pas entrer. Une porte au rez-de-chaussée n'a été ajoutée qu'au XIXe siècle.

 

In the Middle Ages, it was enough to walk through the streets of Trier to discover the good old days. Indeed, people of that time treated their historical heritage in a very pragmatic way: buildings that could no longer be used had to be used as quarries for new constructions. And so it is that many of the fortress-like residential towers that sprung up in the city center in the 11th and 12th centuries were often built with ancient Roman stone materials that were still found everywhere. Only a few of these towers have survived to this day - the 14th century Frankish Tower, one of whose inhabitants was named Franco von Senheim, is one of them and also the best preserved. In its walls too, ancient stones have survived the ages.

The unadorned facade and crenellated wall crown already indicate that the builders of the tower prioritized the safety factor. In fact, while the ancient city wall had been largely destroyed, the construction of the medieval city wall was not yet complete. Reason enough, then, to prove their own defensive abilities with small windows and defiant walls. Also, the front door was on the first floor on the east side and could only be reached by a folding wooden staircase. In the event of an attack, uninvited guests therefore stood in front of a solid wall and could not enter. A door on the ground floor was not added until the 19th century.

I am proud to announce this shot placed 2nd in the photo competition Astronomy Photographer of The Year 2011, category Earth and Space.

 

www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/astronomy-photographer-of...

 

Also check out my northern lights video where some shots was made from same location and same day as this shot:

 

vimeo.com/21419634

 

The great team from Lonelyleap films also made a short video about me and this shot. It can be viewed here:

 

vimeo.com/28740524

 

Another shot from last friday, march 11th.

 

I was out on a small arm of rocks outside of Hillesøy with my friend and fellow aurora shooter Frank. As always when you're two out shooting together you try not to climb upon each other, so I was going a few hundred meters away from him to try finding a different location and compo.

 

The tidal water was on a low, but going up, the rocks were slippery as h**l and I almost slipped and crushed my hip and my gear, including my brand new Nikon 14-24 lens, but luckily I managed to save it, and myself :) - For those who has been out shooting the lights with me know I can get over-excited, and I should have learned from previous trips.

 

Anyway, it was completely dark, but using my headlights I managed to find a few small ponds for reflections. I did not know how well the ponds would reflect, or how or where the aurora would strike at it's hardest, but luckily she showed up right where I had invited her! :)

 

I was shooting in bulb mode, several exposures, trying to get one well exposed all over, which is not easy when aurora is as strong as it was this night.

 

A mesmerising display of light almost blew my on my back yet another time.

 

There was a crowd of people standing outside the houses on the hills looking up, I bet they were almost as excited as I was! ;)

 

This one deserves to be viewed large on black!

 

Canon EOS 5D Mark II + Nikon 14-24 2.8G AF S @20mm f/2.8

 

For more pictures, follow me on facebook:

arctic light photo - on facebook

 

Hope you like it,

 

Ole

 

PLEASE PLEASE no flashy big group icons!! Real comments are always welcome, positive and constructive negative, but PLEASE spare me of those fancy flickr-idol logos!! Comments with huge pictures/logos in it will be removed. Please don't invite me to groups with the purpose of commenting on 3 pictures etc.

 

AGAIN! I have been deleting lot's of meaningless comments lately with nothing more than a huge logo inviting me into groups for commenting on pictures. I will comment on the pictures that I like, and I will prioritize the work of the excellent photographers that I follow! PLEASE do not invite me into these groups, spare your energy! Those logos are so impersonal I'd rather you don't post anything. Please respect this!!

 

Ole

Code of Conduct for Nomadic Monks Regarding Nature - Principles, Positions, and International Legal Context by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Code of Conduct for Nomadic Monks Regarding Nature

 

Principles, Positions, and International Legal Context

 

Fundamental Principles of Rovingian Nomadic Monks

 

Rovingian nomadic monks develop a relationship of profound respect for nature, guided by rigorous rules of conduct aimed at preserving the life of all living beings.

 

Prohibition of Recreational Hunting

 

Hunting for recreational purposes is completely prohibited. It is only permitted in cases where it is essential for the survival of species or for one's own subsistence, rejecting the use of violence against animals without vital necessity.

 

Sustainable Diet

 

The diet of these monks is predominantly vegetarian, but not exclusively. The main objective is to reduce environmental impact, opting for seasonal foods and prioritizing organic or subsistence farming products whenever possible.

 

Unconditional Respect for Life

 

Any death of a living being, whether insect or animal, is considered sacrilege, except in situations of direct threat to life itself, reinforcing an ethos of non-violence and absolute respect for existence.

 

Holistic Relationship with Animals

 

The monks reject the idea of cursed animals or personifications of evil. Animals like crows are seen as companions, promoting an integrative vision in which each being plays a fundamental ecological role and eliminating anthropocentric prejudices.

 

Protection of Life and Natural Habitats

 

It is the duty of every monk to protect life in nature and defend the liberation of beings in captivity. The preservation of habitats, especially endangered species, is a priority.

 

Prohibition of the Use of Animals in Non-Natural Contexts

 

The Rovingian Council opposes the use of animals in captivity for recreational, laboratory, or commercial purposes, such as circuses, zoos, aquariums, or water parks. The exception occurs only in the creation of ecological reserves intended for the protection and eventual reintroduction of endangered species. The same principle applies to the use of animals in laboratory testing and commerce.

 

Creation of Sacred Nature Reserves

 

The Council proposes the creation of sacred environmental areas, endowed with their own status and legal personality, preventing any human exploitation and establishing a commitment to inviolable protection.

 

Sustainable Exploitation of Trees

 

The abusive cutting of trees or their exploitation for extensive logging is prohibited, with selective deforestation and ecological recovery practices being promoted.

 

Responsible Use of Plants in Rituals

 

Plants, flowers, fruits, and seeds have great ecological value and should not be used indiscriminately in ceremonies. Substitution with materials such as pebbles, fabrics, or ceramics is recommended, demonstrating respect for biological integrity.

 

Respect for Paths and Native Vegetation

 

Paths should be maintained as they have been used for generations, avoiding indiscriminate trampling of local vegetation and preventing the introduction of non-native species.

 

Legal Context: Legal Personality of Nature

 

The creation of sacred nature reserves with their own legal personality follows a global trend of granting legal rights to non-human entities, allowing for their judicial defense and protection against exploitation.

 

The concept of legal personality of nature tha the Rovingian Council defends is already implemented in several international jurisdictions:

 

Pillars of the Proposal

 

Own legal status: Environmental areas cease to be objects of property and become subjects of rights, and can be represented in court.

 

Prevention of exploitation: Any human action aimed at economic exploitation or degradation can be challenged in court, protecting the fundamental rights of the reserve.

 

Sacred Character: This approach protects sites of spiritual and cultural importance, integrating traditional and indigenous views that consider nature an indivisible and living entity.

 

Relevant International Examples

 

Spain (Mar Menor): In 2022, the Mar Menor lagoon became the first European ecosystem to receive legal personality, allowing any citizen to defend its rights.

 

New Zealand (Whanganui River): The river was recognized as a living entity, with the rights, powers, and duties of a legal person.

 

India and Bolivia: Rights were granted to mountains, rivers, and "Mother Earth" as a strategy to curb rampant exploitation.

  

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

Normas de Conduta dos Monges Nómadas Perante a Natureza

 

Princípios, Posições e Contexto Jurídico Internacional

 

Princípios Fundamentais dos Monges Nómadas Rovingianos

 

Os monges nómadas rovingianos desenvolvem uma relação de profundo respeito com a natureza, pautando-se por normas rigorosas de conduta que visam preservar a vida de todos os seres vivos.

 

Proibição da Caça Recreativa

 

A caça para fins recreativos é completamente vedada. Só é permitida nos casos em que seja essencial para a sobrevivência das espécies ou para subsistência própria, rejeitando o uso de violência contra animais sem necessidade vital.

 

Alimentação Sustentável

 

A alimentação destes monges é predominantemente vegetariana, não sendo, porém, exclusiva. O principal objetivo é reduzir o impacto ambiental, optando por alimentos da época e privilegiando produtos de agricultura biológica ou de subsistência sempre que possível.

