BUSES/TRAMS WITH SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND DETAIL
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Das Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen ist ein am Bodensee gelegenes archäologisches Freilichtmuseum,dass archäologische Funde und Nachbauten von Pfahldörfern aus der Stein- und Bronzezeit präsentiert. Es umfasst zur Zeit 23 Pfahlbauten. 2011 wurden die Pfahlbauten am Bodensee aufgrund Ihrer hervorragenden Erhaltung unter Wasser zum UNESCO Weltkulturerbe der Menschheit erklärt. Sie werden als aussagekräftige Überreste von Siedlungen der Stein- und Bronzezeit (5. – 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr.) in der archäologischen Forschung sehr geschätzt.
The Lake Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen is an open-air archaeological museum located on Lake Constance that presents archaeological finds and replicas of lake dwellings from the Stone and Bronze Ages. It currently comprises 23 pile dwellings. In 2011, the Lake Constance pile dwellings were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humanity due to their outstanding preservation under water. They are highly valued in archaeological research as significant remains of settlements from the Stone and Bronze Ages (5th - 1st millennium BC).
Ndutu region in the southeast of the Serengeti, Tanzania
significantly larger than its much better known relative, the Thomson's Gazelle, a very common sight in the Serengeti - Masai Mara region.
Grant's gazelles are less dependent on water than Thomson's.
Nanger granti
Grantgazelle
Gazelle de Grant
Grant-Gazelle
gacela de Grant o gacela suara
gazzella di Grant
gazela-de-grant
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With the first significant snowfall of the season in the forecast for where I live on Monday, this shot from the archives seemed appropriate for today.
Happy Early Winter to those who are experiencing it, and a salute as well on this Veterans Day to all who have served!
...out for breakfast
Smile on Saturday: High Contrast Portrait in B&W
taken with a picture effect on my Sony A6000
Thank you, as always, for visits and comments on my photos.
The Western Wall, also known as the "Wailing Wall" or the "Kotel," is one of the most significant religious and historical sites in Jerusalem, Israel. It holds deep spiritual and emotional importance for Jews worldwide, and it has also become a symbol of the complex and often contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Western Wall is a remnant of the ancient retaining wall that once surrounded the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. After the temple's destruction, the Western Wall became the closest accessible site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage. For centuries, Jews from around the world have come to this sacred site to pray, lament the destruction of the temple, and express their connection to Jewish heritage.
The name "Wailing Wall" originates from the 19th and early 20th centuries when Jews would gather at the site to mourn the destruction of the temple and express their sorrow through prayers and tears. The term "Kotel" means "wall" in Hebrew and has become a popular and endearing name for the site.
Over time, the Western Wall has evolved into a focal point of religious and nationalist tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The site is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is also part of the contested area between Israel and Palestine. Its significance to both Jewish and Muslim communities has led to disputes and occasional clashes.
The Western Wall plaza is divided into two sections: one for men and the other for women, following Orthodox Jewish tradition. The prayers and rituals conducted here are a mix of individual devotion, communal worship, and celebrations during religious holidays.
In addition to its religious importance, the Western Wall draws millions of tourists and visitors from various backgrounds each year, offering them a glimpse into the rich history and cultural diversity of Jerusalem.
Despite the ongoing complexities surrounding the Western Wall and its geopolitical context, it remains an essential and cherished place for Jewish people, symbolizing resilience, faith, and the connection to their shared heritage.
is a significant natural feature of South Africa, located in Mpumalanga, and forming the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment.
It is 25 kilometres (16 mi) in length and is, on average, around 750 metres (2,461 ft) deep.
The Blyderivierpoort Dam, when full, is at an altitude of 665 metres (2,182 ft).
The canyon consists mostly of red sandstone.
The highest point of the canyon, Mariepskop, is 1,944 metres (6,378 ft) above sea level, whilst its lowest point where the river leaves the canyon is slightly less than 561 metres (1,841 ft) above sea level.
This means that by some measure the canyon is 1,383 metres (4,537 ft) deep.
@Wikipedia
When you think of the Netherlands, it is easy to picture never-ending fields of brightly coloured flowers. Many of the country’s most famous artists have portrayed the flower fields of the Netherlands in their work, and these fields are just as spectacular when they are seen in real life. However, these flower fields are more than just aesthetically beautiful: they are also economically important to the country. A significant proportion of the country’s agricultural exports are derived from the sale of freshly cut flowers, bulbs and mature plants, and the Netherlands contributions to the flower industry are so significant that they make up around two-thirds of the world’s total flora sales and completely dominate the European marketplace. Thanks to highly efficient supply chains, it is actually possible to buy flowers in New York which were freshly cut in the Netherlands that morning!
