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Samhain Modern Witches
Traditional Celebration of Samhain
Samhain harbored great significance for the Celt people, who believed that at this time of year, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Consequently, they saw Samhain as an ideal time to honor their deceased ancestors and loved ones. Similar to Día de Los Muertos in Mexico and All Saints' Day in Christian cultures, Samhain saw the Celts gathering around bonfires, sharing food and drink, and telling stories.
Created with Midjourney
PP work in Adobe PS Elements 2024 Raw filters
Further PP work in Luminar Neo filters. Hybrid creation.
Three beautiful witches with baskets of apples on the altar, red apples, pumpkins, royal spell book, decorations, atmosphere of magic and luxury, golden elements, and orange muted tones
--chaos 50
--ar 3:4 --style raw --v 7 --stylize 500 --profile o9nb3xr
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Update April 02, 2025. Now I only accept group invitation that allows all media types including videos.
The Leon County Courthouse & Jail have both architectural and historical significance. The courthouse & old jail are simple yet dignified expressions with Classical lines; the 1918 jail (seen in the photo above) displays Medieval military architectural elements. All are located on the Centerville public square which has been the center of governmental activities since the founding of the town.
Late in 1885, the courthouse at that time burned and a resolution was introduced to build a new courthouse on the same plan as the old. Several years later the county judge and four county commissioners determined to build a new jail. Facilities for the detention of criminals up to this time had never been satisfactory. The orders which had authorized a new jail in 1873 culminated in the purchase of a store building from V.H. McAnnally for $2,500. This served as a temporary jail which was entirely also unsatisfactory.
Finally in 1893, a contract for the construction of a new jail was awarded to contractors Robb and Wilson for $3,850 and shortly there after the old temporary jail was sold at public auction. Early in 1894 it was completed and a new fence was set up around the building. In 1906, new cells furnished by the Southern Structural Steel Company were installed, and various repairs were made. Since this jail still proved inadequate, a second jail was built near the courthouse and the earlier jail. In 1918, the Southern Structural Steel Company of San Antonio was contracted to build a new jail, according to plans they furnished. The building was completed and accepted that year. The style of the 1918 jail symbolized strength. Incorporated into the design are corner towers and crenellations — representations of Medieval military architectural features.
Although the building is no longer used for detention, it is still sound and serves county functions such as the office of the county surveyor and others. And, for its political & governmental history and its architecture, the jail (along with the county courthouse) were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1977. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40972831
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/
Location: Pahang
Toxicity: Mildly venomous (no medical significance on human)
Length: 30+cm, maximum length is 95cm
Diet: Frogs, lizards and their eggs sometimes bird eggs (nest close to the ground).
Distribution: Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Riau Archipelago, Sumatra, Java) and Borneo.
Behavior: Terrestrial but have been seen to climb lower hanging plants. Predominantly nocturnal but had been seen foraging during daytime too. Never say never!
Description: There is a distinctive pattern of dark brown bands on the head which includes a forward-pointing chevron on the nape and on top of the head, and another band passing through the eye (though a similar feature occurs in many other species of kukri snake) giving it a "Zorro" kinda look.
The ruins of St. Leonards Hospital only hint at the significance of the Hospital in medieval York.
Founded soon after the Norman Conquest, it was believed to be the largest medieval hospital in the north of England. The hospital also fed the poor and the condemned, providing meals for the prisoners in York Castle.
Remains of the hospital’s undercroft, next to York Central Library, can be accessed from the Museum Gardens, to the right of the Museum Street entrance, and contains some of the museum’s Roman and Medieval stonework collections.
The hospital was erected on the site of the former hospital St. Peters – founded by King Aethelstan – which was severely damaged in a fire in c.1100. It was closely associated with the Minster, sharing the same grounds because it was so large. It was a self-sufficient building until the Reformation (c.1522-1552) resulted in the religious aspects of hospitals being victimised and consequently St. Leonards was largely destroyed. This left York without a hospital from the time of Henry VIII to 1740.
Overall, the main function of a medieval hospital was to care for the sick, the poor, the old and the infirm. Nurses performed acts of care which included cleaning, feeding, clothing and housing the sick, however medieval men and women also had their spiritual health to contend with.
... --- Tripadvisor
Toronto, CANADÀ 2024
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario (also known as the Parliament Building) is the seat of government for the province of Ontario, Canada's most populous province. It is located at the heart of Queen's Park in downtown Toronto.
Architecture and Design: The building was completed in 1893 and is a prominent example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style, characterized by its rough, pink sandstone masonry and semicircular arches. The massive design gives it an air of stability and significance.
Key Location: The building sits in the centre of Queen's Park Crescent, a ring-shaped avenue at the north end of University Avenue. It is situated directly adjacent to the University of Toronto, underscoring the importance of politics and education in the area.
Function: It is where the 124 elected members (Members of Provincial Parliament or MPPs) for the province of Ontario meet to debate and enact legislation.
Tasmània, AUSTRÀLIA 2023
The Parliament House of Tasmania is a historic building located in Hobart, the state capital. Built in 1841, it houses the Parliament of Tasmania and is a symbol of local democracy. Its Georgian architecture reflects Australia’s colonial history. Guided tours provide insight into its history, operations, and legislative chambers. It is a key place to understand Tasmania’s political system. Its gardens and surroundings offer a pleasant setting for visitors. During parliamentary sessions, the public can attend as spectators. It is a site of great cultural and political significance. Its location by Hobart’s waterfront makes it even more picturesque.
photo rights reserved by B℮n
Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, also known as Wat Phra That Suthon, is a Buddhist temple located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. This temple has a special significance due to its historical and religious value, as well as its breathtaking architecture and location. The temple is famous for its beautiful and imposing stupa, which is the central feature of the complex. The stupa, also called chedi in Thai, is a tower-like structure that houses Buddhist relics and sacred objects. Wat Phra That Suthon's stupa is covered in shimmering mosaics and decorative features, making it a striking visual feature in the landscape. Wat Phra That Suthon serves as an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists due to its cultural and historical significance. In addition to a panoramic view, there is also a remarkable Buddha statue. This Buddha statue is known for its detailed and refined artistic work, especially in the representation of the feet. The Buddha statue with the carefully carved feet may be an example of a Phra Phutthabat, which translates to Buddha's footprint. These are artistic representations of Buddha's feet commonly found in Buddhist temples. These statues often display symbolic details, such as the lotus pattern on the soles of the feet and markings representing the various characteristics of Buddha. Besides the stupa and Buddha statues, there are also statues of elephants accompanied by warriors. These sculptures add an extra layer of historical and cultural significance to the temple. Elephants have always been an important symbol in Thai culture, and they are often associated with power, royalty and spiritual meanings.
Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkon Khiri, found in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, is a temple worth visiting. One thing that makes it popular is its big lying-down Buddha outside. It's the first thing you see when you arrive. Next to its feet, there are stairs that look like a snake going up to a special room. Inside the temple, there's a tall tower and some statues with lots of details. As you go higher, you'll see more statues of Buddha. This temple mixes different styles and looks really nice in pictures. If you look closely, you might find pictures and things that tell stories about different times and ideas that are not only about Buddhism. This temple is a mix of different cultures and ideas. For people who like to notice small things in buildings and learn about different cultures, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkon Khiri is a good place to explore.
Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, ook bekend als Wat Phra That Suthon, is een boeddhistische tempel die zich bevindt in de provincie Nakhon Ratchasima, in het noordoosten van Thailand. Deze tempel heeft een speciale betekenis vanwege zijn historische en religieuze waarde, evenals zijn adembenemende architectuur en ligging. De tempel is beroemd om zijn prachtige en imposante stoepa, die het centrale kenmerk is van het complex. De stoepa, ook wel chedi genoemd in het Thais, is een torenachtige structuur die boeddhistische relikwieën en heilige voorwerpen herbergt. De stoepa van Wat Phra That Suthon is bedekt met glinsterende mozaïeken en decoratieve elementen, waardoor het een opvallend visueel kenmerk is in het landschap. Wat Phra That Suthon dient als een belangrijk bedevaartsoord voor boeddhisten vanwege zijn culturele en historische betekenis. Naast een panoramische uitzicht, bevindt zich ook een opmerkelijk boeddha beeld. Dit boeddha beeld staat bekend om zijn gedetailleerde en verfijnde artistieke bewerking, vooral in de weergave van de voeten. Het boeddha beeld met de zorgvuldig bewerkte voeten kan een voorbeeld zijn van een Phra Phutthabat, wat zich vertaalt naar Boeddha's voetafdruk. Dit zijn artistieke representaties van Boeddha's voeten die vaak worden aangetroffen in boeddhistische tempels. Deze beelden vertonen vaak symbolische details, zoals het lotuspatroon op de voetzolen en markeringen die de verschillende kenmerken van Boeddha vertegenwoordigen. Naast de stoepa en boeddha beelden, zijn er ook beelden van olifanten vergezeld door krijgers. Deze sculpturen voegen een extra laag van historische en culturele betekenis toe aan de tempel. Olifanten zijn altijd een belangrijk symbool geweest in de Thaise cultuur, en ze worden vaak geassocieerd met kracht, royalty en spirituele betekenissen.
The Royse City Lodge #663 A.F. & A.M. (constructed circa 1925) is the most substantial and intact property in the central business district of Royse City. Designed by W.A. Kimzey, believed to be from Greenville, Texas, and constructed by J.E. Harris of Royse City, the Lodge is a handsome 2-story building that borrows architectural elements from the Mission Revival style. The property is one of the few architect designed buildings in the community and is recognized locally as a significant architectural element in the context of Royse City. The property initially served only fraternal activities of the local Masonic Lodge, but in 1936 officials of Royse City leased the first floor for the first city hall and fire & police station. Royse City purchased the first floor in 1941 and continues to use the building for those purposes.
The history of the Lodge and the City are intertwined since the very early days. At least three mayors, Newt Burton (1938-1944), Roy Cookston (1944-1950), and R.M. James (1954-1957) were members of the Lodge. Many of the towns Aldermen also have been Lodge members. The Lodge building also has a long and respected history in Royse City, Texas. Every citizen of Royse City has utilized the building for some purpose, either fraternal or political. Many of the other buildings were destroyed in a devastating fire in the 1930's and this building, in its dual role, has continued to serve the needs of every citizen of Royse City for a century. No other building has greater significance to the community or has been occupied by the original owners since its construction.
On October 28, 1994, the Royse City Masonic Lodge was recognized as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under criterion C for its architecture and criterion A for its social history & continued use by residents for government & political purposes at a local level. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40973278
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/
I was already aware that this car was local, but I was over the moon that I managed to spot it. The Rover Coupe is a truly stunning piece of British history and this one looked amazing for its age.
Those of you who know the story behind the FDH registered cars will know of its significance, but those who don't there's a link below to tell the story. It's currently got 103k on the clock as it's up for sale.
www.rover-coupe.com/rcoc/index.php/knowledgebase/history/...
This photograph captures the awe-inspiring Trongsa Dzong, standing proudly amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Tang Valley in Bhutan. From afar, the massive fortress emerges, showcasing its grandeur and architectural splendor. Nestled on a hilltop, the Trongsa Dzong overlooks the valley, offering a commanding view of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. The Trongsa Dzong holds immense historical significance as the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. Its strategic location played a vital role in the country's history, serving as a stronghold and administrative center – Tang Valley, Bumthang District, Bhutan.
On a foggy day several years ago, off shore from Princess Royal Island in the Great Bear Rainforest, I saw the ghostly image of a white bear appearing between the tall trees on the shore. It was immediately obvious why the rare white variant of the Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei) came to be called the spirit bear, of cultural significance to the local First Nations communities.
PMQ, Central, Hong Kong
PMQ is a site with several layers of historical significance. It has been revitalised as a hub for creative and design industries.
...History: Queen’s College and Police Married Quarters: In 1889, … This was the first school providing a Western education at the upper primary and secondary levels to Chinese students… In 1951, the site started its next incarnation as the Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters — the first dormitory for Chinese rank and file police officers….
...Revitalised as PMQ: … Architecturally, it represents the typical modern style commonly found in the post-Second World War period, which is characterised by a functional and pragmatic approach on elevations and interior layout, with minimum decoration and spatial articulation.
...Renamed as PMQ, the site is now a hub for design and creative industries…. Almost 100 design and creative enterprises are stationed in PMQ. Around half the tenants are in the fashion and household product design sectors with the rest in creative design categories such as fashion accessories, food, furniture, jewellery and watches, design services and design galleries. Exhibition space and event facilities are also available.
www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/culture-heritage/hist...
The red panels on the street are display panels of the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail as the street happens is part of the Trail… www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/sysm/en_US/web/sysm/visittomuse...
… merged from 7 HDR each with nine different exposures…
Your own significance in the abyss of nature.....
