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Barred grass snake (Natrix helvetica) - Norfolk, UK
Another shot from Great Britain, this time with a large grass snake. I think that this photo emphasizes how 99.9% of human snake interactions occur. We go about our business never even realizing that we are near a snake. The snake on the other hand is content to remain hidden and unmolested until the human leaves the area blissfully unaware. Snakes are generally shy animals that certainly don't want to come anywhere near people & the consequences of an encounter are often dire for the poor reptiles. We had to spend quite a bit of time searching before we managed to find any snakes at all despite being in great habitat, a testament to their shyness and ability to remain undetected. The grass snake was the only snake species i was able to find in the UK, but as is represents 1/3rd of the total of England's native snake species. Interestingly this undoubtedly makes the UK the country where I have seen the highest proportion of total snake species.... 1/3rd!
Omvrianós peak 3,310.4 ft (1009 m), Greece. Outcrops of schists & similar metamorphic rocks are scattered throughout the mountain’s cliffs. Petrokerasa village is nearby.
Elijah, the Old Testament Prophet, is revered as St. Elias by Greek Orthodox church and celebrated on July 20th.
Multitudinous shrines of St. Elias are erected on almost all mountains’ peaks throughout Greece; they’re usually quite tiny, old and picturesque, lit only by small hanging oil-lamps and candles.
What the hell... I was thinking when I painted this one? I don't remember ever seen this guy before in my life!
Ballpoint pen on paper, 1994
(21 x 29.7 cm / 8.3 x 11.7 in)
The heaven opens. This is from 3 years ago in September, amazing what you find when you dig into the hard drive!
Beauly firth
Inverness-shire
Scotland
With thousands of temples, spread across the vast plains, Bagan Archaeological Zone is a testament to the ancient Burmese art. It was my first balloon ride! Witnessing the sun rays, falling on those majestic temples and colorful balloons were like an incredible experience to see the history and modernism in a serene frame.
¿Por qué el mundo religioso siempre se opone a la nueva obra de Dios y la condena ferozmente? Echemos la vista atrás a hace dos mil años: cuando el Señor Jesús se encontraba en medio del pueblo judío hacía muchos milagros, enseñaba a la gente el arrepentimiento y la absolvía de sus pecados. Todas estas cosas no se recogieron en el Antiguo Testamento. Pero los sumos sacerdotes, escribas y fariseos del judaísmo no conocen la obra del Espíritu Santo, no entienden qué clase de obra lleva a cabo el Señor Jesús; en su opinión creen que no obedecer la ley y no orar en el nombre de Jehová Dios es lo mismo que traicionar a Dios, lo que es sencillamente indignante. Además, creen que aquello a lo que se aferran es la verdad y el camino más puro y, por tanto, no aceptan el camino que difunde el Señor Jesús, e incluso consideran que la obra del Señor Jesús es una “herejía”, una “secta satánica” y que “engaña al hombre”. Pese a que cada vez más gente da testimonio de que Él es el Mesías que vendrá, ellos siguen persistiendo en sus puntos de vista y con altivez y rotundidad niegan que el Señor Jesús sea el Mesías que vendrá. Es tal como Dios Todopoderoso ha revelado: “El hombre sólo es capaz de aceptar un tipo de obra, o una forma de práctica. Resulta difícil para él aceptar la obra, o las formas de práctica, que están en conflicto con él, o que son más elevadas que él; pero el Espíritu Santo siempre está haciendo nueva obra, y así aparecen grupo tras grupo de expertos religiosos que se oponen a la nueva obra de Dios. Estas personas se han vuelto expertos, precisamente porque el hombre no tiene conocimiento de que Dios siempre es nuevo y nunca viejo ni de los principios de Su obra, y, menos aún de las muchas formas en las que Dios salva al hombre. Como tal, el ser humano es totalmente incapaz de distinguir si esta obra procede del Espíritu Santo, y si es de Dios mismo. Muchas personas se aferran a una actitud en la que, si se corresponde con las palabras que vinieron antes, la aceptan, y si hay diferencias con la obra anterior, se oponen a ella y la rechazan” (‘Conocer las tres etapas de la obra de Dios es la senda para conocer a Dios’ en “La Palabra manifestada en carne”). Hoy en día, el Señor ha regresado por segunda vez, los pastores y ancianos del mundo religioso se han unido nuevamente para resistirse y condenar a Dios, e incluso se rumorean para desacreditar al Señor Jesús retornado.¿Por qué cada vez que Dios despliega una etapa de una nueva obra recibe siempre este trato? ¿Por qué los que se oponen a Dios de forma más feroz y agresiva son los líderes religiosos que leen la Biblia una y otra vez y han servido a Dios muchos años? Para obtener más información, lea el artículo "¿Por qué el mundo religioso siempre se opone a la nueva obra de Dios y la condena ferozmente?".
