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.

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.

there have been some very pretty skies at sunset this week ... and the weather almost warm for the middle of May here :-)

 

3rd evening I had a chance and prioritized getting Saxon out somewhere we could appreciate it :-)

 

eta: I totally missed the challenge for this week, will make amends next week, I promise

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.

 

" 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

It’s been a minute or 2 since I was able to focus on photography. My sister rescued a feral kitten, and I’ve been in the thick of things with getting elements of my imaging business on track. We all have responsibilities, etc that need prioritizing, so it’s a balancing act at times (wobble). Finally had a moment to capture some moments!

 

While at the Lake Worth Recreation Center I noticed not just a gargantuan tree but one oozing fantastical features. Spent some time wandering about this monstrosity, let alone weirdly inside it. Turns out I was getting to know what’s called a strangler fig. Not quite a parasitic entity, yet when doing its thing it’ll take out a host tree and live its life with no regrets.

 

Anyways, I’ll be on the lookout for more of these monsters since this is a creature which enjoys tropical delights. Pleasure sharing some samples . . .

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

Slussen is and will continue to be an important hub for all types of traffic. Now Slussen is being rebuilt to become a safer and more attractive place to stay. At the same time, drinking water is being secured for two million people.

 

After over 80 years, Slussen was worn out and therefore needed to be demolished and rebuilt from scratch. For example, the concrete was not saltwater resistant and weathered in many places, and as a result of inadequate foundations, settlements of up to 25 cm have occurred.

 

Slussen also needs to be rebuilt to reduce flood risks and secure drinking water. The new Slussen enables the tapping of almost five times as much water from Lake Mälaren as before.

 

At the same time, the area is being adapted to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's Stockholmers with a new traffic solution that prioritizes cycling and walking. But Slussen is not only to be a traffic solution, but also a meeting place where people can meet and socialize, which is made possible by the new plans.

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.

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

23250 McKay Avenue

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

 

A Harbour Authority (HA) is a non-profit, locally controlled organization which operates under a head lease with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to operate and maintain a DFO-owned public commercial fishing harbour in the best interests of the commercial fishing fleet.

 

The harbour facility consists entirely of the property and water lots under the ownership of DFO – Small Craft Harbours (SCH).

 

An HA must operate the harbour as a public facility in accordance with the terms of the head lease and must at all times prioritize the needs of the commercial fishing industry above all else

 

Image best viewed in large screen.

 

Thank-you for your visit, and any comments or faves are always very much appreciated! ~Sonja.

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.

The 1962 Avanti is widely considered one of the most daring and beautiful American cars ever produced. It was first introduced to the public on April 25, 1962, at the New York International Auto Show, and it outlived the company that created it.

 

The Avanti was a “Hail Mary” attempt to save a dying company with radical innovation. Legendary designer Raymond Loewy (who designed the Shell logo and the Coca-Cola bottle) and his team were sequestered in a rented house in Palm Springs. They famously sculpted the initial 1/8-scale clay model in just a week.

 

In 1963, a supercharged Avanti driven by Andy Granatelli broke 29 world speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, reaching speeds of over 170 mph. It was marketed as the "World's Fastest Production Car." It was one of the first American cars to prioritize safety features we take for granted today, including a built-in roll bar, a padded dashboard, and standard front disc brakes (a first for a major U.S. production car).

 

The Avanti has no traditional front grille. It was a "bottom breather," pulling air for the radiator from an intake under the front bumper—a design choice that wouldn't become common for decades. Because Studebaker couldn't afford the expensive steel stamping dies, they opted for a fiberglass body (much like the Corvette), which made the car surprisingly light. Its heart was a highly evolved version of the classic Studebaker V8 engine equipped with a Paxton centrifugal supercharger, producing 289 hp, a beast for its time.

 

Studebaker produced the original Avanti for only about 18 months. Production ended in December 1963 when Studebaker closed its South Bend, Indiana plant. Only 4,647 units were built during its original run. After Studebaker folded in 1966, the rights and tooling were bought by local dealers who formed the Avanti Motor Corporation. They continued to hand-build the car as “Avanti II” (and later just “Avanti”) using various chassis and engines (like the Chevy Corvette V8) for over 40 years.