This is a photo I did of a friend on a trip in Chile/Bolivia. It was in some kind an overwhelming experience. The loneliness in the elevated plains of Chile and Bolivia really is a different experience of life. I still know the feeling I had when I saw her sitting close to the water in this land of nowhere in strange colors and visual appearance as if it was yesterday. Sure, it's a very personal experience and I don't know whether the photo can show my feelings I had in that moment. I want it to show something of the abyss of nature combined with the insignificance of men.... At least that's what I thought when I took the picture.
#423
During the Civil War extensive amounts of potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, saltpetre, niter, or nitre was mined from caves within the Southeastern U.S. A large amount of documentation can be found on-line regarding the process and its significance to the region.
Remains of the process are seen in this photo as as series of clay piles along the left side of this passage. A caver stands on one in the distance to proved some scale. Tally marks (IIIIIIIIIIIIII) were found on the wall where a count of the process was maintained.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვარი, meaning cross) is one of the most iconic and historic sites in Georgia. Located near Mtskheta, the monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the country. Built in the 6th century, the monastery is known as one of the earliest examples of Georgian Christian architecture. It was built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a large wooden cross. Together with other historical monuments in Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. The monastery is located on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Kura rivers and the historic town of Mtskheta. The building is an example of a tetraconch central dome structure with four apses. Despite its simple design, it is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The Jvari Pass begins at the monastery. The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 2,379 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Caucasus. It is an important passage through the Caucasus Mountains to Russia. The area is particularly known for its rugged roads, and in winter the pass can be difficult to navigate due to heavy snowfall. The route offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks, valleys and rivers. The Georgian Military Road was originally used as a trade and military route. Today it is a busy road for freight transport to Russia.
The Jvari Monastery is located in Georgia, on a hilltop near the town of Mtskheta, about 20 kilometers north of the capital, Tbilisi. The ruins next to the Jvari Monastery are part of an old defensive structure and watchtower. The Jvari Monastery is located at a strategic point above Mtskheta, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. In many cases, these ruins are remnants from the same or slightly later period, when they supplemented the religious sites with military protection against potential invaders. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views and holds deep historical and religious significance. Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its cultural and architectural importance.
Het Jvari-klooster (Georgisch: ჯვარი, wat kruis betekent) is een van de meest iconische en historische locaties in Georgië. Het klooster, gelegen bij Mtskheta, is één van de belangrijkste religieuze en culturele bezienswaardigheden van het land. Het klooster werd gebouwd in de 6e eeuw en staat bekend als een van de vroegste voorbeelden van Georgische christelijke architectuur. Het werd gebouwd op de plek waar volgens de overlevering de heilige Nino, die het christendom naar Georgië bracht, een groot houten kruis oprichtte. Samen met andere historische monumenten in Mtskheta staat het Jvari-klooster sinds 1994 op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst. De ruïne naast het Jvari-klooster is een deel van een oude verdedigingsstructuur en wachttoren. Het Jvari-klooster bevindt zich op een strategisch punt boven Mtskheta, waar de rivieren Aragvi en Mtkvari samenkomen. In veel gevallen zijn deze ruïnes overblijfselen uit dezelfde tijdsperiode of iets later, waarbij ze de religieuze locaties aanvulden met militaire bescherming tegen mogelijke indringers. Het klooster is een voorbeeld van een tetraconch centrale koepelstructuur met vier apsissen. Ondanks zijn eenvoudige ontwerp wordt het beschouwd als een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse architectuur. Bij het klooster begint de Jvari-pas. De pas ligt op ongeveer 2.379 meter boven zeeniveau en biedt spectaculaire uitzichten op de Kaukasus. Het is een belangrijke doorgang door het Kaukasusgebergte naar Rusland. Het gebied is met name bekend om zijn ruige wegen, en in de winter kan de pas moeilijk begaanbaar zijn vanwege zware sneeuwval. De route biedt adembenemende uitzichten op bergtoppen, valleien en rivieren. De Georgische Militaire Weg werd oorspronkelijk gebruikt als een handels- en militaire route. Tegenwoordig is het een drukke weg voor vrachtvervoer richting Rusland.
Broxted church boasts a wealth of historical significance, but it is a modern addition that is likely to capture the attention of many visitors: the Captivity and Freedom windows. These windows were created in honor of John McCarthy, a journalist and Broxted resident who was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon in 1986, along with fellow hostages Brian Keeler and Terry Waite, becoming known as the 'Beirut Hostages'.
During their five-year captivity, the church became a place of prayer and vigil for the hostages' release, and sadly, McCarthy's mother Sheila passed away and was buried in the churchyard. When McCarthy was finally freed in 1991, a service of celebration was held at St Mary's, and the old Victorian windows were replaced with the current poignant glass design. The windows, designed by John Clark, depict the plight of not only the Beirut captives but also their families back home. The Captivity Window is mostly black and white, with only splashes of color, while the Freedom Window is vibrant with color, symbolizing the release of the hostages and McCarthy's hope for reconciliation and peace.
Broxted, Essex
For 'MacroMondays' theme of 'GoesTogetherLike'
Not the right sort of 'Bottle'.
Not the right sort of 'Jug'!
How times have changed!
As a small boy I saw 'Bottle & Jug' written on a sign at the side of a door. I saw it as etching on the glass of a door, but had no idea of its meaning or significance. Why should I have done?
Even well before my time 'real Ale' was often brewed at home or in a small community for local consumption. The water supply that most of us take for granted was unfit for drinking and 'Ale' was the usual liquid refreshment. You collected it in a 'jug' or supplied your neighbour who brought round their 'jug'.
But times changed, licensing laws changed, glass became more common and bottles began to be mass produced. As this happened Britain became more industrialied and the population more drawn to town locations. The result was the home 'Ale' production decreased, beer made from hops became much more common and distribution more centralised.
Licensing Laws were a 'mess'. A license was available for drinking 'on' premise' and a different licence was available to supply 'off' premise where a customer could buy in a bottle or bring their own jug. However the two areas had to be separate and hence the notice by the door for 'Bottle & Jug' customers.
I got some nice coloured reflection from a Begonia bloom fallen from a hanging basket we have at our front door.
.......................................... .............................................. less than 3 inches
The white stone marks a location of great significance for the Serenissima history. At this spot of the campo San Pietro the Doge and the Patriarch would meet.