 

Respeito Incondicional pela Vida

 

Qualquer morte de ser vivo, seja inseto ou animal, é considerada um sacrilégio, exceto em situações de ameaça direta à própria vida, reforçando um ethos de não-violência e respeito absoluto pela existência.

 

Relação Holística com Animais

 

Os monges rejeitam a ideia de animais amaldiçoados ou personificações do mal. Animais como os corvos são vistos como companheiros, promovendo uma visão integradora em que cada ser desempenha um papel ecológico fundamental e eliminando preconceitos antropocêntricos.

 

Proteção da Vida e dos Habitats Naturais

 

É dever de todo monge proteger a vida na natureza e defender a libertação de seres em cativeiro. A preservação dos habitats, especialmente de espécies em extinção, é prioritária.

 

Proibição do Uso de Animais em Contextos Não-Naturais

 

O Conselho Rovingiano opõe-se ao uso de animais em cativeiro para fins recreativos, laboratoriais ou comerciais, como circos, jardins zoológicos, oceanários ou parques aquáticos. A exceção ocorre apenas na criação de reservas ecológicas destinadas à proteção e eventual reintrodução de espécies em perigo. O mesmo princípio aplica-se ao uso de animais em testes laboratoriais e comércio.

 

Criação de Reservas Naturais Sagradas

 

O Conselho propõe a criação de áreas ambientais sagradas, dotadas de estatuto e personalidade jurídica própria, impedindo qualquer ação humana de exploração e estabelecendo um compromisso de proteção intocável.

 

Exploração Sustentável das Árvores

 

É proibido o corte abusivo de árvores ou sua exploração para abate extensivo, sendo promovidos abates seletivos e práticas de recuperação ecológica.

 

Uso Responsável de Plantas em Rituais

 

Plantas, flores, frutos e sementes têm grande valor ecológico e não devem ser usadas indiscriminadamente em cerimónias. Recomenda-se a substituição por materiais como seixos, tecidos ou cerâmicas, demonstrando respeito pela integridade biológica.

 

Respeito pelos Caminhos e Vegetação Autóctone

 

Os caminhos devem ser mantidos conforme utilizados por gerações, evitando o pisoteio indiscriminado da vegetação local e impedindo a introdução de espécies não-nativas.

 

Contexto Jurídico: Personalidade Jurídica da Natureza

 

A criação de reservas naturais sagradas com personalidade jurídica própria acompanha uma tendência global de conferir direitos legais a entidades não humanas, permitindo a sua defesa judicial e proteção contra exploração.

 

O conceito de personalidade jurídica da natureza que o Conselho Rovingiano defende já está implementado em diversas jurisdições internacionais:

 

Pilares da Proposta

 

Estatuto jurídico próprio: Áreas ambientais deixam de ser objetos de propriedade e tornam-se sujeitos de direitos, podendo ser representadas em tribunal.

 

Impedimento de exploração: Qualquer ação humana que vise exploração económica ou degradação pode ser contestada judicialmente, protegendo os direitos fundamentais da reserva.

 

Caráter sagrado: Esta abordagem protege locais de importância espiritual e cultural, integrando visões tradicionais e indígenas que consideram a natureza uma entidade indivisível e viva.

 

Exemplos Internacionais Relevantes

 

Espanha (Mar Menor): Em 2022, a lagoa do Mar Menor tornou-se o primeiro ecossistema europeu a receber personalidade jurídica, permitindo que qualquer cidadão defenda os seus direitos.

 

Nova Zelândia (Rio Whanganui): O rio foi reconhecido como uma entidade viva, com direitos, poderes e deveres de uma pessoa jurídica.

 

Índia e Bolívia: Direitos foram atribuídos a montanhas, rios e à "Mãe Terra", como estratégia para travar a exploração desenfreada.

   

The 2024 edition of the CPKC Holiday Train takes the sweeping curve around Elbow Lake northwest of Vergas, Minnesota on its way to Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Plummer, and finally Thief River Falls to wrap up a day on the CPKC Detroit Lake Subdivision.

 

For the second year in a row, I prioritized following the train trek up the Detroit Lakes Subdivision through lakes country. I am glad that this is part of holiday traditions for the last 26 years benefiting local food banks and offering excellent festive musical performances. I ended up getting a bonus day of shooting the Holiday Train the following day on the CPKC Elbow Lake Subdivision between Kensington and Elbow Lake itself.

i've been busier than normal and havent really had time to process a lot of my stuff. I have been prioritizing the verticals to go on another platform, so excuse the portrait overload.

Thorolf Holmboe (designer)

Visual artist, Decorative artist, Goldsmith, Illustrator, Painter

Born 10.05.1866 in Vefsn,

death 08.03.1935 in Oslo.

 

Produced by David-Andersen,

Goldsmith firm 1905 to 1917.

 

Gilded silver with window enamel and mirror enamel.

 

Height: 27.2 cm ≈ 10.7 inches

Diameter: 14 cm ≈ 5.5 inches\

Weight: wouldn't that be nice to know?

 

Inventory no.OK-1979-0029

Norwegian National Museum, Oslo, aka the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.

=======================

This Art Nouveau masterpiece—designed by Norwegian painter and decorative artist Thorolf Holmboe and fabricated by the eminent goldsmith firm David-Andersen—translates Holmboe’s graphic sensibility into one of the most technically accomplished objects of Norwegian decorative art. Holmboe, better known for his romantic paintings and illustrations, occasionally crossed into applied arts with designs characterized by rich symbolism and stylized nature.

 

The bowl of the vase consists of window enamel (émail à fenêtres), created by fusing translucent enamel into compartments (cloisons) made of fine metal wires soldered into a delicate openwork metal framework.

 

The wires are first bent and shaped to outline the forms—in this case, bullfinches, leaves, and abstract foliage—and then joined together. Each compartment is filled with finely ground colored glass paste (enamel) and fired in a kiln. Multiple firings may be required to achieve the brilliant, jewel-like finish. Once cooled and polished, the metal cells frame each element like the leaded lines in stained glass.

 

The metal framework that holds these cloisons must be incredibly precise and strong enough to hold its form during firing. For three-dimensional objects like this vase, the cloisons are likely pre-formed and joined onto a shaped armature or mold. Whether the final enamel components were constructed in situ on a full vase form or mounted afterward onto a structural backing is unknown, but the complexity suggests a hybrid of both: some parts formed directly over a metal core, others assembled and secured through expert soldering.

 

One of the most astonishing features of the Dompapvasen is its execution in plique-à-jour enamel, a notoriously demanding technique akin to miniature stained glass. Unlike cloisonné enamel, which is backed by an opaque metal surface, plique-à-jour lacks any backing once complete. Light passes directly through the enamel, illuminating its colors like sunlight through cathedral windows. The effect is ethereal, but achieving it is a feat of technical audacity.

 

To construct such a piece, the artisan begins with a lattice of fine metal cloisons—delicate wires that are soldered together to form individual cells. These cloisons are mounted onto a temporary support: often a sheet of mica, a thin copper foil, or a shaped ceramic form that mimics the curvature of the final object. These materials provide just enough support to hold powdered enamel in place during the firing process, but they must be removable without damaging the piece. After the enamel has been fired and fused, the support is dissolved, peeled away, or carefully broken out.

 

The enamel itself is applied in successive layers, never all at once. A thin bed of finely ground glass is laid into each cloison and fired. More enamel is added gradually, with each firing melting and fusing the previous layer. This meticulous build-up reduces stress, prevents cracking, and ensures consistent translucency. Some works may be fired more than ten times before the enamel reaches the rim of the wires and the cells are fully filled. Each round of firing introduces risk: warping, slumping, or thermal shock can doom the piece at any stage.

 

That this object was successfully brought to completion—with vivid coloration, flawless transparency, and structural integrity—is a testament to the technical virtuosity of the David-Andersen workshop and the designer Thorolf Holmboe’s audacious vision. That it has survived over a century intact is nothing short of miraculous.