👉👉👉👇👇
www.kingdomsalvation.org/es/gospel/religious-world-always...
HSS
Thanks for the comments, faves and visits
This aerial view captures the unique juxtaposition of urban development and rugged desert landscape in Phoenix, Arizona. In the foreground, you can see the city's sprawling neighborhoods and infrastructure, including a distinctive canal system that brings vital water to this arid region. The lush patches of green golf courses and parks stand out against the surrounding desert terrain.
The image is dominated by the iconic silhouette of Camelback Mountain, rising majestically in the background. Its distinctive shape serves as a natural landmark and popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. The clear blue sky and distant mountain ranges complete the panorama, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
This photograph encapsulates the essence of Phoenix - a modern metropolis thriving in harmony with its harsh yet stunning natural environment. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of the American Southwest.
Photographed this morning at a site in Bedfordshire.
I went in search of this beautiful species at around 9.00 am this morning and within an hour I managed to find 4 fresh males, all within a small area.
I wasn't expecting to take any photos as it was very windy, so I am pretty pleased with this one. I was sat on the floor with my camera resting on my knee whilst holding a reflector in the other hand to shade him from the harsh sunlight. I think this shot is testament to both the Canon 5D MK3 and the Sigma 180 f2.8 OS lens.
I shall be returning to the area this evening to see where they are roosting.
The Byzantine mosaics on the central nave and aisles of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Italy, were completed during the reign of King Guglielmo I (1154-1166). Here we see the Old Testament stories of Adam and Eve and Abraham and Isaac.
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View on black please!
I'm heading back to Iceland in just over a weeks time. This time, there will be no aurora, but there will be the midnight sun, so expect even more shots like this! This is sunrise over a lava field on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, possibly one of the most photogenic places in the world.
This shot is a testament to the Nikon D800, as it's a single exposure. Just look at the dynamic range you can grab from that 36mp sensor! I picked one of the underexposed shot and used Lightroom to drop the highlights slightly and bring up the shadows all the way. There was next to no noise in the dark areas, even increasing it all this way.
No images in comments please.
Details
NIKON D800 / ISO 100 / f/8 / 1/640s / Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 @ 62mm / Location: Snæfellsnes, Iceland
A statue of Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol in downtown Little Rock. The sculpture, called Testament, has life-size representations of each of the Little Rock Nine students who integrated LR Central High School in 1957. The statue of Eckford is very similar to the iconic photograph of her stoically walking to the school while being pursued by a crazed-looking mob.
© Darlene Bushue Photography 2023
A breathtaking moment as fall's vibrant colors collide with winter's pristine snow. The old mining structure stands as a testament to the region's history. Million Dollar Highway (Oct 2023). Enjoy your day!!!
Details from the central courtyard fountain at Linlithgow Palace, Scotland
This remarkable structure was originally commissioned by James V in 1537. Water and stone form an inevitable recipe for erosion, and the statue needed constant attention over the centuries. In the 1930s it had to be dismantled and rebuilt and in 2000 it was removed altogether for a total restoration. The fountain that was unveiled on 10 August 2005 is a magnificent testament to the stonemason's art, with about two-thirds of the original having to be replaced. To help preserve it for the future, the fountain now only operates at weekends in July and August.
The largest of the "flowerpot" rock formations (sea stacks) for which Flowerpot Island is named. Fathom Five National Marine Park, Lake Huron, Ontario. (Postcard series)
A pillar of smoke rises in the distance over Mount Field East with Mount Bridges in the foreground.
This pic from Tarn Shelf, Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. The fire was probably a fuel reduction burn somewhere between the hamlets of Ellendale and Fentonbury.