Until 1807 the Church of San Pietro di Castello was the cathedral church of Venice. St Mark’s Basilica served as a private chapel to the Doges. It was a dilemma for the Doge and the Patriarch; neither wanted to go to the other’s church service, which both saw as a humiliation. The Doge has to come all the way to the San Pietro church and avoid the Patriarch having to receive him on arrival by boat. A diplomatic maneuver was used which upheld the honor of both parties equally by way of compromise: it was agreed that the Doge and the Patriarch would meet at the precise spot which today is marked by this white stone.
Этот белый камень на дорожке, ведущей к церкви Сан-Пьетро ин Кастелло, не случаен. Некогда церковь была главным собором города, тут обитал патриарх, сюда наведывался дож. Все общественные церемонии в Венеции были строго регламентированы. К визиту дожа в дальний угол города это также относилось сполна. Приплыв сюда на парадной барке, дож встречался с патриархом ровно на середине пути к церковным дверям. Это место и отмечает белый камень.
Nowrūz (Persian language: نوروز [noʊruːz]), meaning 'New Day') is the traditional ancient Iranian festival and also the start day of Iranian "New Year".
Nowruz is celebrated and observed by Iranian peoples and the related cultural continent and has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of Central Asia, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Crimea and some ethnic groups in Albania, Bosnia, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia.
Nowruz marks the first day of Spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. As well as being a Zoroastrian holiday and having significance amongst the Zoroastrian ancestors of modern Iranians, the same time is celebrated in the Indian sub-continent as the new year. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and Iranian families gather together to observe the rituals.
The term Nowruz in writing, first appeared in Persian records in the second century AD, but it was also an important day during the time of the Achaemenids (c. 648-330 BC), where kings from different nations under the Persian empire used to bring gifts to the emperor also called King of Kings (Shahanshah) of Persia on Nowruz.
The UN's General Assembly in 2010 recognized the International Day of Nowruz, describing it a spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.In 2009 Nowrūz was officially registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognizes March 21 as the "International Day of Nowruz".
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowruz
Angkor Wat ("Capital Temple") is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world measuring 162.6 hectares. It was originally constructed in early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire and gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia (national flag) and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru. Within the moat is the outer wall 3.6 kilometers long and there are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas (deity) adorning its walls.
Opposites… Sides of the dice.
For this week’s Macro Mondays theme I have submitted this shot of two dice on an old Risk game board, with the dice set showing the opposites sides and numbers.
The dice were too bland on their own, so I think this element of the Risk board added some significance and colour.
Happy Macro Mondays everyone!
Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal holds deep historical and cultural significance. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is one of the largest stupas in the world. It has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries, attracting devotees and seekers of truth from various Buddhist traditions. The Stupa is a whitewashed dome and a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhist culture. It is adorned with vibrant prayer flags, which flutter in the wind, carrying prayers and good wishes to the heavens. The people in the photograph are engaged in a practice known as circumambulation. This is a meditative act of walking in a circular path around the stupa's base. The locals and tourists alike join this procession, spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and offering prayers for peace, enlightenment, and well-being. The towering structure beside the stupa is crowned with a gilded tower, resplendent with intricate designs. This tower is known as the harmika and represents the elevated state of consciousness that one can attain through spiritual practice. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower symbolize the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, watching over all beings and guiding them towards enlightenment – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
Traditional significance of Nuytsia floribunda (“moojar” or “kaanya tree”)
‘When I die I shall go through the sea to Kurannup where all my moorurtung (relations) will be waiting on the shore for me, waiting with meat and drink for me…Kurannup is the home of my dead people and I must go to them, and my kaan-ya must be free to rest on the kaan-ya tree (Nuytsia floribunda) before it journeys through the sea. Since Nyitting (cold) times (long time ago) all Bibbulmun kaan-ya have rested on this tree on their way to Kurannup; and I have never broken a branch or flower, or sat under the shade of the tree because it is the kaan-ya tree only winnaitch (forbidden, sacred).’ (Noongar informant Joobaitch, see Bates in Bridge 1992: 14).1
When Noongar spokespersons were interviewed by us during an urban bushland heritage survey in the northern metropolitan area, after we had observed and recorded a grove of about fifteen Nuytsia floribunda trees growing on the leeward side of a coastal dune, the Elders reported that few people today understand the significance of the moojar tree (Nuytsia floribunda) commonly known as the Western Australian Christmas tree. They said that the moojar was regarded as “highly spiritual” because it was associated with the spirits of the dead who according to the ‘old people’ “camped” on the branches and flowers of the tree on their way to Kurannup – the land of the ancestors across the Western ocean. They said to us: ‘We don’t like to go near this tree.’
The cultural significance of Nuytsia floribunda is well established in the early ethnohistorical records. Daisy Bates in an article in The Australasian (1926 in Bridge 1992: 150) refers to it as the “ghost tree” and in a later publication (1938) “the tree of souls.” Her Noongar informants call it the moojarr or “Kaanya Tree” (kaanya, meaning recently departed soul). Bates emphasises that this tree was sacred to all Bibbulmun people throughout southwestern Australia from Jurien Bay to the east of Esperance. She categorically states that:
‘No living Bibbulmun ever sheltered or rested beneath the shade of the tree of souls; no flower or bud or leaf of the tree was ever touched by child or adult; no game that took shelter beneath it was ever disturbed.’ (Bates 1938 in Bridge 1992: 153)
Like all Noongar terms there are variant spellings for the term moojar. These include mooja, moodja, moojarr, moodjar, mudjarr, mutyal, modjar, mutyal, mutdhoor and others depending on the recorder. Lyon (1833 in Green 1979: 171) records mutdhoor as “Nuytsia, floribunda – the cabbage tree.” It was colonially known as the cabbage tree by the early explorers and settlers. Moore (1841:58) records the name for the tree as mut-yal and the gum as modyar or mo-diar (1842:100, 55). Symmons (1841) records the name as mutyal and the gum mod-jar. The meaning of this descriptor term mooja or moojar is uncertain; however, we would suggest that it means the same as “mootcha” that is, prohibited or forbidden. The term “mootcha” (also spelt “mootchoo“) was used by Daisy Bates to describe marriages that took place between prohibited/forbidden kin ‘contrary to native law.’ Such wrongful marriages were traditionally punishable by death.
anthropologyfromtheshed.com/project/traditional-significa...