 

The stem and base are finished in guilloché enamel (émail miroir), in which a fine geometric pattern is engine-turned onto a metal surface (typically silver or gold), then overlaid with transparent or opalescent enamel. The effect: shimmering depth and optical movement beneath a glassy surface, most famously seen in Fabergé objects.

 

In all, the process likely required hundreds of hours of collaborative labor spread across several weeks or months. A reasonable estimate for a work of this caliber would be between 200 and 400 labor hours shared among three to five specialists.

 

Though one might hope for archival images documenting the vase’s creation, such in-progress photography was rare in early 20th-century workshops, which prioritized secrecy and technical control over public documentation. If images exist, they would likely be confined to private company records or unpublished studio archives. The absence of such photographs only adds to the mystery and reverence surrounding the finished piece.

 

The vase’s fragility and the complexity of its materials suggest it was never intended for practical use. Inserting cut flowers could crack the vitreous panels or separate the cloisons. Instead, this work functioned as an objet de vitrine—a showpiece meant to dazzle viewers with its color, craftsmanship, and symbolic richness.

 

Whether unique or part of a vanishingly small series, the Dompapvasen stands as a tour-de-force of Scandinavian enamelwork—bridging fine art and decorative design in the Nordic Art Nouveau idiom.

 

This text is a collaboration with Chat GPT. I ask the questions, Chat GPT answers, and I ask follow-up questions until I am satisfied with the depth and breadth of the description,

The man who prioritizes profits over humanitarian initiatives has an unAmerican approach to how the nation interacts with the world. He grew up asking, What's in it for me?" in any action he has ever made. Shame!

 

The original image was A.I generated using Photoleap.

VIA 15 rolls part the last of the decent fall colour at Windsor Junction with a trio of F40’s for power. Of course as luck would have it, the sun appeared when I didn’t want it to, and disappeared when Q120 went by after meeting these guys at Kinsac. It’s not too often that CN gets the shaft for VIA in the east, but that’s exactly what happened here, as 120’s crew waited close to an hour for the westbound window train. I rarely post backlit shots, but given the colour and the lack of VIA in this part of the country lately, I figured I could make an exception.

my desk....

For Jule's photo challenge group, something that needs organized...2/17/14

 

it's not so much messy...it really needs prioritized...lol...but it is all boring so where to start? lol

In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.

Excerpt from perkinswill.com/project/meadowvale-community-centre-and-l...:

 

In the mid-1970s, the community of Meadowvale was conceived as a ‘new town’ with homes, schools and a community centre built around a park and man-made lake. This vision became a catalyst for a thriving, dense neighborhood. Although the park and lake matured, the original community centre was no longer able to serve a growing and increasingly diverse population.

 

We worked with the client to help them imagine the next generation of community centres, where inclusivity, sustainability and design excellence are the drivers. Our team unlocked the potential of the sloping site with its lakeside trails by designing a series of programmatic terraces centered on a two-story lobby. The pedestrian public realm was prioritized and a vital connection between the City and the Lake reestablished. Bold forms and dramatic color characterize this highly accessible gateway to wellness, recreation and literacy.

 

The concept of filtration permeates the architecture and landscape design. The coloured brise-soleil shades the building during the summer and animates its interior during bleak winter months, while the building and landscape design work in concert to divert and retain stormwater as it travels toward Lake Aquitaine. Green roofs, bioswales, and interceptors filter runoff, improving the quality of discharge lake. The extensive green roof addresses the heat island effect, and planted areas use native and drought resistant species, decreasing water use and creating habitat for the local ecosystem.

Serafima in the studio after her swim lesson.

 

Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF DC 105mm f/2 @ f/4

Ilford FP4 Plus, EI 80

Metol Portrait developer 5:00, 21C, Kodak agitation

 

This was over exposed and would have been better at box speed. This is a replenished tank developer and first roll through, so as it seasons film speed will drop slightly, development times will get longer, and we’ll see what happens with grain and gradation.

 

I’m formulating this developer specifically for portraits and prioritizing gradation over everything else. I’m eager to see how it matures.

Manifest traffic rushes along the CN Fort Frances Subdivision mainline east of Stratton, Ontario. The crew is blasting the horn for Sharp Road. About 30-40 miles left until Fort Frances via Barwick, Emo, and Devlin.

 

I did not get to photograph anything in this section of the Fort Frances Sub. the last time I was in Ontario two years ago, so I prioritized the railroad between Emo and Pinewood. I found this train at Pinewood ad immediately made a U-turn to find a suitable location with an open broadside view. This was the first decent one I could find near Stratton. It would be one-and-done with this train, as I was was betting on westbound traffic facing the sunlight. I am happy to get a new spot photographed.

Plan Dog was drawn up by Admiral Harold Stark in 1940 which prioritized the western hemisphere in case of a war against Germany and Japan, defeating Germany would be a top priority. Early plans for invasion of Europe were drawn as a part of plan dog and Russia also pushed for a invasion in Europe to open up a second front. if the plan to invade France in 1943 when through the weapons used would still be early to mid war ranking. The American Light tank is a custom built one, a picture of it will come soon explaining it more in depth. I also didn't have my good camera and I really wanted to post this so please don't count it against the build.

Explore # 207 on Thursday, 2 September 2009 - the 374th

View large on black

 

Just glad to be slowly back in the mainstream of flickr. Missed my friends here but there was so little that I can do as i was compelled to prioritize work as there were deadlines to meet. Too bad, I only have old pics to share this time.

Explored!!

 

Sometimes, it’s all about the journey.

Sometimes, it really is about the destination...I’ll let you guys decide!!

Well, it’s been a great journey, thanks to everyone who stuck with me this far.

Over the last few months I’ve met some wonderful people here on FLICKR, and with you guys…

 

I daydreamed ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4715939611/ )

I remmenessed ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4723608458/ )

I chillaxed ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4750488754/ )

I hung out ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4779449317/ )

I flew back home ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4866979415/ )

I prioritized ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4957029662/ )

I found what was there all allong ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4979702852/ )

I got into the groove ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/4995346263/ )

I got back on the road ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5002227042/ )

I went the extra mile ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5021586917/ )

I got a front row sit ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5031693344/ )

I saw things in a new perspective ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5046345246/ )

I felt lonely ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5058137969/ )

I said so many things ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5072471191/ )

I went back in the day ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5081614800/ )

I walked in fields of gold ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5094966768/ )

I arrived in greener pastures ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5100488263/ )

I found what’s left ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5087239954/ )

I walked on sunshine ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5107298871/ )

I got through the thorns of vanity ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5119185478/ )

I became vigilant ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5124875092/ )

I looked at the big picture ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5128206883/ )

I got the blues ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5144487211/ )

I went down memory lane ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5150657941/ )

I forgave and redeemed ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5163642761/ )

I got up, moved on and crossed the bridge ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5171338433/ )

I got over the muddy waters ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5174478549/ )

I went on a journey ( www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldoeaf/5225623783/ )

 

And now, we’ve reached the end of the road… soon it will be time to open that gate and start a whole new and different adventure, exploring a new territory, and I hope I can still count on you to come with me. Remember: Few relationships are important enough to never die.

Stay tuned to find out what’s on the other side.

 

The World's Oldest Subway Tunnel And Its Advocate. Bob Diamond, a local Brooklyn resident, for years talked about finding the "lost" former Brooklyn and Jamaica/Long Island Rail Road (current day MTA LIRR) "Cobble Hill" or "Atlantic Avenue" Tunnel (not the current alignment). The whole story would take up books, but the tunnel carried trains from 1845-1861, itself a realignment from street running, and is considered the World's Oldest Subway Tunnel. From then until Bob rediscovered it in 1980 and crawled through the 2 foot wide passage, is was mostly sealed up and closed. Bob spent untold hours excavating all of the dirt by hand, eventually running his own walking tours. One of those things that we thought would be around forever, I hadn't prioritized it but finally went down for the tour with Bob on December 6, 2009. We entered through a manhole in the middle of the street and as advertised it was old, dark, dirty and gigantic. About a year later, the city pulled the permit for him to run tours and it has not been restored since. Bob died in 2021, and the future of this tunnel is unknown.

 

Full album and full resolution pics and prints: www.riverrailphoto.com/lirratlanticavenuetunnel

Enjoy your Spring weekend in May 2020. Restrictions are loosening a bit but we must still be careful.