The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is found throughout Northern Europe, Northern Asia and a significant proportion of North America. They are quite large birds, rivalling the Eurasian Eagle Owl in size. The great grey owl has a large, rounded head and yellow eyes, with light underparts mottled with darker grey feathers. Their wings and back are darker grey with lighter bars.
The great grey owl has a large "facial disk." The facial disk is a concave circle of feathers around the eyes of the bird. It helps to collect sound waves and direct them toward the owl's ears, helping the owl to locate its prey by sound. The great grey owl has the largest facial disk of any bird of prey.
Their diet consists mainly of small mammals and their preferred prey is voles, however they will also eat gophers, weasels, squirrels, rabbits, rats and mice. They nest in dense coniferous forests in most of the northern hemisphere.
The female will lay between two to six eggs at one- to two-day intervals. The female does all of the incubation, which starts when the first egg is laid. After four to six weeks the chicks hatch. The male provides all the food for the young, which is torn into smaller pieces by the female. When food is scarce the female great grey owl will often starve herself in order to feed her chicks, and may lose up to a third of her body weight. The chicks will leave the nest after approximately a month and can fly well after two months. The young stay close to home and are cared for by the female for some time after leaving the nest.
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Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette, egret a diminutive of Aigron, heron. The species epithet garzetta is from the Italian name for this bird, garzetta or sgarzetta.
It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.
Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.
It first appeared in the UK in significant numbers in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996
In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. It has also begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of least concern..
Back to Greenland with a series of new images. Different approach in post-processing as I felt colors were somewhat detracting from the icebergs themselves. Shooting conditions turned for the better on the last day with low clouds and heavy fog, a significant change from the cloudless dark blue skies we had experienced during the week. These images have been grouped together at www.flickr.com/photos/132192297@N04/albums/72157712965713538.
A place of History,Culture and Silence in the bowels of the stressful city of Barcelona
The Former Convalescent Home of Saint Paul is a manificent civic building of the XVII century built for the convalescence of the sick at the neighboring Hospital de la Sant Creu (Hospital of the Saint Cross).
Even though the first stone was laid by the bishop Sentís on 26 March 1629, more than fifty years passed until the building was inaugurated, on 25 January 1680.
The Convalescent Home represented a significant improvement in convalescent care.
The figure of Saint Paul (1687) and the four gargoyles at the corner of the Cloister (1677-1679) are works of the baroque sculptor Lluis Bonifac
Hopefully not the best Osprey shot I upload this year... But it will the most significant Osprey shot I'll upload this year
Why? ... Because it's the first
During the weeks of lock-down there were moments when I wondered if I'd even get to see one of these magnificent birds this year
Thankfully those fears were soon put to rest...
Now can I have one with a fish please Mr 'O'?
It had snowed significantly here in Storkow(Mark) and with Bobby in tow we ventured out into it, he loves snow, probably from the fact he is a rescue dog from Romania, his story is pretty hellish, aren't they all?! But this one particularly hard, we are not too sure when exactly or where he was born other than somewhere in Romania, he was left behind by his first family who moved away and left him outside in the garden, he stayed by the backdoor the entire time, (By the way, even before I am a Vegan, it's my determination that if you ever abandon an animal of any description for any reason, then you deserve an instant custodial sentence! Simple as!) the new family I believe threw him out onto the streets, he luckily survived only to be picked up by a dog catcher and thrown into a killing shelter (Dogs go there to be killed, because so many humans are penniless and politicians (assholes) keep cutting budgets).
Bobby was then discovered by a charity called "Friends For Life" - who put him into their shelter, that's when he was advertised of needing a forever home and that's when my Partner discovered him, she told me his story, I blubbed up and agreed we should buy him, since then he has been the love of our lives!
He is not without his scars, he's incredibly curious about everything, absolutely is a complete Teddy Bear, loves treats, he has a neurological injury to his back leg which causes it to become stiff and walking can be sometimes a slow affair, other than that he is a beautiful box and all he wants to do is love and be loved. No matter how long an animal may live for, you are their entire life, never forget that!