The stark white dead trees on the slopes of Mt Bridges are testament to a huge bushfire back in 2013 that wiped out approximately 11,000ha of the park and surrounding bushland.
The glorious oranges in my previous postings may never have happened had the fire reached the Fagus groves. The ancient plant is fire intolerant and it would have been the end of them. We were so very lucky.
Fuji X-T2, XF60/2.4, 1/640th sec at f/11, ISO 400
Alex Skolnick plays it cool while Steve Di Giorgio plays his bass solo.
Alex Skolnick se hace el tranquilo mientras que Steve Di Giorgio toca su solo de bajo.
The Garden of Gethsemane became a focal site for early Christian pilgrims. It was visited in 333 by the anonymous "Pilgrim of Bordeaux", whose Itinerarium Burdigalense is the earliest description left by a Christian traveler in the Holy Land. In his Onomasticon, Eusebius of Caesarea notes the site of Gethsemane located "at the foot of the Mount of Olives", and he adds that "the faithful were accustomed to go there to pray".
Eight ancient olive trees growing in the Latin site of the garden may be 900 years old (see § Olive trees).[10]
In 1681 Croatian knights of the Holy Order of Jerusalem, Paul, Antun and James bought the Gethsemane Garden and donated it to the Franciscan community, which owns it to this day. A three-dimensional plate on the right side next to the entrance to the garden describes the aforementioned gift to the community.[11]
Gethsemane is the name of the garden, as written in the New Testament, where Jesus prayed last before His arrest (Mark 14:32-42) From the Scriptures we read; Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:36-39.
The Mount of Olives, located to the east of Jerusalem, separates the Holy City from the Judean Desert which from there it begins its descent to the Dead Sea. The Kidron Valley, which surrounds Jerusalem to the east, separates the Mount of Olives from the city and from the nearby Mount Zion, located to the south, from where Jesus set off on foot after the Last Supper, crossing the Valley to reach Gethsemane. The garden is located at the entrance of the property of the sanctuary of Gethsemane, occupying an area of approximately 1,200 square meters and protected by a fence that allows holy land visitors to walk around the ancient olive trees. Source: www.israeltourismconsultants.com/Travel-Blog/The-garden-o...
An old photograph from 2016 when the Water Voles at Magor Marsh were a lot more obliging. They've become very shy despite still being present in many of the reens there. They've even spread out as far as the Wetlands Nature Reserve which is great testament to the hard work put in by Gwent Wildlife Trust. This habitat is now threatened by the Governments wishes to build a Motorway, that would destroy Miles of invaluable habitat.
The overly substantial Forth Rail Bridge spanning the Firth of Forth between South Queensferry and North Queensferry . Its construction began in 1882 and took 8 years to complete. The bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol to a design by civil engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. In the aftermath of the Tay Bridge disaster the bridge was a testament to robust and conservative over-engineering.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1884 to thank the Virgin Mary for having spared the city from invasion during the Franco-Prussian war. It has become one of the major symbols of Lyon, in part thanks to its dominant location on a hill overlooking the city. It is one testament of the great influence that Christianity has had on the city over the centuries.
LYON HISTORY
Lyon, also spelled Lyons, capital of both the Rhône département and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes région, east-central France, set on a hilly site at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It is the third largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille.
A Roman military colony called Lugdunum was founded there in 43 bce, and it subsequently became the capital of the Gauls. Lyon reached its peak of classical development in the 2nd century ce, during which time Christianity was introduced. In 177 the Christian community was persecuted by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, and in 197 Lucius Septimius Severus decimated Lyon. In 1032 Lyon was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire, but the real power lay with the city’s archbishops, whose influence caused important ecumenical councils to be held there in 1245 and again in 1274. Lyon was annexed to the kingdom of France in 1312.
The Renaissance ushered in a period of economic prosperity and intellectual brilliance. The establishment, in 1464, of commercial fairs together with the arrival in the city of Italian merchant bankers enabled Lyon to flourish. By the 17th century it was the silk-manufacturing capital of Europe. Printing was introduced as early as 1473, and Lyon soon became one of the most active printing centres in Europe.
The French Revolution brought uneasy times. The collapse of the domestic market and the closing of foreign markets brought a slump in the silk industry, and in 1793 the city was besieged by republican forces of the Montagnards. In the 19th century prosperity returned, bringing about considerable industrial expansion. Urban development began only in the 1950s, after the periods of stagnation and depression between 1920 and the end of World War II.
