Damselfly on Black

Here is another damselfly (this had a brown neck) looking this time from the front. Maybe not as "in your face" as yesterday's photo, but I have been wanting to ty and get a full frontal for while, but it isn't easy. I do like the dynamic angles on this though as well.

Anyway, this one was ok, and stayed still for a while.

I tried various tubes, but I can't remember whether this was 3, 2, 1, or none!

The camera was tripod mounted. I am not steady enough most of the time to get sharp shots hand held unless the shutter speed is up high, and even then it is hit and miss.

I have found that some damsels tend to be rather more likely to stay still than dragons, and afford more time and opportunity. This one was not on the grass originally, and I managed to get it to step onto my finger and then I transferred it onto the grass blade! Some damsels are happy to be approached it seems, a bit like some hoverflies will let you get them on your hand.

The previous image was an azure, this one is a female blue-tailed damselfly, Ischnura elegans.

Big and black:

'Women's Walk n°32 - Punk and Red Skins are not dead !' On Black

FOR SALE ON GETTY IMAGES

Bigui (Beagle).

Check it out my Portfolio: GETTY IMAGES

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Català.

Els orígens del Beagle són confusos i remots. L'any 350 a. de C. Jenofonte ja descrivia a uns gossos de tipus sabueso (hound en anglès)que coincideixen en la majoria de detalls amb el Beagle. Segons es creu van ser els romans qui els van dur a Anglaterra com caçadors de conills i una vegada allí van ser creuats amb gossos de tipus sabueso del lloc. Els Talbot Houndson són considerats els ancestres del Southern Hound, el Beagle, i el Foxhound. Entre el 1300 i el 1400 els Beagles van arribar un elevat grau de popularitat entre els monarques britànics. Eduard II i Enric VII ja tenien gossades de Glove Beagles, anomenats així per la seva reduïda grandària, fins i tot cabien en un guant. Isabel I tenia Beagles que amidaven fins a 22 centímetres. Les gossades de sabuesos eren populars en gairebé totes les grans propietats campestres. Cap al 1400, els Beagles ja s'havien estès per Gran Bretanya, Itàlia, Grècia i França augmentant així la seva popularitat. Sobre el 1700, existien dos tipus de sabuesos especialitzats en la caça del conill: el Southern Hound, i el més veloç North Country Beagle. A causa del gran auge que estava experimentant la cacera de la guineu, els Beagles anaven perdent terreny en favor dels Foxhounds. Afortunadament per a l'existència del Beagle, els grangers a Anglaterra, Irlanda i Gal·les van seguir mantenint gossades amb les quals sortien a caçar.

A principis de la dècada del 1870, els Beagle donen el salt als Estats Units. Norman Elmore de Nova Jersei i el general Richard Rowet, de Illinois van importar Beagles anglesos d'excel·lent tipus i pedigrí i van donar inici a la idea de dur registres dels aparellamments i ventrades per a un major control de la raça. Fins a aquest moment, el Beagle anglès havia estat ensinistrat principalment per a perseguir guineus, i havia estat criat per a arribar a una altura de 37-42 centímetres dedse la creu.

El reverend Phillip Honeywood criava la seva gossada d'Essex (Anglaterra) potenciant les seves habilitats caçadores sense importar-li l'aparença, mentre que el seu compatriota Thomas Johnson s'encarregà de criar línies de Beagle que poguessin tant caçar com ser atractius. A Amèrica, no obstant això, el Beagle va ser criat amb la finalitat de reduir la seva altura. Actualment, no és difícil trobar Beagles d'una altura de només 25 o 30 centímetres desde la creu. Durant tot aquest temps, el Beagle era vist estrictament com a un gos de caça, sent criat i ensinistrat exclusivament a tal efecte. No ha estat fins a més tard quan el Beagle va començar a popularitzar-se per les seves qualitats com animal de companyia, tot i que sempre ha estat i estarà molt unit als caçadors.

El nom que rep la raça té dues possibles orígens. D'una banda es considera una derivació de la paraula cèltica beag que significa petit, mentre que per un altre se sosté que prové de la paraula francesa begueule que significa boca oberta, potser en referència al fragorós clam que produïxen en el grup.