 

[Source: Google Gemini]

 

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!

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!

 

♦ 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!

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.

"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?!)

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.

 

Ponte de betão armado sobre o rio Olo, no Parque Natural do Alvão, esta estrutura integra a estrada rural que assegura o acesso à aldeia de Varzigueto e a vários núcleos de povoamento disperso na encosta. O tabuleiro, assente em pilares de secção simples e dotado de guardas metálicas, corresponde a soluções correntes da segunda metade do século XX para atravessamentos de curto vão em meios rurais, privilegiando baixos custos de construção e manutenção. O rio Olo, afluente do Tâmega, caracteriza-se por um regime de caudal muito variável, com cheias rápidas no inverno que alagam os lameiros ribeirinhos e podem acelerar processos de erosão junto aos apoios da ponte. A vegetação ripícola de amieiros e salgueiros contribui para a estabilização das margens e para a filtragem de sedimentos, desempenhando um papel relevante na conservação deste ecossistema fluvial integrado em área protegida. A ponte funciona, assim, como elemento essencial da conectividade rural, garantindo a circulação de moradores, veículos agrícolas e visitantes ao longo dos caminhos do Alvão.

 

A reinforced concrete bridge over the Olo River in the Alvão Natural Park, this structure forms part of the rural road that provides access to the village of Varzigueto and to several scattered settlements on the hillside. The deck, supported by single-section piers and equipped with metal guardrails, reflects common solutions from the second half of the 20th century for short-span crossings in rural areas, prioritizing low construction and maintenance costs. The Olo River, a tributary of the Tâmega, is characterized by a highly variable flow regime, with rapid winter floods that inundate the riparian marshes and can accelerate erosion processes near the bridge’s supports. The riparian vegetation of alders and willows contributes to the stabilization of the banks and the filtration of sediments, playing a significant role in the conservation of this river ecosystem within a protected area. The bridge thus functions as an essential element of rural connectivity, ensuring the movement of residents, agricultural vehicles, and visitors along the paths of the Alvão.

This body of work examines the legacy of uranium mining and the atomic age in the American West. Through assemblage, mixed media, and video, I trace the arc from extraction to exposure, from scientific ambition to environmental and human consequence. The materials I use, industrial gauges, x-rays, skeletal forms, archival references, and domestic objects,

collapse the distance between policy and body, between national security and private illness.

 

Utah occupies a central role in this narrative. Its landscape supplied uranium that fueled the Cold War, powered weapons programs, and shaped global geopolitics. Yet the same terrain

carries abandoned mines, contaminated aquifers, and communities living with elevated rates of respiratory disease and cancer. The promise of progress was inseparable from the cost of contamination. What was framed as patriotism and prosperity often left behind silence and neglect.

 

This exhibition does not argue against science. It questions the systems that prioritize expansion, profit, and dominance over ecological and human health. It asks who benefits from extraction and who absorbs its residue. It asks what remains long after urgency fades.

 

At its core, this work is about consequence. Uranium transformed the modern world. It also transformed the land and the people closest to it. The question that persists is not whether we can harness such power, but whether we can live responsibly with what we have already set in motion. The exhibition, “In the Shadow of the Giant Mushrooms,” is a call to vigilance, asking viewers to stand in the “moment between later and too late” and reckon with the permanent environmental and human reactions to our nuclear actions.

 

artistsofutah.org/15Bytes/vincent-mattina-recasts-a-world...

Rovingian Animism and the Ethics of Pilgrimage to Sacred Places And Ruins by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Rovingian Animism and the Ethics of Pilgrimage to Sacred Places

 

Structures, Guardians, and Spiritual Conduct

 

Ruins and Temples: Bridges Between Nature and Consciousness

 

According to Rovingian Animism, ruins and temples are much more than simple stone constructions. They are considered living receptacles of memory and consciousness, acting as bridges between the natural ecosystem and the collective psyche of humanity. These structures channel profound spiritual experiences, serving as places of connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.