Lyon is spread over a narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers and on their opposite banks. A zone of factory and residential suburbs encircles the city. On the right bank of the Saône, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) remains as one of the finest surviving architectural complexes of the Renaissance era. The peninsula is now the heart of the business district. The east bank of the Rhône is divided between a wealthy area, the Brotteaux, and a district with factories and workers’ houses extending east toward the fringing communities of Villeurbanne and Bron. To the south, along the Rhône, Feyzin and Saint-Fons constitute one of the largest oil-refining complexes in France.
On a damp Edinburgh morning, the gentle arc of Gardner’s Crescent maintains its quiet dignity—a Georgian sweep of symmetry and soot-stained stone, standing as testament to an era of architectural ambition. Even the bins can’t break the charm.
Par un matin pluvieux à Édimbourg, l’arc gracieux de Gardner’s Crescent conserve toute sa dignité — une courbe géorgienne de symétrie et de pierre noircie, témoin silencieux d’une époque d’ambition architecturale. Même les poubelles n’arrivent pas à ternir son charme.
Historical/Architectural Background :
Gardner’s Crescent is a fine example of late Georgian town planning in Edinburgh’s West End, dating from the 1820s. It was designed as part of the extension to the New Town, intended to provide elegant housing for the city’s growing middle classes. The crescent—named after local merchant and landowner George Gardner—forms a graceful curve around a private communal garden, a hallmark of Edinburgh’s enlightened urban ideals. Although soot-blackened by time and weather, the façades retain their classic proportions and sash windows. The nearby Fountainbridge area, once industrial and now reinvented, contrasts with the residential calm of the Crescent, creating a layered urban history within a few paces.
Copyright © 2021 by Craig Paup. All rights reserved.
Any use, printed or digital, in whole or edited, requires my written permission.
A very early MK1 Clio, which was imported to the UK in July 2014, presumably from France. It has an impressive 236,000 Kilometres on the clock - a testament to the build quality of the MK1 Clio! I find it hard to believe that they are approaching 30 years old - I think the design has aged very well!
Mileage in between MOTs - 914 Kilometres
Mileage at last MOT - 236,757 Kilometres
Last Ownership Change - 15th July 2014
H139 UUJ
✓ Taxed
Tax due: 01 January 2020
✓ MOT
Expires: 13 June 2020
One day this young aspen will be as large as the dead trees behind it. Until then, this burnt hull stands testament to the largest fire to have hit Arizona, the 2011 Wallow Fire.
Slipping on some Red Heels. Now that feels better!
Tracy Prince's Captivating World of Fashion and Femme Elegance
Welcome to Tracy Prince's enchanting realm, a mesmerizing photo blog that celebrates the artistry of fashion, beauty, and the alluring allure of femininity. With a keen eye for elegance and a passion for exploring the spectrum of style, Tracy captures the essence of glamour through her lens, bringing you a collection that transcends boundaries and defies conventions.
In Tracy's world, "high heels" are not just a fashion statement; they are an embodiment of empowerment and confidence. Whether it's the sleek lines of thigh-high boots or the classic elegance of stiletto heels, each photograph tells a story of grace and poise. Tracy explores the world of heels with an unwavering focus on details, showcasing the intricate designs that make them not just footwear but works of art.
Lingerie takes center stage in Tracy's visual symphony. Delicate fabrics, such as satin and lace, weave a tale of sensuality and sophistication. From the timeless beauty of "tan pantyhose" to the provocative allure of "black stockings," Tracy's lens captures the delicate nuances of intimate apparel. Garter belts, a timeless accessory, add a touch of vintage charm, creating a perfect harmony between classic and contemporary femininity.
Tracy embraces the art of "X-DRESS," navigating the realm of crossdressing with a respectful and inclusive lens. Her collection celebrates the diversity within the crossdressing community, showcasing individuals expressing their identity with confidence and style. Tracy's portrayal of "tranny schoolgirl," "tranny in stockings," and "tranny in pantyhose" is a testament to the beauty that emerges when personal expression meets the canvas of fashion.