No són gossos especialment cridaners, solen bordar durant les caceres per a avisar als caçadors que es troben sobre la presa. A més dels sons comuns a tots els gossos. Es caracteritzen per un udol típic de la raça, una 'cant' barreja de bordar i udolar. Generalment, emeten aquest so quan detecten una olor que crida la seva atenció. L'udol d'un beagle és més aviat fort a causa de la seva gran capacitat pulmonar però no arriba a un to molt greu.

English

The Beagle is a medium-sized dog breed. A member of the hound group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound but smaller with shorter legs, and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game. They have a keen tracking instinct and an excellent sense of smell, which has seen them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. They are popular as pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems. These characteristics also make them the dog of choice for animal testing.

Although beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2,000 years, the modern breed was developed in Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound and possibly the Harrier.

Beagles have been depicted in popular culture since Elizabethan times in literature and paintings, and, latterly in film, television and comic books. Snoopy of the comic strip "Peanuts" has been called the world's most famous Beagle.

Dogs of similar size and purpose to the modern Beagle can be traced back to around the 5th century BC. Xenophon, born around 433 BC, in his Treatise on Hunting refers to a dog that hunted hares by scent and was followed on foot.[1] Dogs of this type were taken to Rome and may have been imported to Roman Britain. Small hounds are mentioned in the Forest Laws of Canute which exempted them from the ordinance which commanded that all dogs capable of running down a stag should have one foot mutilated.[2] If genuine, Canute's laws would confirm that beagle-type dogs were present in England before 1016, but it is likely they were written in the Middle Ages to give a sense of antiquity and tradition to Forest Law.

In the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the Talbot hound to Great Britain. The Talbot was a predominantly white, slow, deep-throated, scent hound derived from the St Hubert Hound which had been developed in the 8th century. At some point the English Talbots were crossed with Greyhounds to give them an extra turn of speed.[4] Long extinct, the Talbot strain probably gave rise to the Southern Hound which, in turn, is thought to be an ancestor of the modern day Beagle.

From Medieval times, beagle was used as a generic description for the smaller hounds, though these dogs differed considerably from the modern breed. Miniature breeds of beagle-type dogs were known from the times of Edward II and Henry VII, who both had packs of Glove Beagles, so named since they were small enough to fit on a glove, and Queen Elizabeth I kept a breed known as a Pocket Beagle, which stood 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) at the shoulder. Small enough to fit in a "pocket" or saddlebag, they rode along on the hunt. The larger hounds would run the prey to ground, then the hunters would release the small dogs to continue the chase through underbrush. Elizabeth I referred to the dogs as her singing beagles and often entertained guests at her royal table by letting her Pocket Beagles cavort amid their plates and cups.[5] Nineteenth century sources refer to these breeds interchangeably and it is possible that the two names refer to the same small variety. In George Jesse's Researches into the History of the British Dog from 1866, the early 17th century poet and writer Gervase Markham is quoted referring to the Beagle as small enough to sit on a man's hand and to the:

little small mitten-beagle, which may be companion for a ladies kirtle, and in the field will run as cunningly as any hound whatere, only their musick is very small like reeds.[6]

Standards for the Pocket Beagle were drawn up as late as 1901; these genetic lines are now extinct, although modern breeders have attempted to recreate the variety

View On Black

'...there's nothing left keeping us together

Sunshine on a rainy day

Makes me want to move away

I think I've got it sorted

I'm going to get myself deported

I'm considering a move to LA

Hang around with Axl Rose

Buy myself some brand new clothes

Everything is gonna be just fine

I hear the murder rate is in decline

Get me a southern accent

Maybe grab a piece of action

When I get off the plane

The first thing I'm gonna do is

Strip naked to the waist

And ride my Harley Davidson

Up and down Sunset street

I may even get a tattoo

My problems are never gonna find me

I'm not sending one letter

or even a postcard back

I'm drinking Henessey

WITH MORRISSEY

On a beach

Out of reach

Somewhere very far away'

Art Brut: 'Moving to LA'

For 'It's Silly Saturday!