 

Stay healthy and hopeful! #BeKind

" It's okay to see facts and nature through diverse lenses.. 🌿🔍"

 

It's fascinating how many individuals prioritize their beliefs and personal feelings when it comes to understanding the world.. Instead of carefully analyzing facts, they rely on intuition and emotions to guide them. In our everyday lives, we naturally gravitate towards people who share our beliefs, values, and preferences. It's comfortable and reassuring to be with those who think like us.

 

However, things take a thrilling twist in the BDSM community. Here, relationships involve two individuals with wildly different backgrounds and interests, coming together to explore their deepest desires and live a BDSM lifestyle. It's a world where opposites attract and passion ignites. Yet, this stark contrast in personalities and preferences can also give rise to numerous challenges, making it difficult to sustain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

 

In the realm of exploration and indulgence, where boundaries are pushed and fantasies are embraced, the journey to a harmonious and lasting connection is both exhilarating and complex. Only a few can navigate the contrasting personas between partners and successfully save the relationship.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

Each person has their own unique perspective and way of interpreting the world.

 

Alphas tend to seek and perceive everything based on facts and the harsh realities, even if they are unpleasant. They value truth above all else, and their vision is bold and strong.

 

On the other hand, Betas prefer to perceive the world based on their emotions and personal comfort, even if it deviates from objective facts. Their visions are often idealistic and more fragile in nature.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

Tale : Tree and Lens 🌳🌿🔍👓

 

☑️ When love and BDSM principles are compared to a TREE, their biases and visions can be likened to colored GLASSES they wear to view things.

 

The divergent ways of thinking between Alphas and Betas create challenges in finding common ground and reaching solutions through discussion.

 

Alphas tend to perceive the world through a red-pill lens, emphasizing objective facts even if they are harsh or unpleasant. Meanwhile, most Betas view the world through a blue-pill lens, prioritizing subjective feelings and personal comfort, often straying from factual reality. This fundamental difference in perspective leads to disagreements, as Alphas might assert that a tree is red, while Betas argue that it is blue.

 

Most Alphas advocate for removing bias (take off the red glasses) to see the true color of the tree, embracing fearlessness in discovering reality through scientific analysis and observation. They believe that the color of a natural object SHOULD NOT be determined solely by social consensus or majority opinions.

 

Betas, however, may be inclined to rely on social norms, public opinion, and democratic processes to define truth. They argue that if the majority says the tree is blue and it brings happiness to most people, it must be accepted. The tree should be blue.

 

The clash of logics between Alphas and Betas revolves around the different criteria for determining right and wrong. Betas often defer to the majority's perception and societal consensus, while Alphas prioritize understanding the natural world through scientific investigation and analysis.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

" That's why I refrain from discussing and arguing with betas about what is right and wrong. Our different ways of critical thinking often lead to unproductive and heated arguments. Avoiding some discussions and contentious debates doesn't mean a person is closed-minded or lacking in broad perspective. Instead, it acknowledges the inherent differences between us that hinder meaningful discourse. We possess varying levels of analytical thinking and the courage to remove our biased perspectives and see things as they truly are, in their authentic nature.

 

Instead, focusing on fetishes and nurturing affection can foster stronger relationships, rather than fixating on debates about right and wrong and how things should be.

 

For two people who cannot perceive the tree as the same color, it's alright. In the context of BDSM, it is not a significant issue. Instead, we should concentrate on what truly matters and engage in discussions on those topics! "

 

___________ Scarlett Saphira

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

Dress: Belle Epoque - Alba - Menta / @ The Fantasy Room

 

Belle Epoque - Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wild%20Willows/154/126/12

I took this little series of photos when Clare came on one of her visits to us. We lost her in May this year - that's the kindest vocabulary I can use.

 

I have, and will have, of course, my sorrowful moments, but I recently gave myself a 'talking-to' to try hard to prioritize memories of the joyful and happy times.

 

This visit was in January 2015 and Clare, in her usual spirit, undertook the challenge of the long journey down from Glasgow to us in the south of England by train, bringing with her one of her former foster dogs, Flo whose owners were on holiday and had asked Clare to dogsit for them.

 

We all had a lovely few days together. We still had our Cairn terrier, Jinks, and it was funny: not always the friendliest of dogs, he however welcomed Flo who, in return, treated him with great disdain. I remember them sitting on opposite ends of the sofa, backs to each other.

 

Clare fostered around 20 rescue dogs and found new owners for them. This was in addition to her regular university admin work, her silversmithing in 'rose madder' and, last but not least, living in a 2nd floor tenement flat, house-training dogs using a communal garden down several stairs.

 

I'll always remember Clare's pro-active attitude to life despite her own personal challenges.

I paused over how RL made difficult scheduling with the models, but I am finally back with The Zodiac Series!

 

Here comes Taurus!

----------------♡----------------

 

Taurus is an earth sign. Like their celestial spirit animal, Taureans enjoy relaxing in serene, bucolic environments, surrounded by soft sounds, soothing aromas, and succulent flavors. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. Taurus’s Venusian influence make this earth sign the most sensual of the zodiac: These cosmic oxen are enchanted by any physical manifestation of comfort and luxury. Pleasure is a necessity for epicurean Taureans and they feel most content when pampered. (Taurus governs the neck, so neck caresses are especially irresistible to these bulls.)

 

As a sign, Taurus is fixed, an astrological quality that reflects Taurus’s steadfast, loyal nature. Fixed signs are excellent at maintaining systems and Taureans prioritize consistency and reliability in all areas of their lives. It must be noted, however, that Taurus does have a bit of a reputation: What a Taurus perceives as dedication is often regarded by others as stubbornness. Accordingly, these bulls may end up lingering in unhealthy situations — whether relationships, jobs, or homes — longer than necessary just to prove a point. Despite their occasional obstinance, however, Taureans are dependable partners, soothing their friends and lovers with their trustworthiness and devotion.

 

----------------♡----------------

Credits

 

--♡ Model: DallasAlduin´s Avatar named Angel

--♡ Photo: by me

--♡ Sunflowers: Synnergy // Sunflower Field Scene

--♡ Sky and surroundings: The Mystic Realms at Midday

I am at last happy to announce to you all my LEGO A-4E Skyhawk MOC – in John S. McCain III’s livery. If anyone reading has been following me for a long time – first off, I thank you sincerely for your support – some may remember the A-4E I built quite some time ago now, also in John McCain’s livery. This one is pretty much a ground up rebuild of my initial Skyhawk and is for the most part entirely a novel design.

The model itself, in terms of features, has retractable landing gear, space for a minifigure in the cockpit (BARELY), and deployable airbrakes. Due to the construction of the wing and the standards I wanted to prioritize for looks, I did not incorporate working flaps or leading edge slats like I had initially planned. However, like I said, my priority if in doubt was nailing the look and accuracy of the model on display – and I feel I have approximated that to the best of my current abilities… though I know I can always improve! Let me know your thoughts though!

 

Handheld shot with Olympus 75mm f1.8, my fav lens for shooting flowers.

 

Nothing has been done to the background, it is purely a result of this lens’ natural bokeh rendering.

 

Yet regardless of lens quality, bokeh can be badly messed up or even mangled in shot and in particular by atrociously poor post-processing!

 

Bokeh will get messed up when shooting in electronic front curtain shutter mode above 1/1,000s.

 

Even worse is bad post-processing, just look at those gear forum image threads on kilo class 50mm f1.2 lenses, yet these same lens owners with images showing badly mangled bokeh keep waxing lyrical about their behemoth f1.2 boat anchors!

 

Conversely, some hobbyists like to complain about lenses being overly contrasty hence affecting bokeh quality. Fact is, contrast in bokeh can be handled via post-processing if required but it’s onion-rings and all kinds of structures within bokeh balls that cannot be easily dealt with in post-processing.

 

There’s just way too much fallacies being propagated in gear forums. The worse of which are those from certain Nikon “Z”-ealot fanbois shills, no other brands’ fanboism ever reach such ridiculous levels of obnoxiousness and delusion, this is likely a consequence of extreme insecurity over their brand totem!