"Beautiful crossdresser," "classy crossdresser," and "sexy crossdresser" are not just tags in Tracy's blog; they encapsulate the spectrum of elegance she captures. Each image resonates with a unique blend of style and individuality, breaking stereotypes and embracing the beauty that comes with embracing one's true self.
The interplay of light and fabric highlights the shimmering allure of "shiny pantyhose" and the timeless charm of "nylons crossdresser." Tracy's lens transforms each image into a narrative, where every detail contributes to the larger story of empowerment and self-discovery.
"Thigh high boots" make a bold statement in Tracy's visual narrative, symbolizing strength and confidence. Paired with "satin babe" or "nylon," these boots become a symbol of fierce femininity, challenging traditional notions of beauty and style.
Tracy's exploration of beauty is not limited to a specific gender. Whether it's a "transvestite," "tgirl," "trans," or "transgender," Tracy's lens captures the unique beauty that transcends labels. "Sexy shemale," "transexual," and "transgender beauty" become expressions of confidence and authenticity, challenging societal norms and celebrating the diversity of gender expression.
In the world of Tracy Prince, "Femme" is not just a descriptor; it's a celebration of the myriad ways individuals express their femininity. Leather, boots, and the timeless appeal of "nylon" and "Thigh High Stockings" become tools for self-expression, allowing each person to craft their unique narrative.
As Tracy navigates the intricate landscape of fashion and beauty, she brings to light the complexity and depth of personal expression. "Pantyhose high heels," "stockings high heels," "garter belt stockings high heels," and "nylons high heels" are not just combinations of clothing items; they are the building blocks of a visual symphony, a harmonious blend of textures and colors that create a stunning visual tableau.
Tracy's lens explores the realm of "fellatrix," recognizing the beauty in the art of seduction. Whether it's a provocative gaze or a subtle pose, each image captures the essence of allure and confidence. Tracy celebrates the beauty of "slutty women" and "classy crossdressers" alike, breaking down barriers and embracing the diversity of expression within the world of fashion.
In Tracy Prince's photo blog, each image is a brushstroke on the canvas of beauty and self-expression. Through her lens, the world of fashion and femme elegance becomes a celebration of diversity, individuality, and the timeless allure of personal style. Step into Tracy's captivating world, where every photograph tells a story of empowerment, confidence, and the endless possibilities that come with embracing one's true self.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnzYnOe6kI - The Gettys
The perfect wisdom of our God,
Revealed in all the universe:
All things created by His hand,
And held together at His command.
He knows the mysteries of the seas,
The secrets of the stars are His;
He guides the planets on their way,
And turns the earth through another day.
The matchless wisdom of His ways,
That mark the path of righteousness;
His word a lamp unto my feet,
His Spirit teaching and guiding me.
And oh, the mystery of the cross,
That God should suffer for the lost
So that the fool might shame the wise,
And all the glory might go to Christ!
Oh grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
“Your perfect will in your perfect way.”
Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Soria, Castilla y León, España.
La iglesia de Santo Tomé de la ciudad de Soria (Castilla y León, España) es un templo católico que data del siglo XII, aunque con refomas de épocas posteriores. Cambió su advocación por la de Santo Domingo cuando se suprimió la parroquia a finales del siglo XIX convirtiéndose entonces en iglesia conventual.
Fue declarada Monumento Histórico Artístico por Decreto de 3 de junio de 1931. En su interior descansa en una capilla anexa el cuerpo de Sor Clara de la Concepción Sánchez, declarada Venerable Madre por el Papa Francisco el 3 de abril de 2014.
Esta iglesia comprende tres partes bien diferenciadas, que se corresponden con otras tantas épocas y hechuras. El crucero y la cabecera son de finales del siglo XVI, de estilo renacimiento tardío. El tramo que sigue al crucero hacia los pies de las naves es un residuo del primitivo templo románico de Santo Tomé, levantado en la primera mitad del siglo XII. A esa misma construcción pertenece la torre adosada al lado norte de dicho tramo. Por fin, los tres tramos finales y la fachada occidental, todo ello románico también, son obra del rey Alfonso VIII de Castilla, por tanto de fines del siglo XII.
