My dearest friend Philo has passed away this week. Can I summarize in words the 45 years of great friendship with this great woman, the answer is no. What I can do is a photo-collage with a sound track, to try to capture all the great time we had. Rest in peace so great and talented friend... 💔

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-g1hLjoOw

Victorian Brodsworth Hall arose from the rubble of a demolished Georgian styled 18th century mansion with a murky past, the original owners having been embroiled in the slave trade and amassing profits from Caribbean plantations. There is a short article on Wikipedia summarizing the history of the house. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brodsworth_Hall

Located close to the village of Brodsworth, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, the property with its spectacular gardens is in the care of English Heritage.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-...

In this gorgeous ca. 1970 Grumman Aerospace Corporation artist’s concept, a “Design 532” shuttle orbiter is depicted coming in for a powered landing at KSC, using its deployed forward-mounted air-breathing engines. Amongst other things, note the VAB & full shuttle stack rolling out to Launch Complex 39 in the background.

I assume/am hoping the orbiter’s concrete runway (future SLF?) is just outside of the image to the left. 😉

“DESIGN 532

Design 532 is a quite different response which we believe holds promise for answering the question "Can we limit the program risk?" If Design 518 yields a program requiring a funding pattern as shown in Fig. S-2, we will face a situation which may permit neither the development of the space shuttle system nor the development of its payloads. This consideration as well as the NASA/MSC interest in a smaller, simpler, vehicle which could fly earlier, led to the development of Design 532.

Design 532 is a fully reusable, two-stage space shuttle with an initial low cross-range payload of 12,800 lb. Design 532 is also designed for the high aerodynamic cross-range potential and makes provisions for phased implementation of increased payload and performance capability. This approach permits a stepwise increase in capability and growth while decoupling the technical risk and reducing initial cost. Using engines and electronics derived from existing equipment should assure an earlier first flight. Additional performance becomes available with introduction of the high-pressure orbiter engines with a payload of 22,600 lb.

The Design 532 booster is fully reusable with LOX/RP-1 propellants and five F1 engines. A deliberately conservative approach to the design of the booster minimizes technical risk and cost by avoiding development of large-scale hydrogen tankage. Development savings of several hundred million dollars per year appear possible for this orbiter-booster combination.

The Design 532 orbiter will, at first, use three J2S engines, operate at low cross range, and be fitted with first generation avionics. The baseline Design 532 orbiter is achieved by subsequent installation of the high Isp, high-pressure 250,000 lb. thrust engines. Improved thermal protection systems extend cross range, and second-generation electronics improve operational efficiency. We believe that operational experience with the orbiter will show that for certain missions the air-breathing engines are not required. Therefore, the flying qualities have been tailored to accommodate both engine weight in and engine weight out cg positions. Removal of the air-breathing engines and reduction of on-orbit propellant will increase payload capacity to orbit to 52,700 lb. As a further step to make even heavier up-payloads possible, we have made provisions for a potential non-reusable kick stage. This would raise the payload limit to 76,500 lb. In conjunction with this attention to capacity for heavy payloads, the Design 532 cargo bay has been conceived as a "flat-bed" sized for a 10 ft. diameter payload carried internally, 15 ft. diameter carried semi-submerged, and for 22 ft. diameter carried externally.

To summarize, Design 532 is based on the following considerations:

- Reduced initial funding requirements

- Payload flexibility and growth

- Early initial flight date and initial operational capability"

The above, accompanied by supporting figures & diagrams…and a whole lot more, at:

ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20160012503/downloads/2016001...

Context regarding the referenced Design 518 can also be found within the document, to include size, engine configuration, payload capacity, etc.

Last, but not least, as I cautiously suspected, the work is confirmed to be by Craig Kavafes. Fortunately, enough of his distinctive signature ‘made the cut’.

- Parque Nacional de Doñana, Andalusia, España -

The title is a quote from something Harry Callahan said ... I think he has nicely summarized all of the myriad advice given about how to take good photographs.

Shot with Canon EOS 40D + Canon EF 24-105mm 1:4,0 L IS USM

This image summarizes almost everything that is remarkable and interesting about Budapest. Bridges, Trams and Decoration Light.

In my opinion this is the nicest of the several beautiful bridges in Budapest, and I went here often to shoot it.

BTW: I scored the 72nd position in the biggest european photography contest (at least thats how they describe themselves), the "Blende". I am incredibly proud and will write about that in the coming days over at my Website

This is Dalton Highway, one of the most isolated road in the entire US. It's over 400 miles long mostly in parallel to an oil pipe. It has very minimal infrastructures and serves mainly for trucks to transport supplies between Fairbanks and Deadhorse, which is an oil town right next to the Arctic Ocean.

Driving this road to the end has always been on my bucket list because there is a sense of being adventurous and insignificant involved when you are driving through vast field of wilderness and knowing that this is probably the northernest part I can drive to on the Earth always intrigued me so much.

This year I finally made it there and finished the entire road from Fairbanks to Deadhorse and back in 3 days. We camped for 2 nights and had all kinds of weather along the way. This image was taken from our camp at Galbraith Lake and although our camp was sunny, the distance mountains were stormy. Those little constructions to the bottom right corner are pump stations, which servers to keep the oil flowing in the oil pipe. This image pretty much summarizes the feeling I had when I was driving on that road.

I often tell anybody who'll listen that I"ve become more of an opportunistic photographer. I used to go to destinations with a pre-defined final image in mind, and I'd do everything in my power to make the moment conform to those expectations.

As I've become a better photographer, though, I've realized that I need to let the moment dictate the final results.

I still spend a lot of time researching, of course, but if the evening's conditions mean that my best shot will be a twilight shot, then I'm ready to grab that twilight shot.

On this particular night a huge storm cloud rolled directly over the lake, and the lighting changed pretty dramatically. A huge black cloud was blocking most of the light on the western horizon, and although this view is almost directly north, you can see that a lot of the scene's light was coming (indirectly) from that direction.

As often is the case at Crater Lake, humid air was spilling over Hillman Peak and pretty much filling the caldera with mist and fog. This phenomenon continued for well over 24 hours.

Anyway, to summarize, I'm not sure I would've gotten this shot two years ago, mostly because it wasn't what I came for. I was pretty proud of myself for seeing this one in the moment and having the patience to see it through.

Sorry about the rant, just thought I'd share a little bit of thoughts on the photo. Thanks for checking it out!

The first shot of my two week trip around Scotland in early August with a VW T3 from 1984. To summarize the whole vacation with two words: rain & midges - nevertheless, it was still a great and memorable journey.

This on was taken on Skye, one of the islands of the Inner Hebrides. it shows the rock formation "Old Man of Store", which is accessible by a short and easy hike.

*Explored* - Thanks!

As long as you see life superior to other forms in which you exist, none of my views will make much sense to you.

The more I think about it, the more does it seem like some kind of multiplayer game where the soul logs in, to learn a few lessons it specified before. You know the jokes people sometimes tell when someone died, saying "they logged out of the server", or got kicked, or rage-quitted, whatever the circumstances in each case may be? Maybe those are not all that far from the truth, actually.

Except, this game is not inherently supposed to be fun. It can be if you know how to play it, but really, entertainment is secondary. It's a form of stamina boost, to keep you fueled to follow the quests you took on. Main quests, side quests, the so-called random encounters that, in reality, are entirely scripted and premeditated by the programmers.