 

Some crazy “Z”-ealot fallacies;

 

1. “Z”-ealots loved to claim that the wider Z mount will lead to more efficient lens designs but what actually happened are Z lenses being bulkier, heavier and more expensive than equivalent lenses from other brands. The “Z”-ealots have largely stopped beating this widest mount drum these days for obvious reasons and have instead pivoted to suggesting that Nikon prioritized lens quality over size but doesn’t this mean that Nikon Z is the new Sigma of old!? Nikon F mount was way narrower than Canon EF but that didn’t preclude Nikon from making the class leading AF-S 14-24mm f2.8 G which Canon had no answer for a long time but yet Nikon “Z”-ealots will poke fun at other brands with smaller mounts.

 

2. The oft quote that you buy into the Z system mainly for the lenses when “Z”-ealots shills try to convince others (especially Nikon DSLR F mount users) to switch is obvious acknowledgement that the Z bodies are not competitive in terms of features and price. The Z7 series is not pro-spec unlike the D850 which is pro-spec, Nikon said so themselves. Then you have reality being laid bare with irrational exuberance over adapting lenses from other systems per below. If the Z lenses are as great as these shills claimed, why bother to adapt lenses from other mounts!?

 

3. A rampant Nikon “Z”-ealot fanbois shill with multiple user names on various gear forums was seen hyperventilating over the new version 2 of the Megadap E to Z adaptor recently. Shows how limited Nikon’s Z lens choices actually is and how slow Nikon is at bringing out new needed and interesting lenses. This notorious shill even suggested that “it makes sense to built a system based on a Nikon Z with some Sony lenses”. No surprise here since this was the exact same situation back in DSLR days when Nikon had a noticeably inferior lens lineup, this was Nikon at a much stronger no.2 behind Canon but Z’s current market share is a lot smaller with the Z mount being even more closed off to 3rd party lens makers than F mount ever was! This ridiculous Nikon Z shill even postulated that adapting Sony lenses on Nikon Z bodies will make Canon less relevant as a system when factually Nikon has a long and notorious history of crippling 3rd party lenses via firmware updates! As it is, Nikon already crippled their own FTZ adapter such that their own F-mount lenses get only 3 out of a possible 5 axis of stabilization. There’s no mention of IBIS effectiveness with the Megadap ETZ21 adapter.

 

As a multiple system user, I would rather acquire E-mount or even M-mount Voigtlander lenses which can be used on both E and Z mount than limiting myself with the same Voigtlander lenses released specifically for Z mount since these cannot be used on any other mounts. I can even get to use an AF adapter for M or E-mount Voigtlander lenses on the Z if I really wanted to.

 

This is the insiduous nature of these “Z”-ealot shills, always trying to distort reality to mislead others in favor of the brand they worship, have to wonder if these are in fact paid influencers! Nikon “Z”-ealot fanbois shills are truly the worst as no other brand users are anywhere near as obnoxious and delusional in belittling all other brands, such insecurity over just a camera brand, their constant propagation of fallacies are a real disservice to other users!

 

For beginners, take what you read in gear forums with a sackful of salt especially those forumers who seemed to practically live only in the gear forums and have no decent photo galleries to showcase. More often than not on gear forums, ability and words not only don’t match but the gulf can be really wide, beware of internet hot air!

Basically as she arrived from Barry scrapyard over six months earlier.

 

To this day in 2022 the loco has yet to be restored and has spent most of its time on the Bluebell Railway under a tarpaulin as the railway also has 80064 and 80151 from the same class, so they are prioritized over this loco.

 

A scan from a print of unknown origins.

 

All Rights Reserved and no reproduction or use unless I know you personally and have given permission.

"But where are the clowns?

Quick, send in the clowns

Don't bother they're here..."

 

Yes, they are.... right here.

  

My day off....

My "To Do" list is pages and pages long. I never cross anything off it, I only add to the bottom of the list. So when I got up today.... my first thought.... I think I will go back to this location and pull those weeds to the right of the doorway because I might need this location again. Yup... and there you have it... my thought process, my inability to prioritize, and the reason nothing gets crossed off of my to do list (although.... if I add.... "pull the weeds at an abandoned building" to the list... I WILL have something to cross off! OK, works for me!)

.

As an update.... my co-worker loved his Clown Birthday card. My favorite part of all of it... when he looked at me... and asked me.... so, tell me how you did this. Where is that clown from? (meaning,,, where did you copy and paste him from).... oh.... THAT'S ME!!... coworker's jaw drops, he stutters.... and finally spits out the words.... "ohhhhh, Torrie.... that just takes that to a whole other level." (I will never forget that look on his face) So.... there you go.... I have achieved a whole new level of craziness (Let's be serious... I probably would have gotten there, eventually, anyway). And the photo.... three weeks later... sits on his desk.... with a sad deflated red balloon hanging from it and a vase full of very dead flowers. And he says he likes it that way.... I'm not exactly sure what his clients must think of HIM at this point...and that kind of takes HIM to a whole other level, too...

 

...and the saddesr part is that I doubt if I will EVER be able to top this birthday card (but it's not like I won't at least try....afterall... I DO have PRIORITIES!!)

 

(and on a side note... this clown costume just might be the best $5 I have ever spent... I really love it! Have I just achieved another level?!)

With a Paducah Rebuild GP10 in tow, BNSF Train J ABIAUM1 30A rolls by on Main Track 2 of the BNSF Ft. Scott Sub. with Engineer Wil Burke at the throttle past the Lenexa Switcher's power and caboose.

 

Though the "high-wide" symbol might be somewhat misleading, railroads commonly use this prefix type on expedited or high value moves to differentiate from other less prioritized trains, or ones that require less special handling. The hopper car is along for the ride to satisfy minimum axle requirements for properly shunting signal systems.

 

The GP10 was built for Illinois Central as GP9 IC 9120 in 12-1955 with a builder number of 20758 frame number 5409-3. In March 1973 it emerged from shop as a graduate of the ICG's Paducah Rebuild program as ICG 8329 as a GP10. It was later sold to the US Army, and renumbered USAX 1873. Later retired and sold to S&S Leasing and renumbered SSRX 1873, it soon found a new home on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and renumbered MRSR 9120, regaining its original number, while owned by American Heritage Railways in 2016.

 

It was painted in the Milwaukee Road-inspired livery as seen here and pulled trains in Washington until COVID-19 shut the railroad down, and eventually forced AHR to seek a new owner.

 

The locomotive was then moved into storage on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad in Abilene, KS; the ASVR being a fairly recently affiliated partner with AHR. The Branson Scenic Railway was purchased by AHR in 2024, and the movement of the locomotive was expedited to that property in this special move in order to restore service for their busy Independence Day holiday week of excursions due to their GP30, BSRX 99 experiencing a sudden prime mover failure.

 

The engine was interchanged to the MNA Railroad at Aurora, MO, quickly wyed, and raced to Branson to be placed in service. By July 3rd it had been turned, serviced, tested, and re-lettered to pull the train out of Branson, facing south.

 

Locomotives: BNSF 6578, HRMX 9120

 

6-30-25

Lenexa, KS

♦ Instructions available at Rebrickable ♦

 

"This is where the fun begins!"

 

My latest ship from the Prequel Trilogy has arrived, and it surely was a lot of fun to make: here's Obi Wan's Eta-2 Actis Interceptor from Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars.

 

This small unit consists of 281 pieces (stand included), and has one major feature: true Minifig scale!

 

There's a handful of beautiful MOCs of this ship out there already, but most of them are based on the huge cockpit piece from the playsets, so they're drastically oversized. So here I am with a, dare I say, more accurately scaled version.

 

It does come with a drawback, you guessed it: you can't put a fig inside. A bit ironic I know, but I chose to go for a brick-built cockpit in order to get as close to the original design as I could, prioritizing accuracy over playability, as usual.

 

The wings were pretty challenging given the ridiculously small scale, and my goal was to have them as thin as possible without compromising the SNOT look.

 

I'm quite happy with the result and I think this makes a nice little display piece. It's also very swooshable despite the intricate wing design.