Pero sin duda alguna, es la singular portada el elemento más valioso de todo el conjunto. Cuatro arquivoltas de dovelas ricamente labradas coronan un frontón, en el que destaca en posición central el pantocrátor en su oval mandorla y los cuatro evangelistas, además de José y María, completando la escena. Lo excepcional de este pantocrátor es que es uno de los cinco únicos ejemplos en el mundo (todos en España) de la iconografía llamada trinidad paternitas. El Padre tiene a Cristo sentado sobre él, en vez de la Virgen. Los arcos descargan sobre artísticos capiteles soportados por columnas adosadas que, a su vez, descansan en un banco corrido. En los capiteles se representan escenas del Antiguo Testamento, desde la génesis de la Tierra y los astros que pueblan el universo, hasta la creación de Adán de una figurilla de barro y la de Eva de una costilla de éste.
En la arquivolta interior se representan los veinticuatro ancianos del Apocalipsis (dos por dovela), todos ellos tañendo diversos instrumentos musicales en actitudes de beatífica serenidad. La segunda arquivolta escenifica la matanza de los santos inocentes, cuyo responsable, Herodes, es aconsejado al oído por un demonio con alas. La tercera arquivolta exhibe una sucesión de acontecimientos evangélicos, como la Asunción, la Visitación, la Anunciación, el nacimiento de Jesús y la adoración de los Magos, etc. Por fin, la última arquivolta contiene episodios de la Pasión y de la Resurrección.
The church of Santo Tomé in the city of Soria (Castile and Leon, Spain) is a Catholic temple dating back to the 12th century, though with refomas from later times. It changed its name to the one of Santo Domingo when the parish was suppressed at the end of century XIX becoming then conventual church.
It was declared an Artistic Historical Monument by Decree of June 3, 1931. Inside it rests in a chapel annexed the body of Sister Clara de la Concepción Sánchez, declared Venerable Mother by Pope Francisco on April 3, 2014.
This church comprises three well-differentiated parts, which correspond to so many epochs and forms. The cruise and the header are from the late 16th century, late Renaissance style. The section that follows the cruise to the feet of the ships is a remnant of the primitive Romanesque temple of Santo Tomé, built in the first half of the 12th century. To this same construction belongs the tower attached to the north side of said section. Finally, the three final sections and the western facade, all Romanesque also, are the work of King Alfonso VIII of Castile, therefore late twelfth century.
But without a doubt, it is the singular cover the most valuable element of the whole. Four archivolts of richly carved dovelas crown a pediment, in which the pantocrator stands out in its central oval mandorla and the four evangelists, in addition to Jose and Maria, completing the scene. The exceptional thing about this pantocrator is that he is one of the only five examples in the world (all in Spain) of the iconography called trinity paternitas. The Father has Christ sitting on it, instead of the Virgin. The arches discharge on artistic capitals supported by terraced columns that, in turn, rest on a bench. The capitals represent scenes from the Old Testament, from the genesis of the Earth and the stars that populate the universe, to Adam's creation of a clay figurine and Eve's creation of a rib.
In the interior archivolt are represented the twenty-four elders of the Apocalypse (two by doubles), all of them playing various musical instruments in beatific serenity attitudes. The second archivolt depicts the slaughter of the innocent saints, whose leader, Herod, is advised in the ear by a demon with wings. The third archivolt exhibits a succession of evangelical events, such as the Assumption, the Visitation, the Annunciation, the birth of Jesus and the adoration of the Magi, etc. Finally, the last archivolt contains episodes of the Passion and the Resurrection.
(more details later, as time permits)
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Another year has elapsed since I last photographed the tango dancers gathering on Pier 45 (where Christopher Street runs into the Hudson River in New York City's West Village), on the weekend before Labor Day, late-August 2014. But the sun was shining one weekend in early June of 2015, and I decided to venture down to Greenwich Village once again...
As I've mentioned in other Flickr sets, I have now met a few of the dancers at previous tango event over the past several; years, and I used to make a point of introducing myself to some of them, handing out business cards with my Flickr address so that people would be able to find these pictures without too much difficulty. But the dancers have good reason to be more interested in the music, and the movement of their partners, than a guy on the sideline with a camera -- so most of them have simply ignored me…
Altogether, I've now taken a dozen sets of tango-related photos, and you can see a thumbnail overview of them in this Flickr collection. And if you'd like to watch some other examples NYC tango dancing, check out Richard Lipkin's Guide to Argentine Tango in New York City.