Some philosophers have summarized it, the point of life is to suffer. Which is an over-simplification, but not entirely wrong either. The point is learning, growing, and often that isn't fun, and not easy either.

Even for the absolute pros at the game, the fact remains, the soul, aka the higher self, the player who is looking at the screen and holding the controller, would probably prefer to be doing something else than this crap now. Their ultimate reward is when they can log off and know they've really achieved something this session.

But I totally dig that graphics engine.

... a stallion on the lookout for competitors.

For those who love and appreciate wild horses--the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released an Environmental Assessment of the public land where mustangs live in central Wyoming.

The BLM estimates there are 2,620 wild horses on 753,000 acres of public land in the area that we call the Red Desert. One plan involves a round up and removal of 2,096 of our 2,620 wild horses. That’s 8 out of every 10. The majority of the horses they remove spend the rest of their days standing elbow-to-elbow in holding pens.

Here’s the good news: the decision to round up 80% of our wild horses is not final, and we have until June 5, 2017 to make our voices heard.

Please visit this call for public comment:

act.americanwildhorsecampaign.org/p/dia/action4/common/pu...

The American Wild Horse Campaign did a fine job summarizing the issues. They also drafted a letter that anyone can sign. I encourage you to make the letter your own, however. Use their points, but add your own. Tell the BLM who you are and why you care.

There’s plenty of room in Wyoming for 2,620 wild horses!

Freezing!!

This word summarizes my experience with this photo.

One hour under 0 ° cold without glove, it's not easy. kkk

This expedition was very solitary, it was just me and nature. Only the light of the moon and the stars, the sound of the wind and the breath of the mountains. Man and nature together as it should be. There we should be, like our ancestors.

Greek word for "that which is completely burnt", and in Hebrew 'lâ (literally "that which goes up," that is, in smoke). In this sense of "burnt sacrifice," holocaust is still used in some versions of the Bible. In the 17th century the meaning of holocaust broadened to "something totally consumed by fire," and the word eventually was applied to fires of extreme destructiveness. In the 20th century holocaust has taken on a variety of figurative meanings, summarizing the effects of war, rioting, storms, epidemic diseases, and even economic failures.

Day Two of my first time seeing the famous CPKC Holiday Train began with this shot.

The train is northbound crossing the Hudson River at about MP 55 on CPKC's Canadian Subdivision mainline, the ex Delaware and Hudson Railway. They are crossing from the town of Moreau into Fort Edward where they will pause for the first of four shows on their trip back north to Montreal. This was taken from the lovely park on Rogers Island that sits mid river here. It is named for Major Robert Rogers who raised and commanded the famous Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War who were trained for raiding and close combat behind enemy lines. He has a complicated legacy but despite that is considered the father of the US Special Forces especially the Army Rangers. He is mentioned in "The Ranger Handbook" which is given to every soldier in the U.S. Army's Ranger School, and which summarizes Rogers' principles of irregular warfare as presented in "Rules of Ranging" which he wrote while camped near here in 1757.

Leading the way is CP 2249 an EMD GP20C-ECO built in 2013. This is a model unique to the CP (they own 130 of them) which are prevalent system wide in yard and local operations.

To learn more about CPKC's Holiday Train and see some of this year's performers as well as learn about its mission raising money and awareness to combat food insecurity check out the company's site dedicated to this continent wide event:

www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain

Fort Edward, New York

Friday November 24, 2023

IMG_8919r1

The Canada Life Building is a historic office building in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The fifteen-floor Beaux Arts building was built by Sproatt & Rolph and stands at 285 feet (87 m), 321 feet (97.8 m) including its weather beacon.

It is located at University and Queen Street in the city's downtown core. Work on the new headquarters of the Canada Life Assurance Company began in 1929 and it opened in 1931. It was the fourth building to serve as the headquarters of Canada Life, Canada's oldest, and at the time largest insurance company. Previously it had been housed in offices at Bay and King Street.

The Beaux Arts structure was the first of a series of planned structures along University Avenue, but the Great Depression halted these plans. When it was completed, it was one of the tallest buildings in Toronto. It remains one of the largest office buildings in Toronto with windows that can be opened by its occupants. The facade is cladded with Indiana Limestone.

The building also houses the majority of the Civil operations of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for the Toronto region.

The building is perhaps best known for its weather beacon, whose color codes provide summarized weather forecasts at a glance. The information is updated four times every day by Environment Canada's Weather Centre at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The forecast is for the next 4 hours. The top light shows:

Steady green = clear

Steady orange = cloudy

Flashing orange = rain

Flashing white = snow

(source: Wikipedia)

The Bible is full of plot twists. I have attempted to visually encapsulate the gospel message (a major twist) using twists. The apple and serpent represent original sin in the Garden of Eden. The white (righteous) twist tie Jesus died on the Chocolate Twizzler cross for our sins. The sinner (black twist tie figure) can be reconciled to God only by bowing the knee to Jesus. I have uploaded four different iterations of this theme. I had to pick one for the Macro Mondays Group, but let me know which you like best. 1 Peter 2:24 does a good job of summarizing the gospel in words.

*Leica M-P *Summarex 85mm f/1.5

I wanted to thank Stephen for choosing my Day 365 shot as his number one pick for the first ever video podcast of the 365 Days project. I can't even describe to you what it means to me.

After a hacker deleted 165 of my 365 shots I felt so heartbroken and that it was all for nothing. I put my entire heart and soul into my 365 project and I especially did so for my Day 365.

The night my account was hacked, I cried myself to sleep and was certain I was never going to be on Flickr ever again. I was THAT heartsick. I still am actually.

BUT as I said here and here, I will not let cruelty win.

NEVER.

So for me not only am I so very honored that he chose my shot as his number one featured shot.

But to me it reconfirms to me that even though SO MANY of my shots were deleted because of cruelty.....

Maybe it really wasn't all for nothing after all.

Thank you Stephen.

I really can't thank you enough.

You have softened the blow of losing so many beloved photos.

NOTHING and NO ONE can EVER take away what 365 Days gave to me.

EVER.

Mav and Stephen you have changed SO MANY lives by starting the 365 Days project.

Thank you so very much for that.

It really IS an AMAZING and LIFE CHANGING experience.

(Click here if you would like to watch the first podcast of 365 Days)

Yesterday marked the start of a brand new year long project for me. I have been and will be taking my shots for the new project but I won't be able to upload any of them until Friday at the earliest. My beloved grandma's visitation is today, with her funeral tomorrow.

It is the perfect project for me because it encompasses all three projects that I had planned to start with the new year. It will include 52 weeks of self portraits, 100 Strangers, and Project 365.

Thank you SO MUCH to all of you out there who have emailed, flickrmailed, or commented to me. Your love and support always blows me away. I love you all.

Character card summarizing Kalli´s story for her new adventure in The Mystic Realms!

The Mystic Realms is a new Roleplay SIM debuting soon on SL!

I am super excited to be part of this project and to be able to play my lunatic wolf once again!

Again fulfilling her seiðr duties helping a new pack to rise, and pick its alpha, Kalliope came to visit the Wilderness of the Mystic Realms and make sure the wolves are gathered under Máni´s gaze!

Snapshot by Cassandra Middles

Logo and Character by Me

Card Template by Deathly Fright

Make your own character template by downloading it on our website: www.themysticrealmssl.com/

The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major (In Dedicatione basilicae S. Mariae) [is a feast day in the General Roman Calendar, optionally celebrated annually on 5 August with the rank of memorial.