The Sweet Grass Hills possess special significance to the Blackfeet Indians and to other tribes on the northern Great Plains. According to legend, the creator Napi fashioned the hills in the dim past out of rocks left over from the formation of the Rocky Mountains. Napi liked his creation so much that the hills became a favored resting place for the old trickster. Located in the heart of fertile bison hunting ground, the hills served as a vantage point for game and as a lookout for enemies trespassing in Blackfeet territory. Because of their isolation and connection with the creation of the earth, they have deep cultural significance to the Blackfeet as a spiritual refuse where teen-age boys made vision quests to help guide them into adulthood. Many of the Blackfeet's traditional stories take place in and around the hills. One of those involves the Blackfeet culture hero Kutoyis (Blood-Clot-Boy) who sought to rid the world of evil in the early history of the world. It was in the Sweet Grass Hills that Kutoyisdefeated Lizard or Frog Man after an epic battle that lasted many days. The Blackfeet paid tribute to his memory by naming the hills "Kutoyisiks" in his honor.
Þingellir (Thingvellir) Valley/ National Park. Definitely worth your time to spend at least a couple of hours in this area, it's scenic and quite surreal.
Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plate
The World War II Memorial is a memorial of national significance dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II.
Consisting of 56 pillars, representing U.S. states and territories, and a pair of small triumphal arches for the Atlantic and Pacific theatres, surrounding an oval plaza and fountain, it sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
This shot is looking up at the roof of one of these 2 triumphal arches
Opened in April , 2004, it was dedicated by President George W. Bush on May 29, 2004. The memorial is administered by the National Park Service under its National Mall and Memorial Parks group. More than 4.5 million people visit the memorial each year
Unfortunately, along with most other water features in the National Mall area, these were all turned off for maintenance
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვარი, meaning cross) is one of the most iconic and historic sites in Georgia. Located near Mtskheta, the monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the country. Built in the 6th century, the monastery is known as one of the earliest examples of Georgian Christian architecture. It was built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a large wooden cross. Together with other historical monuments in Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. The monastery is located on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Kura rivers and the historic town of Mtskheta. The building is an example of a tetraconch central dome structure with four apses. Despite its simple design, it is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The Jvari Pass begins at the monastery. The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 2,379 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Caucasus. It is an important passage through the Caucasus Mountains to Russia. The area is particularly known for its rugged roads, and in winter the pass can be difficult to navigate due to heavy snowfall. The route offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks, valleys and rivers. The Georgian Military Road was originally used as a trade and military route. Today it is a busy road for freight transport to Russia.
The Jvari Monastery is located in Georgia, on a hilltop near the town of Mtskheta, about 20 kilometers north of the capital, Tbilisi. The ruins next to the Jvari Monastery are part of an old defensive structure and watchtower. The Jvari Monastery is located at a strategic point above Mtskheta, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. In many cases, these ruins are remnants from the same or slightly later period, when they supplemented the religious sites with military protection against potential invaders. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views and holds deep historical and religious significance. Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its cultural and architectural importance.
Het Jvari-klooster (Georgisch: ჯვარი, wat kruis betekent) is een van de meest iconische en historische locaties in Georgië. Het klooster, gelegen bij Mtskheta, is één van de belangrijkste religieuze en culturele bezienswaardigheden van het land. Het klooster werd gebouwd in de 6e eeuw en staat bekend als een van de vroegste voorbeelden van Georgische christelijke architectuur. Het werd gebouwd op de plek waar volgens de overlevering de heilige Nino, die het christendom naar Georgië bracht, een groot houten kruis oprichtte. Samen met andere historische monumenten in Mtskheta staat het Jvari-klooster sinds 1994 op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst. De ruïne naast het Jvari-klooster is een deel van een oude verdedigingsstructuur en wachttoren. Het Jvari-klooster bevindt zich op een strategisch punt boven Mtskheta, waar de rivieren Aragvi en Mtkvari samenkomen. In veel gevallen zijn deze ruïnes overblijfselen uit dezelfde tijdsperiode of iets later, waarbij ze de religieuze locaties aanvulden met militaire bescherming tegen mogelijke indringers. Het klooster is een voorbeeld van een tetraconch centrale koepelstructuur met vier apsissen. Ondanks zijn eenvoudige ontwerp wordt het beschouwd als een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse architectuur. Bij het klooster begint de Jvari-pas. De pas ligt op ongeveer 2.379 meter boven zeeniveau en biedt spectaculaire uitzichten op de Kaukasus. Het is een belangrijke doorgang door het Kaukasusgebergte naar Rusland. Het gebied is met name bekend om zijn ruige wegen, en in de winter kan de pas moeilijk begaanbaar zijn vanwege zware sneeuwval. De route biedt adembenemende uitzichten op bergtoppen, valleien en rivieren. De Georgische Militaire Weg werd oorspronkelijk gebruikt als een handels- en militaire route. Tegenwoordig is het een drukke weg voor vrachtvervoer richting Rusland.
I don't know who Paul is or his significance to the neighborhood, but I really like to sit at his pond!
Can you spot the ducks?
* The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are a number of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories that are located at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, United States.
The facilities are located in a 525-acre (212 ha) special land use zone known as the "Astronomy Precinct", which is located within the 11,228-acre (4,544 ha) Mauna Kea Science Reserve.
The Astronomy Precinct was established in 1967 and is located on land protected by the Historical Preservation Act for its significance to Hawaiian culture. The presence and continued construction of telescopes is highly controversial due to Mauna Kea's centrality in native Hawaiian religion and culture, as well as for a variety of environmental reasons.
The location is near ideal because of its dark skies from lack of light pollution, good astronomical seeing, low humidity, high elevation of 4,205 meters (13,796 ft), position above most of the water vapor in the atmosphere, clean air, good weather and low latitude location.
The peak on the far right is Mauna Loa which is only slightly shorter than Mauna Kea.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
On July 7, 1880, Estisa and Patten Bartlett sold lot 10 of the E. M. Bartlett addition in Elgin to Francis Preston for $500. At that time, Francis resided at 271 (now numbered 421) Division, adjacent to this lot. He quickly improved the lot by building the home that is known as 429 Division Street.
Francis apparently used the new house at 429 Division Street as a rental property, never living there himself. The 1884 City directory lists tenant Charles Young at that address. Francis retained ownership of 429 Division until selling it in 1889 to Conrad and Lydia Buel for $3,500.
Francis was born in New Hampshire in November of 1832 to Paschal and Ruth Preston. Frank enlisted at the beginning of the civil war in his home state of New Hampshire and served as a commander throughout the war.