I loved this painting of Andy Warhol in the basement of the Hirshhorn. At first glance it looks a little peculiar until you read the description and see that it's painted on velvet:

"Julian Schnabel, who is known for his paintings on unconventional materials like broken crockery and truck tarpaulins, first painted on velvet in 1982. Ranging in its associations from opera-house curtains to kitsch artworks, velvet might be seen as fitting for a portrait of artist Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), who wore black velvet jackets and sponsored the 1960s rock band The Velvet Underground. Schnabel's depiction of the bare-torsoed artist alludes to the portraits of Warhol made by painter Alice Neel and photographer Richard Avedon soon after Warhol was shot and critically wounded in his studio in 1968.

Schnabel gave this portrait to Warhol, who kept it in his collection until his death. In return, Schnabel received several portraits that Warhol had done of him. The two artists admired each other's work and shared the view that imagery drawn from popular culture can be a source for art."

A Larger view to see them better?

When you are asked, "What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I say 'Washington, DC'", what would you say?

Washington Monument?

The Capitol?

White House?

Memorials?

National Mall?

Smithsonial Institute?

Well I think I would say Traffic Chaos. There are so many diversions and roadblocks that even if you have lived your entire life there in the neighborhood you have a good chance of getting lost. I was lost, driving and I was in front of a road block barricade and an officer next to it. I asked him for directions and he kindly gave me the same. The directions involved crossing a one-way street. Unbeknowest to that officer, there was another one in my way, right in the middle of the road, parked car with lights on asking me to turn around. Thanks to the One way, I couldnt get back to the same place again to ask to be rerouted (I should have taken the $10.99 GPS offer). Bottom line? Lets say, I saw the entire DC driving around in a couple of hours, unintentionally :D

The signs above were all photographed on the same morning, while walking around the downtown and tourist areas of DC. On the background is Washington Monument.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Renault Twingo I (2000).

Escala 1/43.

Hongwell / Cararama.

Made in China.

More pictures in: www.liveinternet.ru/showalljournal.php?tag_name=renault%2...

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Renault Twingo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Renault Twingo is a city car manufactured and marketed by the French automaker Renault.

The first-generation Twingo (two-door, front engine) debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992, receiving its formal market launch in continental European markets beginning in 1993.

Renault launched the second-generation Twingo (two-door, front engine) in the summer of 2007—and the third generation (four-door, rear engine) debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and receiving its formal market launch in September 2014.

Twingo is a portmanteau of the words Twist, Swing and Tango."

- Twingo I (1993–2007)

"The original Twingo was launched in April 1993, was sold in Europe's LHD markets until June 2007 and received intermediate restylings in 1998, 2000 and 2004."

"Designed under the direction of Patrick le Quément, Renault's chief designer."

(...)

"All engines were replaced with an 8-valve 1.15-litre 60 hp (45 kW) unit. A 16-valve 75 hp (56 kW) version was added in 2000.

Manufactured at the Flins Renault Factory from the time of its launch until June 2007, the Twingo I was also manufactured in Colombia and Uruguay from 1997 to 2003, remaining in production into 2012 in Colombia, by the Sofasa conglomerate, strictly for the South American market."

". April 1993: Launched with only one trim level, and four exterior colours, coral red, Indian yellow, coriander green and overseas blue, at a price of 55,000FF.

. June 1994: New exterior colours introduced and minor interior changes.

. October 1994: Easy model launched, with a semi automatic gearbox.

. September 1995: The first of many special editions model launched. Airbags become optional.

. July 1996: New engine of 1149 cc from the Clio fitted to replace the previous engine from the Renault 5. Also, various improvements made including the addition of a third brake light.

. July 1998: First major restyling—revisions to interior and dashboard, revised front and rear lights; front orange indicator lights merged into head lamp housing.

. October 1998: Top of the range Initiale model launched.

. September 2000: Second major restyling—larger 14" wheels, revised door trims with larger door pockets, the lock to open the trunk/boot is now black instead of shiny silver, cup holders are added in front of gearstick.

. December 2000: 1.2 litre 16v engine launched, with 75 hp (56 kW).

. April 2001: Semi automatic gearbox launched, called Quickshift.

. September 2002: Further revisions—new interior trims and wheel covers.

. September 2004: Third major revision—Renault logo fitted to bootlid, side rubbing strips fitted and new exterior colours launched.

. June 2007: Production and sales end in Europe, to be replaced by the Twingo 2."