In earlier editions of the General Roman Calendar, down to that of 1960, it is called the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary of the Snows (In Dedicatione basilicae S. Mariae ad Nives), a reference to the legendary story about the foundation of the basilica. For the same reason the feast is also known popularly as Our Lady of the Snows.The reference to the legend was removed in the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar

History

Pope Pius V inserted this feast into the General Roman Calendar in 1568, when, in response to the request of the Council of Trent, he reformed the Roman Breviary. Before that, it had been celebrated at first only in the church itself and, beginning in the 14th century, in all the churches of the city of Rome.

Accordingly, it appears in the Tridentine Calendar for celebration as a Double. In Pope Clement VIII's Missal of 1604, it was given the newly invented rank of Greater Double. In Pope John XXIII's 1960 calendar, it became a Third-Class Feast. This 1960 calendar, included in the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal, is the calendar whose continued use privately and, under certain conditions, publicly is authorized by the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum. Nine years later, the celebration became an optional memorial.

The feast commemorates the dedication by Pope Sixtus III of the rebuilt Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore just after the First Council of Ephesus. This major basilica, located on the summit of the Esquiline Hill in Rome, is called the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris) because it is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The original church, which was replaced by that of Pope Sixtus III, was built during the pontificate of Pope Liberius (352–366), and is thus sometimes known as the Basilica Liberii or Basilica Liberiana.

Legend

Until 1969 the feast was known as Dedicatio Sanctae Mariae ad Nives (Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows), a name that had become popular for the Basilica in the 14th century in connection with a legend about its origin that the Catholic Encyclopedia summarizes: "During the pontificate of Liberius, the Roman patrician John and his wife, who were without heirs, made a vow to donate their possessions to the Virgin Mary. They prayed that she might make known to them how they were to dispose of their property in her honour. On 5 August, at the height of the Roman summer, snow fell during the night on the summit of the Esquiline Hill. In obedience to a vision of the Virgin Mary that they had the same night, the couple built a basilica in honour of Mary on the very spot that was covered with snow. From the fact that no mention whatever is made of this alleged miracle until a few hundred years later, not even by Sixtus III in his eight-line dedicatory inscription ... it would seem that the legend has no historical basis. In fact there is no reference to the legend before the year 1000.

The popularity of the legend in the 15th century is shown in the painting of the Miracle of the Snow by Masolino da Panicale of around 1423, now in the Museo di Capodimonte, Naples, in which the miracle is depicted as witnessed by a crowd of men and women, with Jesus and the Virgin Mary observing from above, and by the building in that century and the immediately following centuries of many churches dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, of which 152 still exist in Italy. A more critical attitude began to prevail in the 18th century, as evidenced by the proposal that a congregation set up by Pope Benedict XIV presented to him in 1741 that the reading of the legend be removed from the Roman Breviary and that the original name, "Dedicatio Sanctae Mariae", be restored. This recommendation was implemented only in 1969, 228 years later.

Legacy of the legend

On 5 August each year, during the celebration of the liturgical feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a custom that commemorates the story of the miraculous snowfall is still maintained: at the conclusion of the Solemn Mass in the basilica, a shower of white rose petals is dropped from the dome of the Chapel of Our Lady.

source: Wikipedia

One photo, describing almost every day of March here by the coast. Especially since the corona lockdown, we've had nice and windy weather every day, and lots of birds are back.

After taking this photo in the middle of the month, I bought my new telephoto lens, and have been out photographing birds every day since then.

A wonderful way of forgetting all that happens in our country and the world right now for a moment, and just concentrate on what's in front of you or above you..

My album of birds and nests here.

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Feel free to follow my facebook photo page:

www.facebook.com/ranveigmariephotography/

Or my Instagram:

www.instagram.com/ranveigmariephotography/

Agostino Carracci (Bologna, August 16, 1557 - Parma, February 23, 1602) - Last Communion of St. Jerome (1592-97) - oil on canvas 376 × 224 cm - Galleria Nazionale di Bologna

Nell'opera tutte le esperienze di Agostino Carracci vengono riassunte in una perfetta armonia compositiva: l'immagine è descritta nei minimi particolari, delineando con precisione le forme e il volume delle figure grazie ad un disegno fortemente analitico, mentre l'influsso della pittura veneta è determinante nel colore.

Nel 1796 il quadro fu requisito dalle truppe napoleoniche ed inviato a Parigi. Dopo il Congresso di Vienna fu restituito allo Stato Pontificio, di cui anche Bologna era parte, e collocato, nel 1817, nella Pinacoteca della città.

In the work all the experiences of Agostino Carracci are summarized in a perfect harmony of composition: the image is described in detail, outlining with precision the shapes and the volume of the figures thanks to a highly analytical drawing, while the influence of Venetian painting is decisive in the color.

In 1796 the painting was requisitioned by Napoleon's troops and sent to Paris. After the Congress of Vienna it was returned to the Papal States, of which Bologna was also a part, and placed, in 1817, in the Pinacoteca of the city.

Une mer lisse et argentée par le soleil qui se fraye un passage dans ce ciel moutonné de gros nuages gris et blanc et le mouton qui paisse sur les bords de la falaise, tout est résumé sur le charme indéfectible de l’île de Skye.

A sea smooth and silvered by the sun that makes its way through this sky covered with gray and white clouds and the sheep that grazes on the edge of the cliff, all is summarized on the indefectible charm of the island of Skye.

Excerpt from uwaterloo.ca:

Description of the District

St. Clair Avenue Heritage Conservation District runs along St. Clair Avenue between Main Street and Delaware Avenue. The district consists of 23 properties. Twenty-one of these properties are residential and two are commercial.

Cultural Heritage Value of the District

The Heritage Conservation District Planning Study summarizes the value of the district in three points:

• Area has relatively significant historical/architectural structures that represent early 20th century architecture.

• Area was first developed in 1912 on the west side of the avenue, and development on the east side started in 1923.

• Original homeowners were significant individuals in the City of Hamilton.

Designation of the District

The designation of St. Clair Avenue Heritage Conservation District was initiated by the local residents association. According to the planning study, “The St. Clair Heritage District Planning Study evolved from the interest and effort of the St. Clair Homeowners Association and was encouraged by the Hamilton-Wentworth

Regional Planning and Development Department”. The district is protected by By-law 86-125, passed in 1986.

9 years of our journey with my endless admiration for him... 💕

Always & Forever

Saphira 💞 Hansen

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FAQ:

Why, why is it only Hansen?

Because good genes attract and seek for good genes

What? How?

The description is long but still can tell...

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" No matter how great or wonderful love is, it cannot replace good wisdom. Good genes attract and seek for good genes, and this is why Hansen stands out and I will always choose him... "

Romantic guy may build most satisfying relationship

But only a Smart guy can build a healthy relationship with me

It's difficult to have the perfect guy with best combination of both qualities

A good heart is just as important as the brain that processes it. I can't focus on the heart alone. In my 11 years of sl experience, only Hansen has passed all of the test criteria. He is the only one who can make a perfect balance between wisdom and mind, able to analyze complicated problems in less than three minutes, and summarize and solve tough complicated dramatic problems and 20-30 paragraphs of complicated matter with answers that just helped immediately in 1-3 short smart sentences only. He can understand without further explanation and never get lost on the point or turn it into another silly pointless problem.