 

I'm usually not a fan of stickers, but I thought this one deserved some sweet markings. I used the sticker sheet from the playset - it is included in the parts list. The color scheme can be changed to red with only a few part swaps (see last page in the instructions).

 

► Instructions for the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor are available at Rebrickable!

Banff. So many amazing locations to shoot. Way too many to shoot during the golden hours over a four day visit. After a number of visits (five, if you are counting), it gets easier to prioritize which ones are the best at sunrise and sunset. That leaves other times of the day for everything else. Some photographers will tell you that for a photo to be good, you must shoot during the golden hours. I agree with them to a degree. If you are lucky enough to have good weather with nice cumulous clouds, the light that you get at sunrise and sunset can't be matched (it's not called golden hours for nothing). But to stop shooting because the golden light is gone is simply hogwash to me. Take this photo of Johnson Lake that I took in mid-afternoon. It wasn't the best conditions that I had on this visit. In fact, it was dreary most of the afternoon. If you are patient and wait long enough, you might get a little sunlight breaking through and lighting the treetops and clouds.

I was prioritizing my choice of photos when putting them up here on Flickr, which is to say that I did not post them in the order that I had shot them.

 

This photo was taken some time between the shots of the purple flags with the American flags, and the appearance of the larger Trump Baby Balloon.

 

One of the reasons I look forward to a new rally is for the possibility of signs and other things that bring up the Reflecting Pool debacle. I don't know if anything is planned for the 4th of July, but I'll be down there if there is. (Last year's 4th of July rally was pretty small, so it's hard to say if anything this year will be any good or bigger.)

 

As I keep saying, I love this 75-300mm Canon lens.

Toronto, CANADÀ 2024

 

Spadina Avenue is a long, wide north-south thoroughfare in downtown Toronto, most notable for being the central spine of Chinatown and for the distinctive use of its width.

 

Chinatown Axis: The stretch south of College Street and north of Queen Street is the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown. This segment is packed with Asian shops, restaurants, markets, and heavy foot traffic, reflecting the vibrancy of the neighbourhood.

 

Unique Design: The avenue is unusually wide. For most of its length, the central section is dedicated exclusively to streetcar tracks (TTC streetcars). This design prioritizes public transit and gives the street a distinct character.

 

Key Connections: Spadina connects major neighbourhoods:

 

The Annex: North of Bloor Street.

 

Kensington Market: The bohemian market extends just to the west.

 

Entertainment District: Towards the south, it connects with the theatre and restaurant district.

 

Pronunciation: A fun fact is that despite its spelling, locals pronounce "Spadina" as "Spa-DYE-na."

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Morningside Heights in Manhattan on a cold wintery afternoon in January of 2013. Prominent in the foreground is the Peace Fountain, a 40 foot bronze sculpture that was sculpted by Cathedral Artist-in-Residence Greg Wyatt in 1985 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Diocese of New York. The corner stone for the Cathedral was laid on December 27, 1892 by the Episcopal Bishop of New York Henry Codman Potter on the 13 acre property that was acquired on the Morningside Heights plateau for the Cathedral. This amazing structure, now past its 120 birthday is not finished. It has had financial delays, deaths, two world wars, the diocese’s funding is directed to prioritize serving the community through their programming and social initiatives that have stood as obstacles. There have constantly been efforts to maintain the architectural integrity of the Cathedral. Regardless it is the world’s largest cathedral and among the five largest church buildings in the world.

Another Friday spent along the rails of Cape Cod did not disappoint.

 

My main goal was to photograph newly repainted FL9 2011 which I did and then I had planned to again photograph the meet and swap with the northbound energy train. But those plans got changed when Mass Coastal train MC2 was unexpectedly thrown into the mix. They came down from Rochester with a string of empty C&D gons for Cassova at Otis which they were going to swap out with loads before heading back north to Rochester and on to Wareham.

 

They had to hold the main here at Taylor for a bit waiting for Cape Cod Central passenger train to finish up their station work and clear up the single track there. With the excursion train safely tucked in the siding here at MP 54.9 on the MassDOT owned and Mass Coastal operated former New Haven Cape Mainline, MC2 is pulling south.

 

Leading the way is MC 2008, a GP9RM blt. Apr. 1956 as CN 2020. On the south end of the passenger train is MC2009, a rare model GP28 built by EMD in Nov. 1964 for the Illinois Central as their #9439. Only 31 of the 1800 hp units were built and only 16 of those were for US roads.

 

Once the bridge is lowered the 2008 will head south toward the Falmouth Branch and on to Otis meeting the waiting energy train at Canal Jct. The latter will use the same bridge closing to scoot back here and hold the main for a meet and crew swap with the passenger consist before they each then head on their respective ways to Seamass and back down to the station.

 

For a small little shortline it sure got busy here for a moment requiring some decisions on what I wanted to prioritizing shooting. Not a bad problem to have!

 

Wareham, Massachusetts

Friday September 15, 2023

After pulling two empties from inside and setting them out on the main, Y150 tucks one loaded covered plastics hopper back inside Roth Global Plastics just as the afternoon sun breaks through the clouds.

 

Oh man. Where do I begin with this one? This customer made me give my all, so sit tight for this journey from discovery to trial and error and finally execution. In late 2024 while keeping tabs on a multitude of rail cars for customers, I came across three Syracuse bound plastics hoppers on an M560 one day. I asked a friend to check the waybills for each car out of curiosity. One of the cars was bound for Roth in Syracuse. Having previously explored the area customer spurs on Google Maps, I had just as soon chalked up the spur into Roth as dead. What a relief to find out it was just the opposite case for them. I got ahold of their car inventory list at the time and began tracing the cars regularly to see how long each car lasted in plant. On average, it was about a month to six weeks, which is par for the course with plastics hoppers, at least in most cases. I wanted to prioritize getting out to shoot this place, but a lot of factors kept me at bay. The crew who usually switches here almost always has a three pack of geeps/slug set, which isn't exactly ideal for the spacial limitations of this shot. Said power set also gets wyed a lot during the week due to how they work certain customers, so while the leader might be favorable one day, by the time Roth needs a switch the other leader might not be so photogenic. First world problems I suppose, the further I travel for these shots, the less of a luxury I'll be afforded in that regard. During the warmer months last year, although Syracuse was originally intended to be my summer project, I ended up focusing on L355 out of Ashtabula instead, two hours west of Buffalo instead of two hours east such as Syracuse is. And so Roth took a backseat for a bit, along with the rest of 'Cuse, awaiting my attention at a later date.

 

Some housekeeping things before continuing: although the symbol in the title is a yard job, Roth is normally switched by L024, an 0400 local out of DeWitt Yard on weekdays, who serves a handful of customers and handles transfer cars for/from FGLK and NYSW. Roth is also a Tuesday only switch, which you'd think would make things easier. Ahhh how wrong I was to think so! Paired with Roth on Tuesdays is usually Metalico who gets served on Thursdays as well. Both customers are located off of "Track 8," the north siding in relation to mains 1 and 2. The south siding is "Track 7." The switchbacks for Metalico and Roth face opposite directions, requiring the crew to pull west into Metalico's and east into Roth's, thus the crew will often wye their train at CP 291 coming off of Track 8 after Metalico, then return back to it to switch Roth. This is a typical way to the two. However it seems whenever I get involved, things take an atypical turn.