After he settled in Elgin in 1868, he was very active in the GAR, The Grand Army of the Republic. Francis was employed at Elgin National Watch Factory and was known to be a fine musician. For many years he was the leader of the Bluff City Band and a prominent member of the Elgin Watch Factory Band. Near the end of his life, he was elected town collector, but was unable to attend to his duties because of his health. The 1878-79 Elgin city directory lists Frank Preston as the assistant foreman of the screw and steel department of the Watch Factory and also the business manager of the Bluff City Band. His address was listed as “Division 2 east of Gifford” as there was no house numbering system in use at that time.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
429 Division Street was built as a substantial Free-Classic Queen Anne style home. The recent historic resources survey lists the home as a contributing structure to the historic significance of the area and in excellent condition.
The development of balloon framing, a construction methodology using smaller dimensions of lumber than previously, permitted the evolution of the exuberant Victorian architecture with its asymmetrical facades and irregularly shaped roofs. Previously, post-and-girt and braced-frame construction both used hewn and/or pegged joints and massive timbers. Since corners were thus hard to stabilize, architects and builders avoided unnecessary corners. Balloon framing construction, developed in Chicago in the 1830s, used two-inch framing boards that extended through two full stories. The joints were nailed, making construction faster and less costly. To the delight of Victorian architects, the small lumber dimensions allowed easy construction of irregular plans with many bays, extensions, turrets and towers. Queen Anne Style was developed in England by architect Richard Norman Shaw and associates. The style, popularized in plan books and magazines, became the predominant architecture in the United States, accounting for 50% of all homes constructed from 1880-1910.
Typical of Queen Anne Style, this house is a cross-gable configuration with a prominent front-facing gable. Like 50% of these homes, it has a steep hipped roof with lower cross-gables placed asymmetrically on the facades. The main roof has a flat deck crowning the hip, where the chimney is located. The Free Classic sub-type accounts for 35% of Queen Anne homes. The name derives from the use of round classical columns rather than turned posts as porch supports. Here, the columns extend the full height of the porch. The polygonal dining room bay features inset rectangular panels under the windows, and decorative brackets supporting the roof of the bay. Decorative woodwork graces the gable over the entry. A triangular window hood is present over the double window on the front-facing gable.
Explore :
Primary Significance: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality
white roses as a symbol for true love, an association which would later become the hallmark of the red rose. However, white roses continue to endure and retain their symbolism of innocence. White roses are now used to express a number of different sentiments.
For more readings:
www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings/whiterose-mea...
The Rumps is a distinctive twin-headland located near Padstow in North Cornwall, known for its dramatic cliffs and archaeological significance. This headland is the site of an Iron Age promontory fort, featuring a series of ramparts and ditches that were once used for defence. The area is rich in wildlife, particularly seabirds, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Adjacent to The Rumps is Mouls Island, a small, rocky island that serves as a nesting site for seabirds like puffins (although I have never seen one) and razorbills. It is also known for its rugged natural beauty and can be viewed from various vantage points along the coastal path.
The area is accessible via a scenic coastal walk from Pentire Point, providing visitors with breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to explore the remnants of ancient fortifications. This walk also commemorates the poet Laurence Binyon, who wrote his famous poem "For the Fallen" while inspired by the views from the cliffs between Pentire Point and The Rumps
Images of Australia: 2/100
Gardens in Rosalind Park, Bendigo. The Park is a significant site for its historic trees, buildings, structures and landscapes that are reflective of Bendigo’s history and character. In 2000 it was added to the Victorian Heritage Register for its historic, archaeological, aesthetic, scientific (botanical) and architectural significance to the state of Victoria.
With a warm, temperate climate, the blooms of roses, agapanthus and petunias create splashes of colour in home and community gardens over summer.
2019 English Prayer Song With Lyrics | Gospel hymn |"The Significance of Prayer"
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/significance-of-prayer-lrc/
Introduction
Prayer is one of the ways how man cooperates with God,
to call upon His Spirit and to be touched by God.
The more you pray, the more you’ll be touched, enlightened and strong-minded.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
The more you pray, the more you’ll be touched, enlightened and strong-minded.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
So those who never pray are dead without spirit.
They can’t be touched by God, can’t follow God's Work .
People who never pray lose normal spiritual life,
have broken ties with God; He will not approve them.
People who never pray lose normal spiritual life,
have broken ties with God; He will not approve them.
The more you pray, the more you’ll be touched, enlightened and strong-minded.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
The more you pray, the more you’ll be touched, enlightened and strong-minded.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
People as such can be made perfect soon.
from Follow the Lamb and Sing New Songs
Recommended for You：Christian Music Video
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
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Le Mont-Saint-Michel is an island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island is located about one kilometer off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches and is 7 hectares in area. The mainland part of the commune is 393 hectares in area so that the total surface of the commune is 400 hectares with a population of 50. The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. The commune's position—on an island just a few hundred metres from land—made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. The island remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. Louis XI recognised the reverse benefits of its natural defence and turned it into a prison. The abbey was used regularly as a prison during the Ancien Régime.