Thats why Hansen has the perfect combination of qualities to make a successful relationship. He is both intelligent and kindheart, able to analyze difficult problems quickly and provide the emotional support needed for me, for us and for healthy relationship.

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" No matter how good and strong a woman is would want a wiser man as a mate... "

Love is a powerful force, and it can help us overcome many obstacles. But it is not enough to create a healthy relationship. Solving problems requires intelligence, logic, and emotional control. Love alone cannot solve all of our issues.

Having an intelligent partner can help women feel more secure in their relationships.

Love alone isn't enough to make a relationship work without irritating experiences. Equal intelligence in interpreting and responding is important in marriage, even if it's a relationship in the virtual world, but the unequal intelligence in the real world can cause very annoying matters.

Conversations need to be understood and both parties must be on the same page.

That's why women need smarter men to secure them when they are feeling overwhelmed. They need someone who can understand their feelings and provide support, comfort and reassurance.

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

" We should choose to love someone with equal intelligence to avoid problems in relationship. But sometimes love is out of control. Sometimes love happens with people who can't take care of it well.

I hope there would be someday for some love that the power of love will be able to overcome the barriers of intellectual differences as others have said... "

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My final photo isn't what I had always planned. I thought I would create this elaborate image that would summarize my style and journey. Instead, this simple image. Throughout my 365 I have gone through so much change and as this is a new phase of my life- college- I thought I would capture the very final moments before I left Wisconsin.

Without embarking on the 365 (which I was late on finishing) I would never have been as involved with photography as I am today. Though I will NEVER be doing another 365 I will continue to grow and experiment as much as I can. Throughout college I plan to keep uploading and showing you what I'm learning. Thank you everyone for the support and kindness.

I think I'll go to Boston,

I think I'll start a new life.

I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name.

This one is from the "winter archives". Taken at Hjortens udde, Mellerud, Sweden

I usually don't take so many pictures during winter but this season has really been great and I have felt a lot of joy during my photo sessions. This shot is just one of many from a totally stunning morning that in a way kind of summarizes this winter for me.

La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (Patrimonio de la Humanidad desde 1984) es el monumento más importante de todo el Occidente islámico y uno de los más asombrosos del mundo. En su historia se resume la evolución completa del estilo omeya en España, además de los estilos gótico, renacentista y barroco de la construcción cristiana.

El lugar que hoy ocupa nuestra Mezquita, Catedral parece haber estado, desde antiguo, dedicado al culto de diferentes divinidades. Bajo dominación visigoda se construyó en este mismo solar la basílica de San Vicente, sobre la que se edificó, tras el pago de parte del solar, la primitiva mezquita. Esta basílica, de planta rectangular fue compartida por los cristianos y musulmanes durante un tiempo. Cuando la población musulmana fue creciendo, la basílica fue adquirida totalmente por Abderraman I y destruida para la definitiva construcción de la primera Mezquita Alhama o principal de la ciudad. En la actualidad algunos elementos constructivos del edificio visigodo se encuentran integrados en el primer tramo de Abderraman I.

La gran Mezquita consta de dos zonas diferenciadas, el patio o sahn porticado, donde se levanta el alminar (bajo la torre renacentista), única intervención de Abd al- Rahman III, y la sala de oración o haram. El espacio interior se dispone sobre un concierto de columnas y arcadas bicolores de gran efecto cromático. Cinco son las zonas en las que se divide el recinto, correspondiendo cada una de ellas a las distintas ampliaciones llevadas a cabo.

Esta toma está emplazada donde se realizó la primera ampliación (821-852).

Abderraman II (822) amplió la sala de oración en ocho tramos hacia el sur, con una clara influencia abbasí en la decoración, fruto de los contactos políticos con el califato oriental y de la llegada de personajes de Oriente a la Península. Mohamed I da forma definitiva a la Puerta de San Esteban, de la que se desconoce su verdadero origen, si bien parece clara su posición estética entre el arte visigodo y el califal cordobés. Al anterior emir le sucede Al-Mundir y Abd-Allah. El primero levanta la sala del tesoro, de la que no se conoce el emplazamiento definitivo. El segundo construirá un pasadizo secreto o sabat que uniría el Alcázar califal con el mihrab.

Fuente

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The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (World Heritage since 1984) is the most important monument in the whole of the Islamic West and one of the most amazing in the world. In its history is summarized the complete evolution of the Umayyad style in Spain, as well as the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of Christian construction.

The place that today occupies our Mosque, Cathedral seems to have been, from old, dedicated to the cult of different divinities. Under Visigoth domination the basilica of San Vicente was built on this very site, on which the primitive mosque was built, after the payment of part of the lot. This rectangular basilica was shared by Christians and Muslims for a time. When the Muslim population was growing, the basilica was acquired entirely by Abderraman I and destroyed for the definitive construction of the first Alhama Mosque or main city. At present, some elements of the Visigothic building are integrated in the first section of Abderraman I.

The great Mosque consists of two distinct areas, the porticoed courtyard or sahn, where the minaret (under the Renaissance tower) rises. Abd al-Rahman III, and the prayer hall or haram. The interior space is arranged on a concert of columns and arcades bicolores of great chromatic effect. Five are the zones in which the enclosure is divided, each corresponding to the different enlargements carried out.

This socket is located where the first extension was made (821-852). Abderraman II (822) extended the prayer hall in eight sections to the south, with a clear Abbasid influence on the decoration, fruit of political contacts with the Eastern Caliphate and the arrival of characters from the East to the Peninsula. Mohamed I gives definitive form to the Gate of San Esteban, of which its true origin is unknown, although its aesthetic position between the visigodo art and the caliph of Cordoba seems clear. The former emir is succeeded by Al-Mundir and Abd-Allah. The first one raises the treasure room, of which the definitive location is not known. The second will build a secret passageway or sabbath that would link the Caliphate with the mihrab.

Config: _DSC0727

NIKON D5000

NIKKOR 18-55 VRI (f/3.5-5.6)

@26mm · 1.5s · f/8 · ISO 1000

Sin flash.

Sin trípode (no permiten trípode dentro de la mezquita).

It's been a while, so I thought it's time for another gear post.

This is a summarized version of a blog post I posted in Swedish a few days ago here ». If you want the full version, please learn Swedish or read the google translated version (which I actually find quite comprehensible).

***

The past season (2015) I've experimented with the automatic reversing adapter MK-C-UP from the Chinese manufacturer Meike. This gadget is depicted in the upper left corner of the image above. It consists of two parts connected with a coiled cord and makes it possible to maintain communication with a reverse mounted Canon lens.

Mounting a lens in reverse orientation is a classic trick to achieve macro magnification with non-macro optics. In the age of aperture rings and mechanical aperture control, this was just a matter of physically mounting the lens to the camera body. A very simple adapter, with bayonet mount in one end and a male filter thread in the other was sufficient do the trick since the mechanical aperture ring would let you stop down the lens weather it was mounted in reverse orientation or not. Nowadays most lenses communicate electronically with the camera body. And with this development we've lost the mechanical aperture control needed to easily able to set the aperture of a reverse-mounted lens.

The Meike MK-C-UP adapter solves this problem by providing a way to by-wire, electronically and seamlessly communicate with a reverse-mounted lens.