I hope everyone is well and so as always, thank you! :)
PS: By the way, if you want to donate to Friends for Life please go here...
PPS: The expression in Bobby's eyes reminds me of the song "True Belief" by Paradise Lost:
is a good crop :-)
Ansel Adams
HPPS! Ukraine Matters!
cercis, dark flowered texas redbud, 'Oklahoma', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
A view of two beautiful, late-nineteenth century Italianate buildings in the 400 block of Pulaski St, catty-corner from the Logan County Courthouse in downtown Lincoln. Both buildings lie within the Lincoln Courthouse Square Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The corner building at 429 Pulaski St. was constructed around 1885 and is a contributing building in the district. The two-part commercial building next to it at 425-427 Pulaski St. dates to 1890. With its cast iron front, second story windows with decorative hood molds and a heavy, metal cornice, the structure is identified as a significant building in the district.
Lincoln is the seat of Logan County, which is situated in central Illinois approximately 26 miles northeast of Springfield, the state capitol. The estimated population of Lincoln in 2018 was 13,685.
Significant amount of postproduction in Lightroom and Topaz implemented ;-)
Krzyżówka/Anas platyrhynchos
#6
This significant town was established in the 1890's by the Mormons. How they got there must have been a huge achievement, as there are these overwhelming monoliths everywhere. The weather was extremely windy, hot and dry in the summers. Many people died making this journey to the west. Across the street is the old schoolhouse, where (legend has it) there sat some unusually, unruly children, which caused the school teacher to quit. In 1955, the town was abandoned and then became part of Capitol Reef National Park.
3/13/2023©ttounces images
Denali has two significant summits: the South Summit is the higher one at 20,310 feet (6,190 m), while the North Summit has an elevation of 19,470 ft (5,934 m). They are both in view here.
A few more perspectives of the highest mountain in North America in comments.
Friday's here! Enjoy!
The Dong Xuan Center is one of the largest Vietnamese shopping centers in Germany and in this image you see a part of the warehouse area.
The towers in the background are two of the more significant buildings which are left of the previous industrial complex.
More information: goo.gl/Ux7972
Happy Slider Sunday!
HSS!
What you see is about all that's left of Driftwood. Kind of an odd name for a town that's not close to water..:) Just saying..:) Anyway, here's some more info on the town:
Driftwood is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in northern Hays County, Texas, United States. It lies along Farm to Market Road 150, north of the city of San Marcos, the county seat of Hays County.[1] Its elevation is 1,043 feet (318 m).[2] Although Driftwood is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 78619;[3] the ZCTA for ZIP Code 78619 had a population of 2,467 at the 2010 census,[4] which is far larger than the population of the center of the community itself.[5]
Although the earliest settlers arrived in the area now known as Driftwood around 1850, the community was really established in the 1880s. A post office was among the results of the community's significant growth in that decade. Driftwood shrank almost to a ghost town by the early twentieth century; although it grew somewhat by the middle of the century, it returned to its almost-deserted state by the 1970s.[5]
Driftwood is also home to Driftwood Estate Winery, The Wildflower Barn Event Center, The Salt Lick, a relatively well-known barbecue restaurant and the Lazy 8 Ranch which had its dry mix products featured by the Texas Department of Agriculture in the 2010 Texas State Fair
The Columbia- Wrightsville Bridge is nothing less than one of the most historically significant concrete bridges in the United States. The bridge was the longest multi-span concrete arch bridge in the world when built, and even today it at the very least remains among the longest examples. In addition to its jaw-dropping 28 arch spans each spanning an impressive 185 feet, an additional 20 approach spans (mostly curved t-beams) complete the bridge which is over a mile long in total length. Also, with a 48 foot wide out-to-out deck width containing a 38 foot roadway, this is also a fairly wide bridge for its age as well. The length of the bridge coupled with its width results in a bridge with a footprint of about eight acres!
St. Kevin’s Chapel is a significant monument from the 7th century, representing the architectural and religious developments of early medieval Ireland. Glendalough itself was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and became one of the most important ecclesiastical centers in Ireland. While the exact date of the chapel’s construction is uncertain, it is clear that it played a vital role in the monastic community.
The chapel is commonly referred to as "St. Kevin’s Kitchen," a name that emerged from a mistaken belief that its bell-tower was a chimney used for cooking. This misinterpretation, while charming, does not reflect the chapel's true purpose as a place of worship and sanctuary for the monastic community.