 

The Mystique of Intervened Structures

 

Although Rovingianism values wild nature, it recognizes that human intervention over millennia has created poles of spiritual intensity. The walls and columns of these buildings absorb and accumulate centuries of prayers and intentions, functioning as energetic sponges that retain the spiritual history of the place.

 

Accumulation of Faith: The structures store the legacy of faith, becoming living records of human intentions.

 

Temporal Portals: Allow monks to access spiritual lineages that transcend dogma, connecting to ancestral traditions.

 

Human-Nature Symbiosis: Places where architecture and geology merge, such as temples carved into the rock, are considered to have maximum power, reflecting the union between the human and the natural.

 

Guardians and the Consciousness of Place

 

In such ruins, spirituality manifests itself concretely, personified by protective presences that watch over the integrity of the space.

 

Genius Loci: Protective spirits arise from the interaction between the place and human devotion.

 

Resident Consciousnesses: Echoes of ancient monks, priests, or ritual animals remain linked to the place, perpetuating its energy.

 

Ethereal Echoes: Ancient prayers still resonate in the environment, altering the energetic frequency of visitors.

 

Ethics of the Rovingian Visit

 

Visiting sacred sites requires a rigorous protocol of respect, centered on receptivity and not on occupation. The visitor must adopt a posture of silent observation, listening to the echoes present before any verbal expression.

 

Silent Observation: Listening to the echoes in the walls is fundamental before uttering words.

 

Honor to Ancestors: The legacy of those who placed their faith is recognized, regardless of their original religion.

 

Non-Disturbance: Physical and energetic integrity must be maintained, avoiding leaving traces or removing objects of power.

 

Conduct of the Rovingian Nomadic Monk

 

The outlined ethics prioritize spiritual integrity, avoiding purely intellectual or archaeological approaches. The study of Sacred Geometries, central to Rovingian Animism, is carried out in a careful, respectful, and meditative manner, without invasion of space or interruption of any remaining ritualistic practices. The monk may feel a strong sense of belonging to the place and must be attentive to the presence of consciousnesses that may try to attract spiritually sensitive visitors. It is crucial to discern between a legitimate identification and enticement by isolated entities (isolated egregors) or stagnant forces.

 

Silent Reverence: Silence is used to avoid ritual disturbances.

 

Non-Interference and Neutrality: The monk should act like the breeze, gently passing through the place without altering its composition.

 

Cautious Offerings: Pebbles, candles, or coins are only left if there is vibrational resonance with the guardian of the place.

 

Spiritual Discernment: Distinguishing between memories of past lives and enticement by stagnant forces. Prolonged stays only occur with validation from a master.

 

Management of Place Consciousness or Genius Loci

 

The feeling of belonging can be a retrieval of identity or an energetic trap. Places with intense consciousness may react to the visitor's spirituality in two ways:

 

- Genuine Welcoming: Recognition of lineage or a past master.

 

- Enticement through Isolation (Stagnant Forces): Ancient places possess "consciousnesses" or entities that may attempt to retain highly spiritual visitors, seeking to trap the visitor's energy due to their own stagnation.

 

Stay Protocol

 

The decision to extend the stay should be considered, avoiding emotional impulses. The process includes:

 

- Individual Self-Assessment: The monk analyzes the purity of their intention.

 

- Hierarchical Consultation: Submission of the assessment to a Rovingian Master.

 

- Superior Validation: Guarantee that the stay serves spiritual evolution, and not personal desire.

 

This approach deepens the connection between sacred architecture and Rovingian philosophy, focusing on the conduct necessary to interact with spaces of power. Rovingian monks are thus governed by an ethic of conscious pilgrimage, respecting the energetic balance of sacred places.