This is not a new invention: Novoflex has offered a similar adapter for years. But with MK-C-UP, Meike has made it affordable (≈ $60).

I've found this solution particularly useful in combination with the relatively cheap lens Canon 40 mm f/2.8 STM. For high magnification work, this combination rivals the more expensive Canon MP-E 65 mm f/2.8 at least in some respects. While not as flexible as the MP-E in terms of magnification ratio, this "nonaC 40/2,8" offers some very nice qualities in terms of portability and image quality.

Please continue this read in the first comment below »

In the second comment I'll add a collection of image examples.

And in the third comment I'll wrap things up with some thoughts and conclusions.

Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl murals adorn the walls in Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Tlaxcala, the Mural La Historia de Tlaxcala.

3 of 3.

We had a mural tour in Spanish so we did a lot of head nodding and understood little of the discourse.

The murals are by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin.

The murals summarize passage from the long and complex history of the Tlaxcalan people captured on the walls of the Government Palace of Tlaxcala, a building erected around the mid-16th century.

The building housed the Royal Houses. The murals, created by artist Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin, have become the Tlaxcalan version of the history of the Spanish conquest.

The mural spanning 450 square meters is divided into 24 segments, beginning with the arrival of the first settlers in America, continuing through Independence, the Porfiriato, and culminating well into the 19th century.

The project for the fresco murals began in 1953, but they were not started until 1957.

The first stage of this undertaking lasted 10 years, during which time Hernández Xochitiotzin researched, designed, and created the sketches that would become the images that cover the walls of the building, a work of invaluable artistic and cultural value.

The work lasted 35 years until 2000, when Hernández Xochitiotzin created the sketch for a work titled "Christopher Columbus to Mexican Lands," which was intended to become the final mural in the collection.

However, in 2001, the painter decided to retire permanently due to health reasons and died six years later at the age of 85.

MUSEO GUCCI GARDEN

Si trova nel Palazzo della Mercanzia, nel cuore di Firenze, il Gucci Garden, ovvero un luogo tra il reale e l’immaginario che riassume tutte le anime della celebre maison di moda. Ideato dal Direttore Creativo Alessandro Michele, lo spazio ospita l’esclusiva boutique con pezzi unici, il ristorante Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura e l’area espositiva Gucci Garden Galleria.

Quest’ultima, concepita come un vero e proprio museo, rende omaggio all’archivio storico e all’anima contemporanea che il brand ha sviluppato negli ultimi anni, proprio grazie alla visione illuminata del suo Direttore Creativo.

------------------------------------------

GUCCI GARDEN MUSEUM

The Gucci Garden is located in the Palazzo della Mercanzia, in the heart of Florence, a place between the real and the imaginary that summarizes all the souls of the famous fashion house. Designed by the Creative Director Alessandro Michele, the space hosts the exclusive boutique with unique pieces, the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant and the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition area.

The latter, conceived as a real museum, pays homage to the historical archive and the contemporary soul that the brand has developed in recent years, thanks to the enlightened vision of its Creative Director.

CANON EOS 600D con ob. SIGMA 10-20 f./4-5,6 EX DC HSM

A few weeks ago, I visited North Carolina's largest natural lake for the first time in my life. While I was disappointed to not be able to meet up with wildlife photographer extraordinaire kevansunderland as we had planned, the lake itself did not disappoint; it was breathtakingly beautiful and wildlife was abundant. Most of the birds may have been distant, but I've never seen more birds in a single day.

This is the one photo of the hundreds I took that best summarizes Lake Mattamuskeet: large numbers of waterfowl -- in a vast expanse of shallow water and flying by left and right and overhead -- and a bald eagle keeping an eye on it all.

I'll chronicle my visit to the lake in the next several photos I upload. Thanks for looking/reading.

already ....

been a long time...

make calculations against the sun

friends with everything on earth ...

I assembled thousands of clouds, became mighty wings ...

I summarize all ancestral spells on earth ...

become a legendary sword ..

I challenge the sun !!!

i challenge the sun !!!!

so that life is no longer painful

I challenge the sun !!!

i challenge the sun !!!!

to be inspired ...

I've considered between losing and winning ...

at least have done what I can

"once means ... it's dead"

life is only delaying defeat

and in the end we give up on death ...

at least there have been citizens of the earth

who ever fought the sun

for a symbol ...

we once were ...

and there is on earth ...

rant73 April 24.2019

The history of this building can be summarized in 3 main stages :

building of the tower in rubble stone in the 12th century by the Crupet family, characterized by romanesque openings;

at the end of the 16th century, the Carondelet family adds a half-timbered floor, provides the tower with stairs and sets in it Renaissance windows; it also builds the farm, surrounded, at that time, by walls and small moats;

in 1925, after two centuries of abandonment, the architect Adrien Blomme purchases the property and converts it into a comfortable place; he closes some openings and adds new ones.

Recently, the castle was repurchased and work is undertaken in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Department, to restore its state of the 17th century.

Since this is a private property, the dungeon cannot be visited. (LE14 Crupet)

Maple Ridge, BC

Jerry Sulina Park is actually an off-leash dog park which is situated along the Trans Canada Trail.

The park itself consists of a fenced area enclosing a small pond and marsh area with a short series of trails. The pond and surrounding habitat is apparently home to many animals including turtles, cranes and several species of waterfowl.

The Trans Canada Trail system that runs through Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge is one of a kind. In total the portion of the TCT that runs through our communities is over 21 km. It winds its way along the dykes and through city streets. There are many places to access the TCT trail system, Jerry Sulina Park is just one of them.

The sections of the TCT which are along the Alouette and Pitt rivers are absolutely stunning. The waterways and blueberry fields with the Golden Ears mountains as a backdrop summarize the beauty of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows perfectly.

This image is best viewed in Large screen.

Thank-you for your visit, and please know that any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated!

Sonja

Time Lapse Speed Build.

Based off of early notes by JRR Tolkien, this plot line was later significantly changed.

After Merry and Pippin are captured by the Urik-hai Legolas and Gimli pursue the Hobbits, but Boromir and Aragorn go to Minas Tirith. Sauron has Minas Tirith besieged and the two men sneak in through the mountains. After Denethor is slain the people of Gondor choose Aragon as the Lord of Minis Tirith. Boromir is filled with jealousy and evil overcomes him. He sneaks off to Isengard and betrays the Fellowship in exchange for Saruman's aid to help him become the Lord of Minas Tirith. After the battle of Pelennor Fields and the defeat of Sauron, Aragon returns to Minas Tirith. As the moon rises Boromir comes to challenge Aragon for the throne. In the end Boromir is defeated and slain by Aragon.

--Summarized from "The Treason of Isengard"

By: JRR Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien

Built for Middle Earth LEGO Olympics round 2. The category was One-on-One Duel.

Lionheart perfectly summarizing how I feel currently.

This pic summarizes a typical Indian Village life and family and mind you, this is a model village in Orissa. Imagine the plight of actual six lack villages in India. I loved the smoke effect.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica viewed from Major's Hill Park in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Notre-Dame's construction, in what was at the time the city of ByTown, began in 1841, its main structure completed in 1846 and its entire structure completed in 1858 following the addition of its two bell towers.