This badly decaying architecturally significant near Prophetstown, IL. has been a favorite subject of mine over the years. Word is that the local historical society had interest but the owner wasn't selling. So it has sat,slowly deteriorating and is in tear down condition. The owner has his reasons but the real loser is this awesome old house....
...is more significant to my life than any big city in the world
Munia Khan
Texture with thanks to Cris Buscaglia Lenz
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Use without permission is illegal.
Please, don't fave my photos and run
Have a wonderful Sunday !!!!!
A significant flood occurred in the Vere River valley in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, on the night of 13 to 14 June 2015. It resulted in at least 20 human deaths and struck the Tbilisi Zoo, leaving half of its animal inhabitants either dead or on the loose.
The Tbilisi Zoo lost more than 300 animals, nearly half of its inhabitants: the majority were killed by flooding. Several surviving inhabitants of the zoo — a hippopotamus, big cats, wolves, bears, and hyenas — escaped from destroyed pens and cages to the streets of Tbilisi and a police unit was employed to round them up. Some were killed, others were recaptured and brought back to the zoo. The media ran footage showing the hippopotamus making its way to a flooded Heroes' Square, one of Tbilisi's major roadway hubs, where it was subdued with a tranquilizer dart. On 17 June a white tiger remaining on the loose attacked and mortally wounded a man in a storehouse near the zoo. The animal was eventually shot dead by the police. An African penguin was found at the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan, having swum some 60 km south from Tbilisi.
A view of the commercial buildings on the north side of Lincoln's historic courthouse square. This view looks to the east from the intersection of S. Kickapoo St. and Broadway St., and shows the entire 600 block of Broadway St., along with Lincoln's City Hall and Fire Department building on the northeast corner of Broadway and N. McLean St. All of the properties in this view lie within the Lincoln Courthouse Square Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Of the eight buildings shown above, the former Lincoln Savings and Building Association building (c. 1914, Neoclassical) on the near corner and a two-story commercial building at the opposite end of the block (c. 1895, Italianate) are contributing properties in the historic district. City Hall (c. 1886, Romanesque Revival) which sits in the 700 block of Broadway St. across McLean St., is a significant property in the historic district.
The buildings between the former Lincoln Savings and the two-story commercial building at the opposite end of the block are a mix of newer mid-century commercial buildings, and older buildings that have been modernized to the extent that their historic architectural antecedents are basically unrecognizable. These buildings are non-contributing properties within the historic district.
First settled in the 1830s, Lincoln is the only town in the United Stated that was named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Mr. Lincoln practiced law here from 1847 to 1859. Lincoln is the seat of Logan County, which is situated in central Illinois approximately 26 miles northeast of Springfield, the state capitol. The population of Lincoln at the 2020 census was 13,288.
It's actually remnants of a Moon Snail's shell. I found it while collecting seashells at Sanibel Island in Florida several years ago. This theme is a wonderful challenge: it wasn't until I had been looking for a pareidolia for a few days until I remembered this shell!
photo size: 2.37"W by 1.52"H and 6.03cm W by 3.87cm H
Theme: "Pareidolia" The human brain can create meaningful and significant shapes from patterns and textures. Take a photo of a pareidolia you perceive.
Thank you for taking the time to view this photo, and for the faves and comments you make, thank you.
Gangly heron with significant variation in plumage. Distinct dark morph is slate-gray with a white throat, while the palest morph is white with a yellow bill and lores. Pale gray intermediate morphs can also be found. Little Egret can look similar, but it has a darker bill than the white morph of the Western Reef-Heron. Primarily a coastal inhabitant, foraging on shorelines and in estuaries, but can also be found at some inland water bodies. (eBird)
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There were four adults at the wetland. Perhaps parents to the young bird posted here?
Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, UAE. March 2024.
This little guy was singing his heart out on his little perch looking very pleased with himself !! In particularly harsh winters, Wren populations can deplete significantly by up to as much as 25%. Despite this startling statistic, this is often countered by the large broods created throughout the breeding season. I hope this little guy is one of the lucky ones their fantastic little birds and only weigh as much as a 2p coin .
Please do not use my images in any way without my permission they are copyright protected !!
Please take A look in Large !! press L
Thanks to everyone that takes the time and makes the effort to comment and fave my pics its very much appreciated
Regards Clive
The significant other half decided to make bread for lunch yesterday. As his bread was still proving, not quite ready for the oven, I decided to make some cakes.