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

Twingo I

Production

1993–2007 (France)

1997–2003 (Uruguay)

1995–2012 (Colombia)

Assembly

Flins, France (Flins Plant)

Montevideo, Uruguay

Envigado, Colombia (Sofasa)

Valladolid, Spain (Renault Spain)

Designer

Patrick le Quément

Body style

3-door hatchback

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Engine

1.0 L D7D I4 (petrol)

1.2 L C3G I4 (petrol)

1.2 L D7F I4 (petrol)

1.2 L D4F I4 (petrol)

Dimensions

Wheelbase

2,345 mm (92.3 in)

Length

3,430 mm (135.0 in)

Width

1,630 mm (64.2 in)

Height

1,420 mm (55.9 in)

Curb weight

from 790 kg (1,742 lb)

Predecessor

Renault 4

- Twingo II (2007–2014).

- Twingo III (2014–present)

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Twingo

My heart is filled so full of doubt.

- The Ataris

I decided to finally explore textures. Holymygosh. They are SO much more fun than texture brushes! And you can manipulate them alot more. This feels very Jessi-esque to me.

Layer #1 is from James' Textures for Layers set, I used this one. Layer #2 is here.

I woke up at 5 this evening. Passed out last night at 930. My sleep schedule is driving me crazy.

My necklace from the jewelry party came in! This isn't the super awesome one I was talking about, but mom won't let me have it until my birthday. Which I think is pretty lame because I already know what it is and my birthday isn't until November. :( I asked if I could just use it for my 365 and she said yes. In November. Poop. :(

My whole body aches. My thighs are killing me from jumping in and out of this pose a million times yesterday. My neck is tense, I've got a massive headache and my sinuses have that itchy/allergy/pressured 'you might be getting sick, muahahaha' feeling. :(

aumentar

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Ahora en Biodiversidad virtual

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Aunque de aspecto primitivo y algo extraterrestre, Keratella serrulata es un rotífero de nuestro planeta y de nuestro tiempo, que con su gruesa y rígida coraza de tortuga armada, se abre paso entre los caminos del agua. Cuando esos caminos están libres de obstáculos, Keratella serrulata vuela en planeo suave con la agilidad de un ave que se deja llevar confiada por el aire, pero cuando cualquier pequeño obstáculo se interpone a su paso, el vuelo de Keratella se transforma en travesía de barquito en medio de un temporal y dando tumbos intenta llegar a tierra, con la seguridad siempre de llegar a buen puerto.

Hoy Keratella ha volado como ave y ha estado dando tumbos como un barquito a punto de un naufragio imposible, pero al final ha llegado, quizá sin proponérselo, al puerto que buscaba. De este modo, anclada con su espinoso casco a una orilla llena de grumos de vida, descansa y reposta tomando su alimento. Los cilios de la pequeña corona de Keratella crean corrientes y barren el agua arrastrando hacia el interior de su cuerpo las pequeñas algas de las que se alimenta, fundamentalmente doradas crisofitas y otras minúsculas transparentes, verdes o pintadas por cualquier pigmento que tome la energía de la luz del sol.

La robusta lorica de Keratella está repujada en amplias placas que recuerdan gruesas escamas de pez dispuestas como tejas y adornada de minúsculos botoncitos granulados. La parte anterior de esta armadura se prolonga en varias espinas suavemente curvadas y dentadas en los bordes que confieren a este pacífico rotífero un aspecto agresivo, se trata de una estrategia de defensa para hacer frente a los innumerables peligros que la acechan en este universo de lo desconocido y de las sorpresas que encierra una simple gota de agua. Las esquinas laterales posteriores de la lorica pueden estar o no armadas con dos espinas de longitud variable que cuando están presentes, ayudan a estabilizar el cuerpo de este rotífero cuando navega.

Keratella serrulata es un rotífero cosmopolita que no se encuentra en las regiones tropicales, tiene preferencia por las aguas ácidas y es relativamente común en turberas en las que se alimenta de pequeñas algas. En la Península Ibérica la mayor parte de las citas proceden de masas de agua embalsada situadas en el NW.

El ejemplar de hoy se ha fotografiado a 400 aumentos con la técnica de contraste de interferencia y ha sido encontrado en una muestra recogida en la Laguna de las Sanguijuelas, en las inmediaciones del Lago de Sanabria (Zamora).