Based on the plans drawn up by local builder Antoine Robillard and Father John Francis Cannon, it was to have a Neo-Classical design. However, in 1844, after the lower section was completed, the Oblate Fathers (OMI) assumed stewardship of the parish and Father Pierre-Adrien Telmon was sent from France to finish the construction. Father Telmon decided to redesign the church into a Neo-Gothic structure, a style which was growing in popularity. This resulted in the lower features, such as the main entrance, being Neo-Classical, while the upper portions of the structure are Neo-Gothic.

Its history, with its multi-phased work and stewardship, is far too comprehensive to summarize here. If one is interested, one can peruse its rich history at:

notredameottawa.com/history

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_Cathedral_Basilica

(May, 16, 2019)

I have to get these lunch strolls in! In a few months, I will be leaving my present job....transitioning into another opportunity that is beyond any scope that I currently entertain. In other words...I'm not sure what I will be journeying into...but that is the excitement of the unknown.

This shot speaks to me...in that I see a clear path in front of me...but there will be things...birds, trees...other people that greet me along the way. The green foliage is the positive that I see in such a journey. It is an ordinary shot...the exact place that I find myself...in an ordinary life...and I am the one that brings the extra-ordinary to a given situation.

These are the same trees...that bare heavy with spring leaves where I have witnessed the autumn fire of fall...and the empty branches of winter. There will be no more Cathedral bells, nor witnessing the wedding parties weaving around the church...no more school children going to mass....nor homeless people coming for a sandwich. Already, I have fond memories of this place. But like the seasons, change visits us...and one senses with certainty...that it is time for a transition.

-rc

/*******************

The trajectory of Merton’s life and interests followed an evolving trajectory. He understood conversion, not as a single event, but as a process. Christians, and there is no evidence that Merton was ever anything but deeply, committedly Christian, are in the process of conversion, open to conversion in every moment and at every level of life. This metanoia summarizes the Benedictine vow of conversio morum, conversion of life. Merton’s monastic vows were his stability. His “changeability” reflected his monastic convictions. Both came together in his openness to Buddhism (and to other religions, in particular, Islam). It is this paradox of monastic stability and metanoia that Fr. Park’s book illuminates.

-Thomas Merton’s encounter with Buddhism and beyond: his interreligious dialogue, inter-monastic exchanges, and their legacy / Jaechan Anselmo Park, OSB.

If the dew that kisses the curves has already faded,.

If the vegetation is already unoccupied, blow out the deciduous leaves.

If the bright afternoons are already saying goodbye and dawn arrives...

then I cautiously assume that this is a penultimate caress in the garden.

Moon.

youtu.be/LZZvFDoILs4?si=0O55kravS0C4pFNa

Thank you very much for the favs and group invitations🌹

Apart from a couple of details, I really enjoyed the story of this new Spider-Man game. I can't say that I have played it myself, but I watched a playthrough that summarizes the game. These figures are mostly based on the characters' respective designs from the game. From L to R:

Martin Li: The head is from the TMNT Shredder Polybag. I would make a Mr. Negative, but making him out of black and white pieces wouldn't do his design justice. Instead, I opted to invert the colors on a photo of the martin Li figure I made, and it did the job. You can see that here: instagram.com/p/Bn0FfXSg8qL/

Doctor Octopus: The head is from the latest Ghostbusters set. I designed his robotic arms so that he could stand up on his own.

Spider-Man: Man, I really wish I had the MCU Spider-Man head. The body and head are from the Raimi movies, and the legs are from Mr. Freeze.

Electro: Here's where I took a couple liberties. I made his skin yellow because his electricity is yellow in the game, and it sort of resonates in him. Also the expression is great for him.

Kingpin: I made the head from a Lex Luthor head by cutting off the neck and adding some details around his eyes.

Since I made Electro, I would have made other characters from the R.A.F.T. such as Scorpion, Vulture, and Rhino, but each of them had characteristics that I just didn't have the parts to recreate.

One of my favorite folk songs. It is a circular song, meaning it ends where it starts, and it summarizes the consequences of war. While some consider it an antiwar song, I also see it as a recognition of those who have had to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as those of their families. Having served my country for over twenty years in the military, I give those who have given all my utmost respect and admiration.

Lyrics:

Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing?

Where have all the flowers gone, long time ago?

Where have all the flowers gone?

Young girls picked them, ev’ry one.

Oh, When will they ever learn? Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone, long time passing?

Where have all the young girls gone, long time ago?

Where have all the young girls gone?

Gone to young men, ev’ry one.

Oh, when will they ever learn? Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone, long time passing?

Where have all the young men gone, long time ago?

Where have all the young men gone?

Gone for soldiers, ev’ry one.

When will we ever learn? Oh, when we ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing?

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time ago?

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Gone to graveyards, ev’ry one.

When will they ever learn? Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing?

Where have all the graveyards gone, long time ago?

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Gone to flowers, ev’ry one.

When will they ever learn? Oh, when will they ever learn?

-Pete Seeger

Mezquita-catedral de Córdoba

La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba es el monumento más importante de todo el Occidente islámico y uno de los más asombrosos del mundo.

En su historia se resume la evolución completa del estilo omeya en España, además de los estilos gótico, renacentista y barroco de la construcción cristiana.

El edificio, declarado Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad en 1984 junto con el centro histórico de Córdoba, se comenzó a construir en el 786.

Esta basílica, de planta rectangular fue compartida por los cristianos y musulmanes durante un tiempo. Y cuando la población musulmana fue creciendo, la basílica fue adquirida totalmente por Abderraman I y enderrocada para la definitiva construcción de la primera Mezquita Alhama o principal de la ciudad.

La gran Mezquita consta de dos zonas diferenciadas, el patio exterior o sahn, porticado, donde se levanta el alminar (bajo la torre renacentista), única intervención de Abd al- Rahman III y la sala de oración interior o haram que se dispone sobre un concierto de columnas (856) de mármol, jaspe y granito y arcos de herradura bicolores (365) de gran efecto cromático.

Cinco son las zonas en las que se divide el recinto, correspondiendo cada una de ellas a las distintas ampliaciones llevadas a cabo

En 1238, tras la conquista de Córdoba por Fernando III el Santo, rey de Castilla y León, se llevó a cabo la reconversion de la mezquita en una catedral católica, en su parte central.

La Capilla Mayor de la catedral, fue ubicada en el centro geométrico sin provocar destrucciones arquitectónicas en la construcción.

Finalizada la llamada Reconquista y en medio de una gran polémica, en 1523 se empezó la construcción de una basílica renacentista de estilo plateresco como ampliación de la Capilla Mayor, en el mismo centro del edificio musulmán, cuyo resultado disgustó al mismo emperador Carlos V, quien lo había impulsado.

Hoy constituye el monumento más importante de Córdoba, y también de toda la arquitectura andalusí, junto con la Alhambra.

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezquita-catedral_de_C%C3%B3rdoba

MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CORDOVA

The Mosque - cathedral of Cordova is the most important monument of the whole Islamic West and one of the most amazing worldwide.

All along his history it summarizes the complete evolution of the so called omeya style in Spain, in addition to the Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles typical from christian constructions.

The construction of this wonderful building, that was declared Cultural Heritage of the Humanity in 1984 together with the historical center of Cordova, was initiated in 786.

This basilica made in a rectangular plant was shared by both Christians and Muslims during a time.

And when the Moslem population was growing, the basilica was acquired totally by Abderraman I and demolished for the definitive construction of the first Mosque “Alhama” or principal of the city.