The mixture was hastily put together as my immobility does not allow me to stand for long in the kitchen:
6ozs SR flour + 1 tsp baking powder, 4 ozs sugar, 4 ozs marge, 2 eggs - combined in an electric mixer. 4 ozs dried fruit mixed in, mixture put into 12 small paper cases and cooked at 320 for 15 to 20 mins.
Nearly forgot - sprinkled a few flaked almonds on top befpre cooking.
They smelt so good when cooked and as the bread was still cooking, we had a back to front lunch and ate cake first and soup and bread second.
What was is it that Marie-Antoinette said?!
This aircraft was significantly damaged in a forced landing last August 2020; thankfully no injuries. I was delighted to come across this really sharp image in my July 2018 airshow folder. You may wonder how I could not know it was there, but I took more than 4000 pictures that day, and viewing all of them at 100% takes far too long, so I just dip in and look for likely candidates to develop. The benefit of this approach is that years later, I am still able to discover new gems amongst the dross.
A view of the businesses on the south side of Lincoln's historic courthouse square. This view looks to the east at the 500 block of Pulaski St. from S. Kickapoo St. the 100 block of S. Kickapoo St. in downtown Lincoln. All of the properties in this view lie within the Lincoln Courthouse Square Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
On the corner is the former First National Bank Building, which more recently has been used as a senior center. This neoclassical style building was constructed about 1915 and is one of two architecturally significant buildings in this block. The third building from the corner, known as the Arcade Building, is the other structure in this block that makes a significant contribution to the historic district. The Mission style Arcade Building was constructed in 1929 and is the design of architect John M. Deal. The building features terra cotta and tile trim, with shops open off the interior arcade as well as off the front part of the structure.
The remaining structures on this block are late 19th century Italianate and early 20th century commercial buildings. All but one at the opposite end of the block are contributing properties in the historic district.
Lincoln is the seat of Logan County, which is situated in central Illinois approximately 26 miles northeast of Springfield, the state capitol. The estimated population of Lincoln in 2018 was 13,685.
In the early 1990s Swansea Docks still generated significant rail traffic, with both export coal and steel traffic operating. In addition the wagon works at Port Tennant as well as the Ford plant adjacent to the Docks kept the railway busy.
Here 09013 passes the remains of Kings Dock Junction with empty coal containers returning to Swansea Burrows Yard. The coal was railed from Coedbach washery, and was exported to Ireland.
Kings Dock Junction signal box was located just behind the first container, in front of the precariously leaning pole. For more information, see here: www.roscalen.com/signals/SwanseaDocks/
A year ago in Potosi, Bolivia...
We are on our way to visit one of the most famous silver mines in South America - disguised as miners...
Potosí lies between 3,976 m and 4,070 m above sea level on the plateau of the Altiplano, in a barren, steppe-like area. The city is one of the highest cities in the world.
The Inca had already had silver mined at Cerro Rico. Founded on April 10, 1545 as a mining settlement, Potosí soon blossomed. Already in 1553 it became the Villa Imperial, the imperial city. It was the main source of Spanish silver with significant coinage. Construction of the Casa Real de la Moneda, the royal coin, began in 1572. The Spanish colonizers extracted huge amounts of precious metals from the mine, which they shipped all over the world.
Vor einem Jahr in Potosi, Bolivien...
Wir sind auf dem Wege zur Besichtigung einer der berühmtesten Silberminen von Südamerika in Potosi - verkleidet als Bergleute...
Potosí liegt zwischen 3.976 m und 4.070 m Seehöhe auf der Hochebene des Altiplano, in einer kargen, steppenhaften Gegend. Die Stadt gehört zu den höchstgelegenen Großstädten der Welt.
Schon die Inka hatten am Cerro Rico Silber fördern lassen. Am 10. April 1545 als Bergbausiedlung gegründet, erreichte Potosí bald eine sagenhafte Blüte. Schon 1553 wurde es deshalb zur Villa Imperial, zur Reichsstadt. Es war die Hauptquelle des spanischen Silbers mit bedeutender Münzprägung. Mit dem Bau der Casa Real de la Moneda, der königlichen Münze, wurde 1572 begonnen. Die spanischen Kolonisatoren holten riesige Edelmetallmengen aus der Mine, die sie in die ganze Welt verschifften.