 

The stars aligned for me timing wise to attempt Roth for the first time at the end of October in 2025. My band was playing a show in Syracuse the day before Halloween that week, which was two days after my first go at Roth. As you can tell, the month is not late October in this photo. Outside of the fabled October Storm of 2006 which battered Buffalo and the entitrey of WNY in general, snow doesn't tend to stick in October. But I digress, two very early morning trips to Syracuse in the last week of October had me feeling very hopeful I could come away with some brand new customer shots. The morning started with Metalico and I was able to pretty easily check that one off my list, despite the sun being against me. The conductor was moving painfully slow that morning, but the crew had an inbound hopper with them, so my sights were set. The fact that their power set was only a pair of GP40s instead of a trio was even better news, an unexpected and welcome surprise. Unbeknownst to me, the crew made a plan to head out to Belle Isle to go pick up NYSW interchange cars. It seems they took a trip around the wye, then shoved two miles out to the siding at CP 293. Upon coming back to Track 8, they'd have a train of 80+ cars, but at least they'd be stopping at Roth. Or so I thought. Four hours of sitting in the employee lot for Roth, waiting and listening for the next developments. With the conductor working so slowly, a parade of westbounds made its way into the picture. Among those trains was I009, who ended up going into emergency in the middle of CP 293, preventing L024 from doubling up their cuts on the siding as they needed the signal for headroom. 90 minutes passed by while the CSX NF desk dispatcher rerouted all other traffic around the wounded intermodal. 90 minutes is what it took for the car department to find an errant handbrake on a three pack of wells 40-something cars into their train, thus remedying the issue. By the time L024 was doubled up and ready to depart back east, they had been on duty for 10 hours. Consulting the yard master over the road channel, they were told to skip Roth with CSX cracking down on overtime. Nothing new there. I spent the rest of that day looking for anything else to shoot. Fittingly the afternoon yard job who works Berry Global near FGLK's Solvay Yard ended up switching it about ten minutes after I departed for home that evening, having a prior late night commitment which called me away. Attempt one failed! Without diving into too many other details, Thursday that week also had its own set of woes, but those are two separate customers and therefore two other chances to tell their own stories hehe.

 

Early on in 2025 there was one specific car bound for Roth which somehow kept leaving the yard and coming back for two weeks straight. I'm not sure what the reason was behind it, but what I do know is it ended up being spotted on a Wednesday, an off day for the customer. A similar thing happened that last of October, where an empty was waiting to be picked up, and L024 made a stop on their way back to the yard the following day to pick it up. They did not however spot the load, which was not built into their train for the day. Instead that car was placed the following Tuesday, a day I would have made another trip out save for the fact I caught a nasty cold which put me out of service leading into that Tuesday morning. Another month passed by before I was able to try again. The first half of December had no inbound cars and one car released. It would have to do. I headed out once again to try for Roth. I intercepted the crew finishing up at the Metcalico switch, locking up and ready to continue down to the wye. However the leader suddenly suffered a PTC failure, and so they sat for another half hour, maybe 40 minutes attempting to troubleshoot. Eventually they were fed up with waiting and got the okay from NF to proceed at restricted speed out to 291 to turn their train of two engines and two loaded gondolas. It was off to Roth again for me, this time hanging back for a bit to make sure I had the crew in sight before I descended upon the parking lot. While completing their wye move, their PTC cut back in, allowing them to get back up to track speed, which for them was probably only 30 mph on the siding anyhow, but 30 beats 10! The high headlight of a GP40-2 manifested into view, and I raced over to a parking space, gathering my things and stepping out of the car ready for my first shots of them coming down the hill grade which comprises the switchback. The conductor fumbled with the switch for a solid five minutes, sweeping and picking at it. I got back in my car to conserve warmth, watching from afar as the conductor climbed back aboard the engine. What I thought would be my day quickly devolved into all for not. L024 toned up dispatch and informed them that they could not in fact get the switch for Roth to throw, citing there was far too much snow and ice packed into the switch for it to move. NF told them to sit tight and he'd see if he could get a maintainer out there to help. Another two hours passed as I looked on in frustration. Noon rounded the corner, the crew gave two toots of the horn to signal they were on the move, and back to the yard they went, finishing their day with a whopping one of two customers completed. I guess I should have seen that coming with the recent snowfall. Road train also use Track 8 quite a lot when departing towards or entering from the west, hence why so much snow was stuck into the mainline switch. That's a lot of weight constantly pressing the snow down. I figured that MOW would find its way out at some point that day and clear the switch for another off-day Wednesday service. But TouchTrace continued to deliver good news for the rest of the week, as L024 never returned for Roth that week.

 

It's now the week before Christmas, and my desperation for this shot was showing. The empty car inside Roth was now nearly two weeks late as far as pulling it goes, and they had released a second car on the Monday before I went back for a THIRD try. If CSX didn't get to them today, there were surely going to be some angry phone calls coming out of Roth inquiring as to why these empty cars were still in their building. And so once again, I was up at 0500 or so and off to Syracuse to find out if today would be the day. The third trip turned out to be the most convoluted of them all. I expected to arrive and find L024 already switching Metalico, since they usually head for them after 7:00 a.m. for whatever reason. Why it takes the crew three hours from the time they go on duty to get out of the yard, I haven't the faintest idea. DeWitt must simply be a mess on its own level. I did not find anyone switching there. So I decided L024 must not have left the yard yet. Around 8:00 they toned up, stating they wanted to head for CP 293 and shove up the hill into NYSW at Solvay. In tow behind them were 100+ cars, split between NYSW and FGLK. For power, two AC44s with the trailing unit in YN2. One hell of a curveball they threw me. Ideas were abounding in my mind as to how this day would shake down. Best case scenario, they finish their drops in a timely manner, head back to the yard and get on a pair of geeps to go tackle the industries. Worst case, they don't do any industry work at all. It took over an hour to get shoving up into NYSW. While the conductor was on the rear, he was remarking about the gate into the other Solvay-based CSX customer Chemtrade, which had a busted gate and fence line that morning. Apparently the afternoon yard job ran through it all the night before, likely resulting in their night ending abruptly as it seemed the work L024 was carrying out that morning was leftover from the night before. Just my luck. In the meantime with L024 tying their cars down for NYSW, I was bored and taking drives around FGLK's yard in Solvay, trying to locate their yard job SH-1 in case they had work at the giant WestRock plant branching off the yard. L024 told the SH-1 it'd probably be around 11:00 when they'd be ready to come in and drop cars. SH-1 decided to leave the yard westbound and go work the other smaller WestRock plant in Camillus. I gave chase and followed them once I figured out where they were going, since L024 was giving me nothing to work with. It was a nice bonus to occupy that part of the morning and of course will get its own story when that shot is posted. Upon both of our returns to Solvay, L024 was just coming into the yard there, instructed to wait for SH-1 to handle the inbound cars. I decided my time would be better spent closer to DeWitt since nothing of substance was happening in Solvay. In addition, L024 still had another whopping hundred plus cars to pick up on the Belle Isle siding. My mother had texted me a couple things to stop at Walmart and look for if I came across one, since our local store was out of stock. A Walmart exists directly across from DeWitt Yard, so in I went to seek out these items. I walked out with five boxes of Betty Crocker cake mix for butter pecan flavored cake. (It's delicious by the way.) Back in my car and straight across the street to go sit and monitor the yard for anything significant.

 