The great Mosque consists of two differentiated zones, the outside court or “sahn”, with arcades, where there gets up the renaissance type minaret, and the inside praying room or “haram” that it is arranged on a column concert (856) made out of marble, jasper and granite and designed with two-color horse-shoe (365) arches of great chromatic effect.

Five are the zones in which the enclosure is divided, each one corresponding to the different enlargements that were carried out.

In 1238, after the conquest of Cordova by Ferdinand III, said the Saint, king of Castile and León, it took place the restructuring of the mosque in a catholic cathedral, just in his center part.

The Major Chapel of the cathedral, was located in the geometric center without making architectural destructions in the building.

In 1525, once finished the so called Reconquest and in the middle of storm of controversy, it was initiated the construction of a “Renaissance type” basilica of plateresque style, as an extension of the already existimg Major Chapel, in the same center of the Moslem building, whose result disliked very much the emperor himself Carlos V, who stimulated it.

Today it constitutes the most important monument of Cordova, and also of the whole Andalusian architecture legacy together with the Alhambra.

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezquita-catedral_de_C%C3%B3rdoba

MOSCHEA-CATTEDRALE DI CORDOVA

La Moschea-cattedrale di Cordova è il monumento più importante di tutto l'Occidente islamico ed uno dei più sorprendenti del mondo.

Nella sua storia si riassume l'evoluzione completa dello stile omeya in Spagna, oltre agli stili gotico, rinascimentale e barocco della costruzione cristiana.

L'edificio, dichiarato Patrimonio Culturale dell'Umanità in 1984 insieme al centro storico di Cordova, si cominciò a costruire nel 786.

Questa basilica, di pianta rettangolare fu condivisa dai cristiani e musulmani per un tempo. E quando la popolazione musulmana fu crescendo, la basilica fu acquisita totalmente per Abderraman I ed enderrocata per la definitiva costruzione della prima Moschea “Alhama” o principale della città.

La gran Moschea consta di due zone differenziate, il patio esterno o “sahn”, porticato, dove si alza il minareto, sotto la torre rinascimentale, unico intervento di Abd al - Rahman III e la sala di discorso interno o “haram” che fu disposta su un concerto di colonne (856), di marmo, marmo venato e granito ed archi ogivali bicolori (365), di gran effetto cromatico.

Cinque sono le zone nelle quali il recinto è diviso, corrispondendo ognuna di esse alle distinte ampliazioni portate a capo.

In 1238, dopo la conquista di Cordova per Fernando III il Santo, re della Castiglia e Leone, si portò a termine la riconversione della moschea in una cattedrale cattolica, proprio nella sua parte centrale.

La Cappella maggiore della cattedrale, fu ubicata nel centro geometrico senza provocare distruzioni architettoniche nella costruzione.

Nel 1525, una volta finita la chiamata Riconquista ed in mezzo ad una gran controversia, si incominciò la costruzione di una basilica rinascimentale di stile plateresco decisa come ampliazione della Cappella Maggiore, nello stesso centro dell'edificio musulmano il cui risultato disgustò lo stesso imperatore Carlos V chi l'aveva spinto.

Oggi costituisce il monumento più importante di Cordova, ed anche di tutta l'architettura andalusí, insieme all'Alhambra.

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezquita-catedral_de_C%C3%B3rdoba

MESQUITA-CATEDRAL DE CORDOVA

La Mesquita-Catedral de Còrdova és el monument més important de tot l'Occident islàmic i un dels més sorprenents del món.

En la seva història es resumeix l'evolució completa de l'estil omeya a Espanya, a més dels estils gòtic, renaixentista i barroc de la construcció cristiana.

L'edifici, declarat Patrimoni Cultural de la Humanitat en 1984 juntament amb el centre històric de Còrdova, es va començar a construir en el 786.

Aquesta basílica, de planta rectangular va ser compartida pels cristians i musulmans durant un temps. I quan la població musulmana va ser creixent, la basílica va ser adquirida totalment per Abderraman I i va ser enderrocada per a la definitiva construcció de la primera Mesquita “Alhama” o principal de la ciutat.

La gran Mesquita consta de dues zones diferenciades, el pati exterior o “sahn”, porticat, on s'aixecà el minaret, única intervenció de *Abd al- *Rahman III i la sala d'oració interior o “haram” que es disposa sobre un concert de columnes (856) de marbre, jaspi i granit i arcs de ferradura “bicolors” (365) de gran efecte cromàtic.

Cinc són les zones en les quals es divideix el recinte, corresponent cadascuna d'elles a les diferents ampliacions dutes a terme

En 1238, després de la conquesta de Còrdova per Ferràn III el Sant, rei de Castella i Lleó, es va dur a terme la reconversio de la mesquita en una catedral catòlica, a la seva part central.

La Capella Major de la catedral, va ser situada en el centre geomètric sense provocar destruccions arquitectòniques en la construcció.

Finalitzada l'anomenada Reconquesta i enmig d'una gran polèmica, en 1523 es va començar la construcció d'una basílica renaixentista d'estil plateresc feta com a ampliació de la Capella Major, en el mateix centre de l'edifici musulmà, el resultat del qual va disgustar al mateix emperador Carlos V, qui ho havia estat impulsant.

Avui constitueix el monument més important de Còrdova, i també de tota l'arquitectura andalusina, juntament amb l’ Alhambra.

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezquita-catedral_de_C%C3%B3rdoba

Hi Folks,

My second imaging project of the year has now been posted on my website.

Messier 104 - The Sombrero Galaxy - 1.7 Hrs in LRGB - Too Little Time, Too Low in the Sky, Too Much Smoke…

Messier 104, better known as the Sombrero Galaxy, is a lenticular galaxy located 29 Million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo.

This target is a favorite from when I was a kid!

Unfortunately, it is a challenging target for me as it is positioned very low in my skies and falls in a narrow gap between two tree lines that only gives me a maximum of two hours of exposure a night. I have never been able to image it before, as the weather in the past prevented it.

This year, I am getting a late start on my imaging, and I was determined to try and image it.

At this point, it was already at the zenith when astronomical darkness rolled in, and I would only get about an hour of exposure each evening. The moon would soon become a problem, so I only had a few days to grab it. On top of all that, we have had the smoke from the tragic Alberta Wildfires in our skies. The Jet stream brought the bulk of the smoke to the south of us for a few days, and I decided to image through the thin smoke we still had.

So - to summarize: I would likely have short integrations (Too little Time), I would be imaging at a low angle, looking through a lot of atmosphere ( Too Low in the Sky), and I would be looking through smoke (Too Much Smoke...)

So what could go wrong - right?

I ended up getting only 1.7 hours of LRGB integration - and with the smoke, I knew the image would come out poorly.

But you always need to have that "first" image so that you can come back and create a better one so you can show everyone how your skills have grown - right?

I processed the image as best I could, and it came out.... well.... OK.

Not great by any means - but to be honest, better than I expected. I credit the amazing camera I used (ASI2600MM-Pro) and the amazing tools now available in Pixinsight!

So please enjoy my mediocre Messier 104 shot!

The full story behind this project, as well as a step-by-step processing walkthrough, can be seen here:

cosgrovescosmos.com/projects/m104

I'm not sure when I will next be able to capture photons. In addition to the Alberta Wildfires, we are now getting smoke from wildfires in Quebec! This smoke is so thick and low that everything looks yellow and foggy. We can even smell this smoke plume. Tragically, it seems like all of Canada is ablaze right now and their smoke decided to park in our skies. I sure hope things improve soon!