  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

O Animismo Rovingiano e a Ética da Peregrinação em Locais Sagrados

 

Estruturas, Guardiões e Conduta Espiritual

 

Ruínas e Templos: Pontes Entre Natureza e Consciência

 

Segundo o Animismo Rovingiano, ruínas e templos são muito mais do que simples construções feitas de pedra. Eles são considerados recipientes vivos de memória e consciência, atuando como pontes entre o ecossistema natural e a psique coletiva da humanidade. Essas estruturas canalizam experiências espirituais profundas, servindo como locais de conexão entre o mundo físico e o espiritual.

 

A Mística das Estruturas Intervencionadas

 

Apesar do Rovingianismo valorizar a natureza selvagem, reconhece-se que a intervenção humana ao longo dos milénios criou polos de intensidade espiritual. As paredes e colunas dessas edificações absorvem e acumulam séculos de preces e intenções, funcionando como esponjas energéticas que retêm a história espiritual do lugar.

 

Acumulação de Fé: As estruturas armazenam o legado de fé, tornando-se registros vivos das intenções humanas.

 

Portais Temporais: Permitem aos monges acessar linhagens espirituais que transcendem dogmas, conectando-se a tradições ancestrais.

 

Simbiose Humano-Natura: Locais onde arquitetura e geologia se fundem, como templos escavados na rocha, são considerados de poder máximo, refletindo a união entre o humano e o natural.

 

Os Guardiões e a Consciência do Lugar

 

Em tais ruínas, a espiritualidade manifesta-se de forma concreta, personificada por presenças protetoras que zelam pela integridade do espaço.

 

Genius Loci: Espíritos protetores surgem da interação entre o local e a devoção humana.

 

Consciências Residentes: Ecos de antigos monges, sacerdotes ou animais rituais permanecem ligados ao local, perpetuando sua energia.

 

Ecos Etéreos: Preces antigas ainda ressoam no ambiente, alterando a frequência energética dos visitantes.

 

Ética da Visita Rovingiana

 

A visita a locais sagrados exige um protocolo rigoroso de respeito, centrado na receptividade e não na ocupação. O visitante deve adotar uma postura de silêncio observador, escutando os ecos presentes antes de qualquer manifestação verbal.

 

Silêncio Observador: Ouvir os ecos nas paredes é fundamental antes de proferir palavras.

 

Honra aos Antepassados: Reconhece-se o legado daqueles que depositaram sua fé, independentemente da religião original.

 

Não Perturbação: Deve-se manter a integridade física e energética, evitando deixar rastos ou retirar objetos de poder.

 

Conduta do Monge Nómada Rovingiano

 

A ética delineada prioriza a integridade espiritual, evitando abordagens puramente intelectuais ou arqueológicas. O estudo das Geometrias Sagradas, central para o Animismo Rovingiano, é realizado de maneira cuidadosa, respeitosa e meditativa, sem invasão do espaço ou interrupção ritualística que ainda subsista .

 

O monge pode sentir uma forte sensação de pertença ao local, devendo estar atento à presença de consciências que podem tentar aliciar visitantes espiritualmente sensíveis. É fundamental discernir entre uma identificação legítima e o aliciamento por entidades isoladas (egrégoras isoladas) ou forças estagnantes.

 

Reverência Silenciosa: O silêncio é utilizado para evitar perturbações rituais.

 

Não Interferência e Neutralidade: O monge deve agir como a brisa, atravessando o local suavemente sem alterar sua composição.

 

Oferendas Cautelosas: Seixos, velas ou moedas só são deixados se houver ressonância vibracional com o guardião do lugar.

 

Discernimento Espiritual: Distinguir entre memória de vidas passadas e aliciamento de forças estagnadas. A permanência prolongada só ocorre com validação de um mestre.

 

Gestão de Consciências de Lugar ou Genius Loci

 

O sentimento de pertença pode ser um resgate de identidade ou uma armadilha energética. Locais com consciências intensas podem reagir à espiritualidade do visitante de duas formas:

 

- Acolhimento Genuíno: Reconhecimento de linhagem ou de mestre de outrora.

 

- Aliciamento por Isolamento (Forças Estagnantes): Locais antigos possuem "consciências" ou entidades que podem tentar reter visitantes de alta espiritualidade buscando prender a energia do visitante devido à sua própria estagnação.