The original site was founded by an Irish hermit, who gathered a following from the local community. Mont-Saint-Michel was used in the sixth and seventh centuries as an Armorican stronghold of Gallo-Roman culture and power until it was ransacked by the Franks, thus ending the trans-channel culture that had stood since the departure of the Romans in 460. From roughly the fifth to the eighth century, Mont Saint-Michel belonged to the territory of Neustria and, in the early ninth century, was an important place in the marches of Neustria. Before the construction of the first monastic establishment in the 8th century, the island was called Mont Tombe(Latin: tumba). According to a legend, the archangel Michael appeared in 708 to Aubert of Avranches, the bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet. Unable to defend his kingdom against the assaults of the Vikings, the king of the Franks agreed to grant the Cotentin peninsula and the Avranchin, including Mont Saint-Michel traditionally linked to the city of Avranches, to the Bretons in the Treaty of Compiègne (867). This marked the beginning of a brief period of Breton possession of the Mont. In fact, these lands and Mont Saint-Michel were never really included in the duchy of Brittany and remained independent bishoprics from the newly created Breton archbishopric of Dol. When Rollo confirmed Franco as archbishop of Rouen, these traditional dependences of the Rouen archbishopric were retained in it. The mount gained strategic significance again in 933 when William I Longsword annexed the Cotentin Peninsula from the weakened Duchy of Brittany. This made the mount definitively part of Normandy, and is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the 1066 Norman conquest of England. Harold Godwinson is pictured on the tapestry rescuing two Norman knights from the quicksand in the tidal flats during a battle with Conan II, Duke of Brittany. Norman ducal patronage financed the spectacular Norman architecture of the abbey in subsequent centuries. In 1067 the monastery of Mont Saint-Michel gave its support to William the Conqueror in his claim to the throne of England. This he rewarded with properties and grounds on the English side of the Channel, including a small island off the southwestern coast of Cornwall which was modelled after the Mount and became a Norman priory named St Michael's Mount of Penzance. During the Hundred Years' War, the Kingdom of England made repeated assaults on the island but were unable to seize it due to the abbey's improved fortifications. The English initially besieged the Mont in 1423–24, and then again in 1433–34 with English forces under the command of Thomas de Scales, 7th Baron Scales. Two wrought-iron bombards that Scales abandoned when he gave up his siege are still on site. They are known as les Michelettes. Mont Saint-Michel's resolute resistance inspired the French, especially Joan of Arc. When Louis XI of France founded the Order of Saint Michael in 1469, he intended that the abbey church of Mont Saint-Michel become the chapel for the Order, but because of its great distance from Paris, his intention could never be realised. The wealth and influence of the abbey extended to many daughter foundations, including St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall. However, its popularity and prestige as a centre of pilgrimage waned with the Reformation, and by the time of the French Revolution there were scarcely any monks in residence. The abbey was closed and converted into a prison, initially to hold clerical opponents of the republican regime. High-profile political prisoners followed, but by 1836, influential figures—including Victor Hugo—had launched a campaign to restore what was seen as a national architectural treasure. The prison was finally closed in 1863, and the mount was declared a historic monument in 1874. Mont Saint-Michel and its bay were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979, and it was listed with criteria such as cultural, historical, and architectural significance, as well as human-created and natural beauty. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont-Saint-Michel
10449 King George Highway., Surrey, BC
Statement of Significance:
Description of Historic Place:
The Goodmanson Building, which houses the Round Up Cafe, is a one-storey commercial building located at the north end of a commercial strip development on the King George Highway, in the Whalley neighbourhood of Surrey. A prominent neon sign, reading 'Round Up Cafe', overhangs the sidewalk above the main entrance.
Heritage Value:
Built in 1949, the Goodmanson Building is valued as a testament to Whalley's origins as an automobile-oriented service center and as a representation of the type of single-storey commercial strip development that defined the area's character for decades. After the Pacific Highway was paved in 1923, Whalley became a favoured location for auto-based businesses. Local growth accelerated with the opening of the Pattullo Bridge in 1937 and the completion of the King George Highway in 1940. After the tolls were removed from the Pattullo Bridge in 1952, Whalley experienced a major commercial and residential building boom.
The Goodmanson Building is also significant as the location of the Round Up Cafe, which has served the Whalley neighbourhood for over fifty-five years. Len Goodmanson built the original structure on the property in 1949, housing the Round Up Cafe, which Goodmanson owned until 1961. Since 1973, the restaurant has been owned and operated by the Springenatic family, who have maintained the essential roadside diner character, appearance and menu. Typical of the era in which it was established, the large neon sign was a response to the width of the street and the speed of passing cars, enticing customers with its bold shape and colours. Such signs have seldom survived in connection with their original businesses; the Round Up Cafe and its neon sign are therefore a rare combination. The name of the restaurant recalls the postwar popularity of Western stories, both in Hollywood movies and in the emerging medium of television.
Source: City of Surrey Planning Department
Character-Defining Elements:
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Goodmanson Building include its:
- location adjacent to King George Highway with no setback from front and side property lines
- commercial form, scale and massing as exemplified by its one-storey height, rectangular plan, central recessed entry and flat roof
- wood frame construction with stone masonry on storefront under later stucco and aluminum
- prominent projecting 'Round Up Cafe' sign with metal sign can and neon tubing overhanging sidewalk above main entrance
- plate glass storefront windows
- interior features, such as original seating configuration and kitchen cupboards
- continuous use as a diner
The Chicago Water Tower is the city’s most familiar and treasured landmark. Constructed between 1867 and 1869, it was created for Chicago’s municipal water system, and originally housed a 135 foot iron standpipe used to regulate water pressure. It gained special significance as one of the few buildings to survive the destructive path of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Both the Water Tower and Pumping Station to the east were designed by William W. Boyington, one of Chicago’s most prolific architects of the mid-nineteenth century.
Gangtey Goempa monastery, located in the Gangtey Valley of Bhutan, is a prominent Buddhist monastery. It holds great religious and cultural significance in the region. The monastery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque valley, offering stunning panoramic views. It serves as the seat of the Gangtey Tulku, a revered spiritual leader. Gangtey Goempa features traditional Bhutanese architecture with intricate woodwork and vibrant paintings. It is a center for Buddhist learning and practice, attracting both local devotees and curious visitors who seek spiritual enlightenment and serenity amidst its sacred walls - Gangtey Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan
This landmark is of deep religious significance to both Judaism and Islam, which is why it has been the focal point of conflict for decades (and centuries before modern Israel).
For Jews, the Temple Mount is the holiest place, as the site of the two holy Temples that were destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and by the Romans in 70 C.E. It is also the anticipated site of the third Temple in the Messianic era.
Jewish tradition holds that the very world originated here, with a “Foundation Rock” located beneath the Temple (hence the “Dome of the Rock” which is believed to have been built on top of the Foundation Rock).
The Western Wall is often mistaken as the holiest site in Judaism, but it is merely a remnant of the outer walls of the Second Temple — a reminder of the great edifice that once stood and the closest Jews were able to come to the Temple Mount for centuries.
For Muslims, this is the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third-holiest shrine (after Mecca and Medina). They believe Muhammed was miraculously transported from Mecca to the mosque in one night, before ascending to heaven.
According to both Judaism and Islam, the Temple Mount is where Abraham performed the binding of his son, Isaac, according to the Torah, and Ishmael, according to Islamic tradition.
Lives of great significance begin with a spark, a nudge, a gesture. Let us touch as many lives as we can, while we can. 2010 Olympic address, Vancouver, B.C.
I have always found the Olympics such a stirring and inspiring event. It was originally my goal to spend some part of them in Vancouver as they were going to be so close. Alas, it did not quite happen... this time around. There is always Russia in four years though. ;-)
Anyway, this line from last night's opening ceremonies caught my ear. I cannot remember the name of the fellow standing alongside Jacques Rogge who gave the speech, but it was a pretty good one. With a number of ideals that apply both within sport and beyond, as the Olympics are supposed to do.