Thanks for looking!

Clear Skies,

Pat

This probably summarizes my impression of Italy. Warm yellow painted walls bathed in golden late afternoon sunlight, with the laundry hanging out by the windows.

I used to view many great photos taken by my flickr friend, Marcello, who is from Italy. He has sort of disappeared from flickr now. I wonder how he is doing now.

Taken @ Piazza of the Amphitheatre.

"...its dedicated by intent to Light,

including upon Nature lamentation

as usual my custom in support

all petals, leaves, and stalks

in woods and meadows,

by its extension of their voices

attracting Human's sight and mind,

and Light of yours, Almighty, by

every hour inducing bliss by jolt,

plus Oxygen-ozone reflected

through every cloud, arranging

blinks of beau and density of Light

identifying us with Forest in its

fervent to be alive, protecting Life...

again Almighty, verbosity to you

directed as the dream, sublime,

through Space and Time despite

my scarce and poorly organized

ability to reason and define by math,

or physic's an aspects in dully effort

its request alike the "adoration" upon

and toward Forest by letters' script

was written for the blinds

by lingo lost, forgotten and

discovered never, unknown

from the Author off unknown tribe,

who follows ideal, far long before

this month September, with script

emerged and been acknowledged

by those cleverest with Alter Ego,

attaining skills to understand all

symbols, syllables about Vegetation

articulated by a vocal cords instead

of silence of photography I keep

my words deep down sealed ,

but full of memory of days

agile by adding boost to my existence

been undistinguished from any points

in Space suspended as mirage,

or flares of high intensity of Light

directly to the lens without hood,

as being in context of premises existed

by summarized ideals, or contour,

preposition, expressed as nouns,

without verbs, I say as inclination,

or - metaphorical attempt to modeling

process defined "imagination",

continuum and singularity of

such momentum, or, be dynamics

of points projecting vectors

to its orthogonality-attempt

by far between of such remote,

assembling its material existence

portraying buds', or tufts' or petals'

scent and images of native Nature

within intrinsic naive compliments

defining "sense" by relevance' events,

and be agree, Almighty - its exists

within its objects much-more then

six dimensions, as if coordinates

of real points in Time of Universe

collecting image's imprint of Space

congruent with assumed location

as if supports, or - simply Dream reflects

all imperfections and defects

of attributed consonants and measures

pertaining to reality effect by silent

adoration in extent connecting many

points, as intervals in real Time:

o, please, Almighty - be agree..."

Tremendous Success has eluded these two. Spotted in Vancouver's Down Town East Side (DTES) on Powell Street in Gastown. Drug users, definitely, homeless, without a doubt, desperate, likely.

This report summarizes all unintentional illicit drug toxicity deaths in British Columbia (accidental and undetermined) that occurred between January 2019, and November 30, 2020, inclusive. It includes confirmed and suspected illicit toxicity deaths.

Inclusion Criteria: The illicit drug toxicity category includes the following:

Street drugs (Controlled and illegal drugs: heroin, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, illicit fentanyl etc.).

Medications not prescribed to the decedent but obtained/purchased on the street, from unknown means or where origin of drug not known.

Combinations of the above with prescribed medications.

2020 Summary:

In November 2020, there were 153 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths. This represent a 89% increase over the number of deaths seen in November 2019 (81) and a 7% decrease over the number of deaths seen in October 2020 (164).

The number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in November 2020 equates to about 5.1 deaths per day.

In 2020, 70% of those dying were aged 30 to 59. Males accounted for 81% of deaths in 2020 to date.

The townships experiencing the highest number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2020 are Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria.

From Health Authority (HA), in 2020, the highest number of illicit drug toxicity deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities (510 and 424 deaths, respectively), making up 60% of all such deaths during this period.

From Health Authority (HA), in 2020, the highest rates were in Northern Health (44 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Vancouver Coastal Health (38 per 100,000). Overall, the rate in BC is 33 deaths per 100,000 individuals in 2020, higher than rates in 2017 and 2018.

From Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA), in 2020, the highest rates were in Vancouver, Northern Interior, Northeast, Thompson Cariboo and Fraser East.

From Local Health Area (LHA), in 2018 to 2020, the highest rates were in Hope, Vancouver, Keremeos, Lillooet, and Prince George.

In 2020, 84% of illicit drug toxicity deaths occurred inside (55% in private residences and 28% in other residences including social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, and hotels and other indoor locations) and 15% occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets, parks, etc.

In Vancouver Coastal, other residences (48%) were the most common place of illicit drug toxicity deaths followed by private residences (36%) between 2017 and 2020.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

well, the spring has come again. I don't really understand all the shit that happened this year. There was so much disgusting abeyance, worst in about 5 years, where I just couldn't bring myself to get started on even easy classwork.

The first semester was really disappointing. My classes were overwhelming and I didn't live up to them all as much as I wanted to, except for Imaging Science, which I went nuts over. I made an apartment switch for second semester, which improved my quality of life drastically. I had to do Physics this year, which I should be interested in but it just kills my love of math like no other learning setting. Except for electromagnetic radiation. <3.

A new... element of this year was that all the feels, encounters, and thoughts didn't build up to the sharp, worried pain that they did last year. Nah. This semester I'm genuinely rolling with life and it usually feels grand. I've been getting better about being genuine to people... letting secrets go, acting like what I feel like. I got a Partizan-Summer Gorka E and wore it as my winter jacket - windbreaker, something which I fantasized about doing for years, and it felt great to come out in camouflage without it falling into the tacky-stigma sort of wear that's always kept me from wearing any camo in public. What I'm trying to say is that I'm hiding less and less of myself and it's so relieving to cut the shit with... with nearly everyone I talk to.

I only have one more week of being just like this, a facet of personality which won't ever return after my housing - class setup is changed once my year ends. The best note I will leave behind is my recent Rogue One photo. It's almost exactly like Two Last Letters from last year. Each highlighted a hand-painted face which summarized a lot of how I felt in each semester. Two Last Letters captured my feelings from Maggot Brain and the album Echoes, while the Rogue One picture captured my feelings from The Stage and the album Strange Trails. In fact, it was originally going to be named "Hope my wheels don't abandon me now" and the description only the subsequent lyrics of The Stage, but with the other photo turning out so well, the mini-series worked better and I went with "What the Darkness Does" from Lord Huron's Meet Me in the Woods. Truly, there ain't language for the things I feel, but at least I can translate the imagination well into pictures of Lego. Oh god, this description is getting really bad. there there, reader. It's my last year of being a teenager. Maybe I'll become an emotionless twit once I turn 20 and then all the fun angst will dissipate then my life will be the move Office Space and eventually I'll get to have catharsis and smash a printer. ttthhhhhbbbt. I'm so happy with my job for this summer because it's exactly the opposite of that... good god, it's one of the most exciting things I could have dreampt up to do with my education. I was expecting some cubicle (or maybe worse, hipster agile scrum buzzwords) job in software, but nope, planes with cameras. Idk. I'll have just a few days with my complete collection of Lego this summer, then a very limited one, but I'll bring my heavy-duty customization supplies with me and a decent set of bricks. Got so many swords to do. Welp, once more, I'm uploading a huge embarrassing description. dark necessities and all that. I've got good uploads coming when I make it home!