 

Protocolo de Permanência

 

A decisão de prolongar a estadia deve ser ponderada, evitando impulsos emocionais. O processo inclui:

 

- Autoavaliação Individual: O monge analisa a pureza de sua intenção.

 

- Consulta Hierárquica: Submissão da avaliação a um Mestre Rovingiano.

 

- Validação Superior: Garantia de que a permanência serve à evolução espiritual, e não ao desejo pessoal.

 

Esta abordagem aprofunda a ligação entre a arquitetura sagrada e a filosofia rovingiana, focando-se na conduta necessária para interagir com espaços de poder.

Os monges rovingianos regem-se assim por uma ética de peregrinação consciente, respeitando o equilíbrio energético dos locais sagrados.

   

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.

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

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

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.

As a photographer who prioritizes capturing uplifting, hopeful images, it’s really difficult for me to photograph images with any semblance of decay or destruction, but as the sun was setting and casting interesting shadows on these wildfire devastated trees in the El Dorado National Forest, I experienced a profound respect for the life and death they endured. Minimal post-processing was required to convey the reverent mood I was seeking in these images, primarily relying upon Adobe Lightroom’s latest color grading panel, which really has a profound impact on the mood of an image using slight color adjustments in the highlights, shadows and midtones.

www.optimalfocusphotography.com

It's been a while since I've been away from Flickr. It feels like forever. I will not drain you with my reasons, suffice to say, sometimes life needs some prioritizing. I hope to stay on course and do my best to catch up with your streams, which I've missed.

 

Hace unos dias que he estado fuera de Flickr y parece que ha sido mucho tiempo. No les aburriré con mis razones, suficiente decir que en la vida, a veces hay que priorizar las cosas. Trataré de mantenerme y ponerme al día con sus galerías, que he extrañado.

 

Flickeflu

Your visit and comments are appreciated.

Su visita y comentarios son agradecidos.

When Peppers has had his fill of weeds, he prioritizes pats and brushing. He's a very sweet goat, and loves attention.

23250 McKay Avenue

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

 

A Harbour Authority (HA) is a non-profit, locally controlled organization which operates under a head lease with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to operate and maintain a DFO-owned public commercial fishing harbour in the best interests of the commercial fishing fleet.

 

The harbour facility consists entirely of the property and water lots under the ownership of DFO – Small Craft Harbours (SCH).

 

An HA must operate the harbour as a public facility in accordance with the terms of the head lease and must at all times prioritize the needs of the commercial fishing industry above all else.

 

This image is best viewed in Large screen.

 

Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated.

Sonja

Five Union Pacific ACs lead the super hot Premium Intermodal train down into the bottom of Caliente as the train gets ready to make a 180º turn. The train is finishing off a fast decent down the Tehachapi's, as the Tacoma South Intermodal Terminal "TacSim", WA bound train stopped everything on the mountain Uphill and Downhill. Now that Union Pacific only runs northbound Z-train the running of this train and the ZLCLT are really prioritized even with work windows in effect.

64-0989-5, fabricație 1973 Electroputere Craiova, reparație capitală cu remotorizare și recarosare în anul 2005, în serviciu comercial cu trenul InterRegio Night 1942 Mangalia - Satu Mare.

La nici măcar o oră distanță în spatele acestui tren circulă și trenul 1641 în relația București Nord - Satu Mare.

In stația Baia Mare pasagerii din trenul 1942 așteaptă 50 minute pentru atașarea vagoanelor celuilalt tren și continuarea călătoriei până în stația finală.

Dacă s-ar ține cont de interesele călătorilor, și nu de cele meschine a unor șefi de sindicat, orarele celor două trenuri ar fi corelate și cuplarea acestora s-ar face mai repede, fără a cauza disconfort pentru călători.

 

Locomotive 64-0989-5, built in 1973 by Electroputere Craiova, underwent a general overhaul with engine replacement and bodywork reconstruction in 2005. It is currently in commercial service hauling InterRegio Night train 1942, Mangalia – Satu Mare.