The Booker T. Motel was determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (MRHP) under criterion A for its significance in African-American history and commerce in Humboldt, Tennessee. The period of significance for the Booker T. Motel (also known as the Booker T. "Colored" Motel and Restaurant) extends from 1954, the year the motel was constructed, through 1970, when ownership changed hands from Mr. Alfred Pulliam to Mr. Ollie Armour. During the period of significance, accommodations for traveling African-Americans were few and far between. Strategically, the motel was located near the intersection of U.S. Highways 79 and 70A just blocks from Humboldt’s business district and in the heart of the historically African-American community. The establishment became one of the few places African-Americans could stop and stay while traveling between Memphis and Nashville. The motel had the distinction of being advertised in the Green Book (The Negro Travelers Green Book originated in New York by mail carrier Victor H. Green in 1937 to give African-American’s direction on where they could stop or stay along their route to avoid unwanted dangers) and was featured in Ebony magazine article in 1955 titled “Hotels on the Highway”. The motel’s barbeque restaurant was also one of the only places in the area where African-American guests did not have to enter through a segregated back door and is an important example of a Black-owned barbeque restaurant.
An October 8, 1953 Jackson Sun (Jackson, TN newspaper) article announced that Humboldt “will shortly have the only Negro tourist court between Memphis and Nashville.” The article said that the motel would be “for the accommodation of colored people only”, would be located “on lower Main Street, and attributed the “unique name of this latest addition to the local business institutions is in honor, of course, of the founder and first president of the Tuskegee Institute, Dr. Booker T. Washington.” The motel opened with a formal dedication ceremony on January 31, 1954. According to an announcement in the Jackson Sun, the “general public, white and Negro,” were invited to attend the event which marked “another ‘first’ for Humboldt and probably also a first for the entire state.” The Green Book documents that there were other at least eighteen hotels throughout the state that served African-American visitors, but none were described as a motel. An original Booker T. Motel advertising sign is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture to tell the story of African-American travel in the mid-twentieth century. And, there are no other known African-American motels in Tennessee, rendering the Booker T. Motel a rare surviving monument to the struggle African-Americans endured during segregation and a historically significant, vital commercial enterprise in Tennessee’s African American history.
On July, 25, 2018, the Booker T. Motel was officially added to the NRHP. All of the information above (and much more) was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/aa7208e2-5716-4c26-9f7...
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
Visconti Castle Italian: Castello Visconteo is a castle in Locarno, Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
In January 2004, the Italian historian Marino Vigano' speculated that it may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci: after 7 years of studies, the Leonardo's Rivellino was recognized as a Da Vinci project.
While there was a royal palace in Locarno in 866 and a noble family with a castle in the 10th century, the oldest remaining parts of the Castello (part of the ring wall and residential tract and foundation of a tower) date to the late 12th or 13th century. In 1164 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted Locarno the right to hold a market and for the first time mentioned the Capitanei di Locarno or noble families that administered the town and the Pieve or local church. While the Capitanei enjoyed the right of imperial immediacy, they did not always support the emperor. By around 1240 Locarno had become a stronghold of the Guelph faction which supported the pope against the emperor, possibly leading to the construction or expansion of the castle. In 1260 the Castello was attacked and destroyed by the pro-emperor Ghibellines, leading Simone Orelli, the most powerful member of the Capitanei to join the Ghibellines and bring the town to the emperor's side until his death in 1290. The castle was rebuilt following the destruction of 1260.
During the 14th century Milan under the Visconti aggressively expanded into the valleys at the foot of the Alps. In 1342 Luchino and Giovanni Visconti besieged and captured the castle from both the landward and lake sides. Many members of the Capitanei were captured. After accepting the Visconti as their new overlords, they were quickly released from captivity and restored to their former positions under a podestà appointed by Milan. The podestà became the only resident of the castle and some of the buildings were allowed to fall into ruin. However, under the Visconti the fortifications were strengthened and new defensive walls were built.
In 1439 the Visconti appointed Franchino Rusca as podestà in Locarno. Under the Rusca family, the castle was renovated, repaired and expanded. It was transformed into an ornate late medieval administrative castle. A little south of the old main tower, a palazzo was built with ornate halls, large chimneys, and an arcade leading to the courtyard. It was surrounded by a ring wall with machicolations and half-round towers which were topped with swallow-tail merlons. Today, part of the Rusca castle wall still remains on the south-west side of the castle compound. By the mid to late 15th century the Duke of Milan became concerned that the Rusca family might support the Old Swiss Confederacy against Milan. He appointed a castellan to manage the castle for him. The Rusca family remained at the castle in the palazzo, while the castellan lived in the old main tower, known as the Rocca. The various castellans often wrote letters to Milan asking for money to repair the old, uncomfortable tower and more soldiers to garrison it.
In 1495 Louis XII of France offered Locarno to the Swiss Confederacy in exchange for military help against Milan. Four years later he invaded Lombardy and quickly captured the castle and town of Locarno. However, he continually delayed and avoided handing the town over to the Swiss. In 1503, the Confederation invaded and conquered the Leventina valley and captured Locarno. However, the Treaty of Arona, in the same year, gave the fortifications at Bellinzona to the Confederation but returned the town to France. In 1507 the castle complex was expanded, for the last time, when the Rivellino, a triangular bastion, was added to the north side of the complex. In 2006 the historian Marino Viganò presented evidence that the Rivellino was designed, planned and constructed by Leonardo da Vinci, though no surviving documents prove this.
In 1512, during the War of the League of Cambrai, the Confederation again invaded the Alpine foothills including Locarno. They besieged the castle, but did not have the artillery needed to capture it. In 1513, negotiations after the decisive Swiss victory at the Battle of Novara gave temporary control over the castle to the Swiss. The 1516 peace treaty which ended the War of the League of Cambrai gave them permanent control over much of Ticino including Locarno.
The Swiss appointed a landvogt to administer Locarno for the Confederation from the castle. The expense of maintaining the large complex soon proved to be too much and in 1531 they decided to demolish much of the complex. By 1532, most of the walls were demolished, leaving only the palazzo. Three years later the fortifications at the harbor near the castle were also removed. Maintaining just the palazzo remained expensive and by 1762 the Landvogt Anton Schuhmacher reported that the roof was in such poor condition that it rained in every room. The castle remained the seat of the Swiss vogt until the 1798 French invasion of Switzerland and the creation of the Helvetic Republic. After the collapse of the Republic, the 1803 Act of Mediation created the new Canton of Ticino and transferred the castle to the new Canton. It was used as a cantonal administration building until 1921 when it transferred to the town of Locarno. Locarno repaired the castle and transformed it into a museum, the Museo civico e archeologico.