Trees play a significant role in reducing erosion and moderating the climate. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store large quantities of carbon in their tissues. Trees and forests provide a habitat for many species of animals and plants.
Another shot from my trip to Well's last week.
No visit to Wells is complete without a visit to this famous spot, and on Wednesday last week, I managed to get it free of people for all of five minutes which was just enough time for me to get the shot I wanted.
Vicars’ Close, adjoining Wells Cathedral, is believed to be the most complete example of a medieval Close in the UK. This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who sang daily worship within the Cathedral. This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral.
The houses of the close were built in the 14th century under direction from Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century. Originally 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were allowed to marry. Today, the Close comprises 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There is also a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, the Chain Gate Bridge.
Reflecting the Close’s significance, all its buildings are Grade I listed. The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and virgers. Vicars Choral have remained at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now recognised as a world-class choir.
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As much as I appreciated comments and feedback I would request no Awards or flashy gif comments, please. They will be deleted and you will be blocked. Thank you.
Dunham Massey Hall, usually known simply as Dunham Massey, is an English country house in the parish of Dunham Massey in the district of Trafford, near Altrincham, Greater Manchester. It is now a National Trust property, open to the public. During World War I it was the Stamford Military Hospital.
The stately home was designated a Grade One listed-building on 5 March 1959. It has been owned by the National Trust since the death of the 10th and last Earl of Stamford in 1976 Over 340,000 people visited the house in 2014/15, placing it in the ten most popular National Trust houses.
Dunham Massey was built in the early 17th century by the Earls of Warrington, passing to the Earls of Stamford by inheritance; the family still live in part of the house. There were significant alterations, especially internally, at the start of the 20th century. It has historic formal gardens and a deer park. It was formerly in the ancient parish of Bowdon, Cheshire. Wikipedia
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), located in Midtown Detroit, Michigan, has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States. With over 100 galleries, it covers 658,000 square feet (61,100 m2)[2][3] with a major renovation and expansion project completed in 2007 that added 58,000 square feet (5,400 m2).[2] The DIA collection is regarded as among the top six museums in the United States with an encyclopedic collection which spans the globe from ancient Egyptian and European works to contemporary art.[2] Its art collection is valued in billions of dollars, up to $8.1 billion according to a 2014 appraisal.[4][5] The DIA campus is located in Midtown Detroit's Cultural Center Historic District, about two miles (3 km) north of the downtown area, across from the Detroit Public Library near Wayne State University.
This tributary crossing serves as a significant landmark leading to the side trails of Rich Falls, Big Falls and Dome Falls. On this day, my objective was to reach Rich Falls. According to the research info I had, the trail should have been 10 to 15 minutes past this crossing on the left. Well...I walked 10 to 15 minutes and didn't see a trail. I kept going. As a matter of fact, I kept going to a place on the trail where I could hear Big Falls raging and "raising a ruckus" like you wouldn't believe in the gorge below. I turned around to backtrack hoping to see the trail and instead ended back up at the tributary again with no results. Knowing full well how dangerous the descents down into the gorge are after this point and to avoid attempting a bushwhack (let wisdom prevail), so I headed back across the tributary. Not long afterwards I encountered Charlie, an experienced hiker on the trail who was on his way to Big Falls. I explained about not being able to locate either trailhead, and he obliged to lead me right to where the trail to Rich Falls began. We ultimately reached the trailhead, about 30 minutes after the tributary crossing which was rarely used and was hidden underneath the fallen leaves. Charlie spoke about some of the steep sections of the trail, and I thanked him for the info and assured him I would be fine after I had started. After sharing some friendly parting words, he headed off towards Big Falls and I headed down the trail to my destination.
Living in the Eastern Sierra can be an adventure in itself, with periodic wildfires fanned by high winds in dry conditions. In August of 2020 the Slink Fire erupted in the Slinkard Valley, and eventually came over the ridge to appear above the homes in the towns of Walker and Coleville in Little Antelope Valley. I captured this image just a few miles from my house, along the detour of Highway 395. Fortunately this fire was contained before it cause too much damage, but a later one fanned by winds over 50 MPH burned over 70 structures in the neighboring community of Walker. Residents and governmental agencies have been reducing sagebrush in and around neighborhoods to minimize future fire wildfire risk.
This Slink Fire panorama was captured Sunday night, August 31, as it burns over the towns of Coleville and Walker in Little Antelope Valley. By September 1, the fire was significantly reduced by air tankers and helicopters. Highway 395 re-opened.