Less than an hour behind this train runs train 1641, Bucharest North – Satu Mare.

At Baia Mare station, passengers from train 1942 must wait 50 minutes for the coupling of coaches from the other train before continuing the journey to the final destination.

If passenger interests were prioritized over the petty concerns of certain union leaders, the timetables of the two trains would be coordinated, and the coupling operation would take place more promptly—avoiding unnecessary inconvenience for travelers.

 

Jibou, Sălaj (RO)

Early Modern Hungary was one of the most backward and oppressive regimes in Europe, with the Hungarian nobility prioritizing their feudal privileges (exemption from taxes, claims upon serfs' rents and labor) above all other concerns. In 1514, as Ottoman forces broke out of the Balkans and bore down on Central Europe, Pope Leo X called for a crusade against the Ottomans to protect Christendom. Hungary's peasants rallied to the call, but the nobility--fearing an armed peasantry and unwilling to lose their labor in the fields--resisted. The peasants then turned against the nobility in the revolutionary Dózsa Revolt. This rebellion was crushed brutally. Its leader, György Dózsa, was mocked as King of the Peasants and executed by being placed on a red hot throne, with a red hot crown upon his head. His followers were forced to eat his flesh while he was still alive, and the nobility imposed a perpetual serfdom upon the peasants.

 

A dozen years later, in 1526, Ottoman armies under Suleiman the Magnificent marched into Hungary, defeated the noble armies, and killed the Hungarian king, Louis II. For the next century and a half Hungary was plundered: by the Ottomans, who enslaved Hungarians for service in the Janissary Corps; by the Habsburgs, who laid claim to both occupied and unoccupied regions of Hungary; and by the Hungarian nobility themselves, who often lived in a comfortable exile in Austria but sent collectors to their old estates to extort payments from the peasants.

 

In 1686 Hapsburg and Hungarian forces evicted the Ottomans, but the Habsburgs ruled Hungary as a colony, stifling industry and maintaining the harsh feudal system, which generally pleased the Hungarian nobles, who sought only the maintenance of their privileges. So, in 1848, Hungary was again swept up in revolution, along with much of Europe, as commoners were joined by modernizers calling for the abolition of feudal privileges, for personal freedoms, and for constitutionalism. A Hungarian revolutionary government abolished serfdom, proclaimed civil equality, and ended the tax exemption of the Hungarian nobility.

 

Unlike most of the 1848 Revolutions, the one in Hungary escalated into full scale war. But this revolution, like the Dózsa Revolt, was also crushed. Austria called for assistance from Russia and, with the aid of 200,000 Russian soldiers, defeated the Revolutionary forces and executed its leaders. But even in defeat, the Revolution somehow achieved its aims. The Habsburgs recognized they could not force the peasants back into serfdom. They maintained its abolition, and the abolition of the tax exempt status of the nobility. Soon, in 1867, a weakened Austria was forced to recognize Hungary as an equal partner in the empire, creating a Dual Monarchy. This allowed Hungary to reform its parliament and granted it autonomy in internal affairs, which led to a period of rapid modernization.

 

Above, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the brainchild of the reforming Hungarian nobleman, Count István Széchenyi (1791-1860). Széchenyi was a wealthy Hungarian nobleman who argued that feudalism was bad for the nation and for the nobility because it stifled innovation. He hoped and believed (perhaps incorrectly) that change could be brought about by reform rather than revolution. Before 1848, he was deeply involved in modernizing and development schemes, one of which was the creation of a bridge to connect the two halves of the capital, Buda and Pest, which were often separated by dangerous waters or ice floes of the Danube. The most striking feature of the bridge was the symbolic insistence by Széchenyi that nobles, too, must pay a toll to cross it, an insistence that reeked of class treason to other aristocrats. The bridge was completed in 1849, just after the Revolution of 1848 was defeated and while Széchenyi himself was institutionalized for a mental breakdown brought on by the Revolution. But the bridge soon came to represent, like Széchenyi himself, the modernizing spirit in Hungary. The Chain Bridge, with Buda Castle in background, Budapest, Hungary.