If you've made it this far in the wall of text, congratulations, we're almost there! One other strange and unlikely thought had crossed my mind earlier in the morning while wallowing away in my cold car, agonizing over how many different ways I could be screwed out of this shot. So far the list included stalled train in emergency, frozen switch, and now work which didn't belong to L024 but needed to be done. But this other thought I had, I couldn't help but feel like it might have some credence. I imagined maybe DeWitt's yardmaster would be smart enough to send another job out to switch the customers in place of L024. Perhaps one of the yard sorting crews from the morning, but only if a lack of work permitted. Following my short Walmart excursion, I began hearing faint numbers being called out on the road channel in switching maneuvers, i.e. car counts and three-step protection. At first, I thought the radio was just picking up L024. But I heard two different numbers, one for the YN2 AC44 out at Belle Isle, and another which sounded like one of the GP40s which L024 would have been using had it not been for the prior evening's debacle. I panicked. If I was missing this mystery crew switching our Roth because I decided to go to Walmart (which has happened in the past quite a few times, although not specifically with Walmart involved but rather any side quest), I'd never forgive myself. I raced out to Roth and found nothing but a covered hopper sitting outside. The spurs were still covered in snow, so nothing had been down here yet thankfully. I contacted a couple of my CSX friends quickly to try to get some intel on what was going on. Zero results at first while I continued to hear switching nearby. I decided to head for Metalico after sitting for a few minutes pondering. One of my contacts came back with the news that a Y150 had been called at 10:30 that morning, seemingly an extra job. There was still no scan on the geeps, but as it turns out the closest AEI scanner west of DeWitt is five miles out at 291. GPS location finally pinged for one of the geeps right as I pulled up to the Metalico switch, finding this extra crew shoving out onto Track 8 to lock up, with one loaded gondola in tow this time. At last I had my answer, and loud and clear I heard the crew tell NF dispatch they wanted to head out to 291, spin, and come back into Track 8. Barring any more unforeseen obstacles, this was the crew to get the job done. There was quite a bit of waiting still to do, with a few trains to sneak by while Y150 was on the wye. While waiting to come east at 291, L024 was about ready to head back to DeWitt as well after a grueling morning of nothing going right for them. Fittingly their engineer was giving advice on how to work Roth to the extra crew, talking about when to leave the air on coming down the hill, and leaving any cars they had with them up on the main rather than pulling in with them. Even the one gondola they had would be once car too many, as the three cars and two engines Y150 would be pulling with just about brought them to the end of the switchback. Not much in the way of headroom. The overcast clouds which had been ever-present all day continued to loom overhead, but they were beginning to break up ever so slightly. The hopper sitting outside the building, about where the the middle of the two geeps are in this photo, turned out to be another load, and was in the third of three car spots for Roth. When the last time they unloaded a car outside the plant was, I couldn't tell you, but the spot was there for a reason. Just as the crew shoved all three cars up the hill to the main, the sun really started peeking through the dense layers of clouds. Faint at first, but the light beams on the plant building were growing stronger. I thought for sure more clouds would overtake it, as I chanted aloud hoping for the crew to get back down to me quickly to take advantage of the newfound light. Thank goodness I had boots on because I did a lot od climbing and trudging through snow on this outing. In order to obtain this view, I had to make my way up the hillside which makes up the grade separation between the mainline and the switchback. The conductor was meticulous in his efforts, taking his time to make sure the car was secure inside, allowing me time to nab multiple angles from the hill. I try not to get in the mindset of settling for one angle in particular, but in a time crunch I usually have one default picked out. However my default angle turned out not to be the angle I wanted at all, and thus the side profile view was born. I consider this just enough light for my liking. It's not the full sunlight I had on two previous attempts, but hey, how could I complain at this point after all I'd been through to get this far?

 

In the final moments of shooting here, I had noticed a car waiting idly by off to the left while the crew finished their work and cut away. As the light power made its way back towards the switch out of the plant, the vehicle pulled up to me. A man was asking a question of me out the window of his car. I know how this one ends most of the time, but this wasn't one of those times. While he was a plant worker as I suspected, he wasn't there to scold me, but rather praise me for having been there. In addition to working for Roth, he was also a railfan! I was told I was only the second person he'd ever seen back there shooting this job in all his years working there, and how he tries to get outside on break any time CSX has a switch to perform. He regaled a couple stories of riding around on the Fulton Branch nearby, switching out other area customers and even gave a little history lesson on some former trackage related to the plant. At one time the switchback led to a GM plant! That of course shouldn't surprise me, the industrial plant complex is huge back there. I got his contact information and said keep in touch, he even knew of some Buffalo area railfan YouTube channels, so I told him I'd be happy to be his guide the next time he wants to venture out my way. Was it all worth the wait? I suppose so. I couldn't have telegraphed the way that day panned out in a million years. The multiple letdowns leading up to things finally working out were a supreme test of my patience. When you shoot industries to the fervent obsessive level that I do, patience will be tested quite often and quite drastically in some instances. In the end, I put this on myself. I can't help but think if I'd tackled this place in the warmer months of the year I may not have ran into all the issues I did, but then again, only the switch being frozen would have been solved with that mentality. The other stuff could happen rain or shine, hot or cold. So yeah, that's the story of Roth Global Plastics for ya. The highs and lows, the cheers and woes. Makes for a cool story I guess. I dunno, every year has one or two white whale industries for me. As of yet, 2026 has yet to reveal which one that will be just yet, but there are certainly a few candidates in my book. Stay tuned for whatever wacky adventures I get myself into next.

On the ferry heading back from Coronado.

 

I've been busy lately. I'm quite naughty to be posting here and not writing my advertising paper. So I ought to get back to that, really. But I have built myself a 'working' route for my rail trip, and thought I'd look for a little feedback. It's still too dense, and I don't think I can manage all of this in the timeframe I've allotted. I'd love your input on what places I should prioritize and what places I should save for another time:

 

START Toronto

01 Montreal – 2 nights

02 Boston – 1 night

03 NewYork – 2 nights

04 Philadelphia – 2 nights

05 DC – 2 nights

06 Richmond – 2 nights

07 Charleston – 1 night

08 Savannah – 1 night

09 New Orleans – 1 day [I've been here before]

10 Memphis – 2 nights

11 Chicago – 2 nights

12 St Louis – 1 day

13 Kansas City – 1 day

14 Albuquerque – 2 nights

15 Flagstaff – 1 day

16 LA – 1 day

END San Diego

 

Q: charleston or savannah?

Q: is it even worth stopping in flagstaff?

But I'm getting better at admitting when I'm wrong

I'm happier than ever, at least that's my endeavor

To keep myself together and prioritize my pleasure

 

youtu.be/sQUNW7qI9zY

With CP's North Toronto Searchlights soon to expire with cut-overs expected in the coming years, and BNSF ramping up their deadlines of BN-Executive-Paint SD70MACs, seeing one lead under the Howland cantilevers was a sight I couldn't resist seeing.

 

US origin CPKC trains forbid PTC-free power from leading, and often Toronto will prioritize crew-favourites for power over anything else. Fortunately, Toronto has been power-hungry lately (case-in-point: CP 5936 is leading the autorack local in the foreground) as BNSF 9783 was originally destined for Montreal on a 132, but was promptly taken off and put trailing on a Detroit-bound 135 behind CP 9753. Usually Detroit's access to a wye guarantees the use of such prior to the power returning on 134, and I, among many other railfans, was 90% sure they would keep the AC4400 leading especially considering 9783 is PTC-less. An update shortly after midnight of 9783's leading position on 134 was posted with only 7 hours of notice to those in Toronto. This time-frame would've been much smaller, had 134 been a faster train, and perhaps a higher hp/ton ratio. These guys had 508 axles powered by only 8400 horsepower, so the slow-sailing train allowed a suckerhole to finally contact the south track after about 35 minutes of daylight, and 10 minutes to spare prior to 134's arrival.

We hiked for several hours up the mountains through territory unfamiliar to me, carrying two days worth of gear and slipping and sliding our way through the first real snowfall of the year, our sight limited by surrounding fog so thick we couldn't see more than a few feet in any direction. The night was spent a cabin that seemed in the middle of nowhere, as if suspended in time and space - lost in the whiteout fog and silence of the empty mountains for miles around. Silent, save for the joyful laughter of good friends that could be heard from inside the cabin, perhaps spurred on by the wine and chocolate that somehow was prioritized to be carried up the mountain. Night passed, morning came, the fog still heavy... We wandered through the fresh blankets of snow, hoping and waiting for the sun to break through. And then, it did. The mist began to roll back down the mountain, lit brilliant gold by the rising sun, and we got our first view of our surroundings as I took this self-portrait. I can't remember if I said any words in particular during this moment, but I do remember my heart soaring and feeling the happiest I've felt in a long time, standing here in my element and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. It will be a long time before I ever forget this one.

Dhanbad (Inde) - Au début, je pensais que les glaneurs ramassaient tout le charbon qui passait à portée de main. Pas du tout. Ils privilégient en priorité des morceaux de minerai qui ont un calibrage précis. Pas trop gros, pas trop petit, pour prendre place dans les paniers sans le déstabiliser.

Même les blocs très lourds posés directement sur la tête des porteurs, seront acheminés à un endroit précis pour être cassés au marteau afin de faciliter le transport dans les paniers tressés, sur de plus longues distances.

  

Dhanbad (India) - At first I thought that the gleaners collected all the coal that came within reach. Not at all. They prioritize pieces of ore that have a precise calibration. Not too big, not too small, to fit in the baskets without destabilizing it.

Even very heavy blocks placed directly on the heads of the carriers will be transported to a place where they can be broken with a hammer in order to facilitate transport in woven baskets, over longer distances.