Even though the dancers seem fresh and enthusiastic each time I come down here to Pier 45, I have a definite sense of deja vu: arguably, I’ve seen it all, I’ve photographed it all, I’ve heard all the tango music several times before. So I decided to do something different this time: I took all of the photos with my iPhone6+ camera. I used the “burst mode” feature on the camera-phone, so even though I took some 4,000 separate images, there were only about 400 “bursts,” and the iPhone hardware was kind enough to tell me which one or two images were reasonably sharp in each burst. From that smaller subset, I was eventually able to whittle things down to 50 images that I thought were okay for uploading to Flickr; that’s what you’ll see here.
Actually, the reason I was motivated to do all of this was not Flickr, but Instagram: for reasons that I can only assume are a stubborn testament to the “culture” of its community, Instagram insists on a “square” format, rather than the 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio favored by most DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. Even worse, it insists that the photos be uploaded one-at-a-time from a mobile device. Ironically, this last restriction may prove to be too much; I’m uploading the photos to Flickr from my desktop Mac, but I don’t know if I’ll have the patience to upload them individually to Instagram…
Aside from that, I’ve concluded that the iPhone6+ is a handy little device for casual, ad hoc photos and videos; but it really doesn’t have the features I’ve come to depend on for the photos I want to publish. I won’t go into all of the technical details; chances are that you either don’t know, or don’t care, about those details. And if you do, chances are that you’ve made up your mind one way or another. As for me, I will definitely keep using the iPhone for some of my photos — especially the ones that really are casual, unplanned, ad hoc photos when I’ve got no other equipment that I can use. But with sophisticated little “pocket cameras” like the Sony RX-100 and Canon G7X, those moments are pretty rare for me … still, it was an interesting experiment.
As I've also pointed out in some previous Flickr albums, you can see a video version of the tango dancers from 2011, complete with music (which isn’t really tango music, but that’s okay), on my YouTube page; it’s here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqmnTQuwn54&list=UUUXim5Er2O4...
Old silo and barn foundation found in south central Wisconsin. Photo taken at sunset. PS filters and adjustments used to enhance color and lighting.
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway Tunnel is part of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, a unique funicular railway in Scotland that provides visitors with an exceptional journey through the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Opened in 2001, this railway is the highest in the United Kingdom and features a remarkable tunnel section that helps shield passengers from the area's often harsh weather conditions. The railway has experienced closures due to structural issues but was reopened in January 2023, offering a swift and scenic ascent to the Ptarmigan building, over 1,097 meters above sea level. While the railway is currently not in service, it stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and the desire to make the natural beauty of the Cairngorms accessible to all.
However it has the ridiculous rule that passengers are forbidden to leave the Ptarmigan building to explore the surrounding landscape.
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which opened in 2001, is a two-kilometre long funicular ascends the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm, the United Kingdom's seventh-highest mountain, serving the Cairngorm Mountain ski resort. The route and ski area are located within the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Nature Reserve in Britain, located near Aviemore in the Highland area of Scotland. It is a Doppelmayr 120-SSB funicular railway.
It is owned by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise and was operated by Cairngorm Mountain Limited until July 2014, when Natural Retreats UK took over the lease. Since 2018, it has been run by Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited.
The railway closed in October 2018 due to structural issues; it reopened in January 2023, then shut down again in August 2023.
Depending on wind direction, wind speed trend and weather forecast, the trains can operate in winds of 100 to 120 km/h. As the train approaches the top station it enters a 250 m long cut-and-cover tunnel taking it up to the top platform hidden in the hillside.
At the base of the front façade of the Cathedral at Orvieto are four magnificent large marble bas relief tableaus, each with images telling the stories of Christianity. The two on the left are related to the Old Testament; the two on the right are related to the New Testament.
These Gothic era reliefs were created through group craftsmanship. Great masters and their assistants, all unidentified now, worked together to produce the reliefs and they are among the finest example of this art.
Each tableau looks to be a solid piece of marble, but they are actually formed from 162 different smaller slabs of marble have been carved and joined together to form the four relief tableaus.
In the third relief (on left here) are stories of Jesus and Mary from the New Testament. On the right here is the Last Judgement, the last of the four bas reliefs.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Orvieto; March 2017
(Panorama Stitched from 2 Images)