¡ GRACIAS A TODOS POR ESTAS 120.000 VISITAS !

  

Las hormigas tienen un organización social muy similar a la de las termitas, y mucha gente cree que están emparentadas y que las termitas son una especie de hormiga de color claro.

Pero en realidad termitas y hormigas pertenecen a órdenes diferentes. Sin embargo los sistemas de organización social son de un notorio parecido, lo que se representa un caso de convergencia evolutiva en especies muy diferentes.

Las hormigas son en verdad himenópteros, y están emparentados con las avispas y las abejas, con estas últimas además comparten el hecho de vivir en sociedades organizadas, donde lo que se prioriza es la vida de la colmena por sobre la del individuo, Tanto es así que muchos biólogos consideran al la colonia toda, como un superorganismo.

 

English

 

THANK YOU ALL FOR THESE 120,000 visits!

  

The ants have a social organization similar to that of termites, and many people believe they are related and that termites are a species of ant in color.

But in reality, termites and ants belong to different orders. However, the social organization systems are a remarkable resemblance, which represents a case of convergent evolution in different species.

Ants are truly Hymenoptera, and are related to wasps and bees, with the latter also share the fact of living in organized societies, where what is prioritized is the life of the hive on the individual, so much so Many biologists consider the entire colony as a superorganism.

 

9756-2

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kananaskis_Country

 

Kananaskis Country (also known as K-Country) is a multi-use area located west of Calgary in the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada. Its western edge borders Banff National Park and the Alberta-British Columbia border. The region owes its name to the Kananaskis River, which was named by John Palliser in 1858 after a legendary Cree Native. Covering an area of approximately 4,000 km2 (1,500 sq mi), Kananaskis Country was established by the Alberta Government in 1978 to provide a variety of land uses and designations. Land uses include resource extraction activities (such as forestry, cattle grazing, water, oil and gas), recreation, power generation, and residential communities. Land designations include public land and protected areas

  

The late 19th century and early 20th century saw the development of commercial use such as lumbering, hydroelectric developments, and coal mining in the eastern slopes of the Rockies, which included what is now the Kananaskis region. When control over natural resources and Crown land was transferred from federal responsibility to Alberta in 1930, the province’s natural resources were considered to be a source of considerable wealth that would stay within the province. This led to more commercial use and the establishing of a provincial park system. Tourism and recreational demand also increased after the Second World War.[

 

Increased recreational use, especially after the completion of industrial access roads, led to serious environmental problems in the eastern slopes area. The environmental effects of the petroleum industry and coal mining were also causing problems that needed to be minimized. Environmental protection, including the importance of protecting and regulating stream flow, became a concern, which led to the establishment of Kananaskis Country, whose main intent was to provide recreational opportunities that were balanced with resource protection and commercial interests.

 

Kananaskis Country was officially dedicated by Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed in September 1978. Although Kananaskis Country is often mistaken to be a single park, it comprises several provincial parks, wildland provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, an ecological reserve and Crown Land, and provides for various uses that include recreation, tourism, industry and preservation. The primary reason for Kananaskis Country's establishment, however, was to accommodate recreational pursuits. The Kananaskis Country subregional Integrated Resource Plan ensures that all activities are planned and facilities are developed to prioritize conservation and environmental protection. Not all areas of Kananaskis Country are covered by the same measure of protection and each area has its own permitted activities.The main (regional) Kananaskis parks office is located in Canmore.

 

Improvement District No. 5 (Kananaskis), which shares most of its boundaries with Kananaskis Country, is the municipal region that provides local government and municipal services including fire protection, ambulance service, garbage handling, water, sewer, collecting taxes, and business licensing. Kananaskis Improvement District's municipal office is located in Kananaskis Village.

 

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With a Paducah Rebuild GP10 in tow, BNSF Train J ABIAUM1 30A rounds the curve at 30th Street as it leaves the KCT Railway for the BNSF Ft. Scott Sub. on Main Track 2 as Engineer Wil Burke gives us a friendly wave.