Slink Fire updates: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7105/
We finally got significant snow in our area of the Midwest this week just in time for the holiday season.Unfortunately we also got a whole lot of cold,the worse part(-13) coming just in time for New Year's Eve and day.Be careful what you wish for is the phrase for the day I guess...
"Three Dog Night", before becoming the name of a great '60s pop rock band,was an Australian term for a very cold night.I doubt they see a whole lot of -13 degree nights down under though....
Indeed, chess played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of the Ottoman Empire. The game's popularity extended across different social classes, and its strategic nature made it a valuable tool for military training and intellectual development.
The use of chess as a means of military education is noteworthy, as it reflects the recognition of the game's ability to enhance strategic thinking and planning. The Ottomans integrated chess into the curriculum of military academies, providing officers with a practical and enjoyable way to develop their strategic skills.
The artistic and cultural aspects of Ottoman chess sets highlight the intersection of chess with the broader artistic traditions of the time. The intricate designs and motifs inspired by Islamic art and architecture not only added aesthetic value to the chess sets but also showcased the cultural richness of the Ottoman Empire.
The existence of manuscripts and treatises on chess from the Ottoman period underscores the intellectual engagement with the game. These works not only discussed strategies and rules but also delved into the cultural and philosophical dimensions of chess. Such writings contributed to the broader intellectual heritage of the Ottoman Empire.
The widespread popularity of chess, evident in its presence in various social settings, from the courts of the sultans to coffeehouses, reflects its accessibility to people from different walks of life. The local variations and adaptations of the game over time further demonstrate its dynamic evolution within the Ottoman cultural context.
Overall, the history of chess in the Ottoman Empire is a fascinating chapter that highlights the multifaceted role of the game in shaping intellectual, artistic, and military aspects of society during that period.
Numbers are significant in the Buddhist tradition. These three little statues were found in a garden at Lindisfarne, Tasmania. In Mahayana Buddhist philosophy “a bodhisattva is an ordinary person who takes up a course in his or her life that moves in the direction of Buddha. You and I, actually, anyone who directs their attention, their life, to practicing the way of life of a Buddha is a bodhisattva.” tricycle.org/magazine/what-bodhisattva/
In Buddhist philosophy (remember I am not talking about religion here, so this applies equally as well to non-Buddhists) all of life is interconnected. There is a “Buddha nature” (Buddha Dhatu) that pervades all existence. The English Christian theologian and poet John Donne (1572-1631) understood this as well when he wrote that, “No man is an island”. The way of interdependence is the way of compassion, of feeling for the needs of others, the way a true adult will feel, regardless of religion. So in a sense the desire to be a Bodhisattva is a way of growing up.
As Kosho Uchiyama defines it, “The life that flows through each of us and through everything around us is actually all connected. To say that, of course, means that who I really am cannot be separated from all the things that surround me. Or, to put it another way, all sentient beings have their existence and live within my life. So needless to say, that includes even the fate of all mankind—that, too, lies within me. Therefore, just how mankind might truly live out its life becomes what I aim at as my direction. This aiming or living while moving in a certain direction is what is meant by vow."
"In other words, it is the motivation for living that is different for a bodhisattva. Ordinary people live thinking only about their own personal, narrow circumstances connected with their desires. In contrast to that, a bodhisattva, though undeniably still an ordinary human being like everyone else, lives by vow. Because of that, the significance of his or her life is not the same. For us as bodhisattvas, all aspects of life, including the fate of humanity itself, live within us. It is with this in mind that we work to discover and manifest the most vital and alive posture that we can take in living out our life.” tricycle.org/magazine/what-bodhisattva/
It’s a wonderful outlook on life.
Brightly-colored pigeon with significant regional variation. Look for a gray “shoulder strap” and yellow legs. South Asian birds are the brightest, with an orange-yellow neck and green underparts. Southeast Asian birds have more extensive gray on the underparts. Sexes are similar. Found in lowland forest and forest edge, as well as parks, gardens, and orchards; a common urban bird in much of its South Asian range. Not extremely vocal; occasionally gives cooing whistles. (eBird)
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Our first view of this colourful pigeon was on a street near our hotel in Delhi. This one was in a more rural area, but much more visible. I love their bright, yellow feet.
Near Chambal, Uttar Pradesh, India. January 2015.
Asian Adventures.