 

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

Kansas City, MO

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.

I disregarded some of the composition rules on this one...just couldn't bring myself to cut out any of the light.

View HOPE DANCES Large On Black

 

HBW everyone. I really have little business doing what I want and spending time on Flickr but I had to stop in and say Hi. For those of you new to my stream, I am Mr. Mom and spend my days loving and summoning patience with and for my 29 month old. And part-time I get some photography work and administrative tasks to do at home.

 

Well, the good news is, I have an abundance of work right now. And one of those things I would like to share is about BabyGrace Photo. I just found out an area golf course would like a number of my photos to be displayed AND offered for sale in their pro shop and Bar/Restaurant. They Get the Art, I get an audience and potential customers.

 

So thanks to my family and friends and contacts here who continue to support and inspire and teach. I will post occasionally for a while, and sneak around with an occasional comment and favorite. I am sure, soon, things will slow down.

(And for the time, will prioritize people who comment on my uploads)

 

Work, Rest, Love, Play.

 

David

View Large

 

I think I’m going to raise my prices for photographing weddings. It’s not something I want to do, but the market and my schedule demands it. I have worked pretty darn hard the past 3 years to build my wedding photography business. My first one was in June of 2005 when I got $300 for shooting a friend of a guy I work with. Since then I have been the main photographer on 40 weddings. Looking at my calendar, I have up to 21 more this year. Now, shooting 32 weddings in one year is a lot for a single photographer. But I also have a full time professional job, teach a class at the local Park & Rec, and have 2 kids and a house. There is no doubt that I love what I do, but I love my family more. Even though we’re severely in debt and need the money to just survive, I just can’t continue this pace. God has blessed me with a lot of work and great clients, and I know he won’t give me more than I can handle, but at the same time, I need to know how to pace myself and how to prioritize things in life. I’m looking for GOOD photographers in the 805 who might be able to help me out with some weddings, or perhaps just take some of the weddings I’m on contract with at Casa Sirena. Due to some unplanned life events recently, I need to focus more on my family and non-photography life in order to maintain sanity.

 

I’ve also been told my prices are too low for what I do. Now I don’t do a whole lot. I shoot the wedding, I edit a good lot of them with Picasa, and a select few with Photoshop, then I burn the bride/groom a copy and send it to them. No albums, or crazy prints. Just simple. So that cuts my time down, but still 30+ weddings is at least double what I had wanted to do.

 

That being said, Tania & Vince was my favorite wedding of the year. I don’t see a wedding on my horizon that would eclipse the beauty, fun and personality of this wedding. I finally updated my neglected BLOG with a LOT of photos from this wedding. Honestly I couldn’t limit myself from finding 40 photos to post.

 

Anyway, so for 2010 starting today, I’m going to double my prices, which should slow things down a bit. I hate to do it, but then I can focus more on my family, and take better care of each bride/groom I do work with. I haven’t advertised on Craigslist or anywhere else in quite some time, and it’s obvious that word of mouth and my reputation is enough to at least satisfy this “part time recreational fun job”.

 

I love being outdoors and away from city noise - though it's difficult to sit still for any length of time. Years of working in a stressful environment and constantly prioritizing yet another urgent request makes it difficult to slow down. When I do manage it, however, as I did here, it's absolute bliss to feel the morning sun on my face and the cool breezes between my toes.

I've produced a similar composition from hereabouts, taken some years ago.

 

If a 'spot' deserved some kind of copyright, then this one may be eligible.

Yes, I can't take any credit for this arrangement, as it more or less exactly matches a couple of outstanding shots Colin Prior took a while back.

The lighting is very different, of course, & it's fair to say that he prioritized (no pun intended) being there at the optimum time, with some truly exceptional dawn illumination to work with. I, on the other hand, merely done the 'when in Rome' thing, having remained on Stob Coire nan Lochan's summit for the first hour of daylight, & only getting to this 'spot' when the light quality had diminished a little. Colin's photos are infinitely better than this, accordingly.

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.