Review of Krysta Youngs www.yourband.info/index.php?q=krysta-youngs

#krystayoungs #music #musicians #love #pop #loveher #localmusic #localband #cleavage #glasses #rocknroll #bass @mileycyrus

I am using SimplePie to observe my Flickr feeds from groups and friends. I have never liked the display of the images in my feed reader so I created a private page for it. Find a demo here: www.pixelgraphix.de/tutorials/flickr-photo-observer/index...

If you are interested in using the script, you can find it @pixelgraphix: www.pixelgraphix.de/log/2007-07/flickr-photo-feeds-mit-si...

Instructions in English are included in index.php. Please let me know if you find it useful or if there are any bugs ...

Explored!

We spent the weekend in Brookings recently and I decided to try and get some beach/surf shots like some of the awesome photos my contacts have been posting lately (for example, Miles, Darren, and Gaz). Let me tell you, those guys make it look easy! The biggest challenge for me (aside from the super-bright foggy sky) was that the waves were constantly changing the composition. So, in the end, even though I came home with hundreds of shots, most of them were of the same scene over and over, waiting for the waterline to come to just the right spot. I don't have much experience photographing the beach, it was definitely a humbling experience (as it usually is when I go out anywhere with the intent to get a good photo). It's quite dynamic, not your typical landscape, that made it quite challenging as a subject but I definitely had fun!

View On Black

on black

I have climbed highest mountain

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you

Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for...

u2

Listen Death and the Maiden Quartet - Franz Schubert

The first news of which has its existence dates back to 978. Around the church of Sant Marti, as documented by the year 1088 began to wake up the first houses in this picturesque town that even today retains all its medieval charm.

Historically, work in the field was the main dedication of its people; particular importance was conreo of grapes, from the eighteenth century shifted more traditional forms of agriculture. This was a particularly arduous task given the characteristics of the mountainous terrain, settled in part by building jars at the foot of vineyards, which were used for the storage of must and grapes. Already into the nineteenth century, the phylloxera conditioned conreo and resulted in a significant decline in population. Another important task, until mid-twentieth century, was the development of charcoal, until such time as the electricity found their disappearance. Since then, its people were devoted to another kind of work in line with the changing times. It set up a textile factory in the early twentieth century, which was in operation until the year 1964. Logically, closing it was important socio-economic consequences on the lives of the people, determining the migration of population towards the industrial cities or to neighboring towns. Since then, the physiognomy of Mura se ha ido transforming into a large number of people with second homes, laying the groundwork for a tradition tourist potential. Precisely for the new work and revenue earned from tourism, was very relevant to the creation of the Natural Park Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, in 1972. Since then increased the number of tourists and visitors. Nobody is aware that, as in many other municipalities of Catalunya, tourism could ensure the future of the people so that asentare solidly its core population.

In Wordpress In Blogger photo.net/photos/Reinante/ In Onexposure

Our Amigo, a female parrot, is ~32 Years old

____________________________ >>>> View On Black Original <<<____

View On Black______ this photo ____

Die Venezuela-Amazone

(Amazona amazonica) ist die mit Abstand häufigste Art aus der Gattung der Amazonenpapageien (Amazona). Sie kommt in einem 7,4 Mio. km² großen Gebiet im nördlichen und zentralen Südamerika vor. Schätzungsweise leben dort noch rund 10 Mio. Exemplare.

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In der Heimtierhaltung ist die Venezuela-Amazone verhältnismäßig beliebt, sie gehört zu den am häufigsten gehaltenen Amazonenarten. Sie gelten als robuste Pfegelinge, die schnell zutraulich gegenüber ihrem Pfleger werden. Die Zucht der Venezuela-Amazone gelingt mittlerweile regelmäßig.

Sie liebt Geselligkeit und sucht sich einen alpha Partner unter den Menschen aus!

Und laut kreischen - über 100 db - kann sie sein, diese Amazone !

The Orange-winged Amazon

(Amazona amazonica), also known locally as Orange-winged Parrot and Loro Guaro,

is a large Amazon parrot.

It is a resident breeding bird in tropical South America, from Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago south to Peru and central Brazil. Its habitat is forest and semi-open country. Although common, it is persecuted as an agricultural pest and by capture for the pet trade (over 66,000 captured in the years 1981-1985). It is also hunted as a food source.

The Orange-winged Amazon is a very affectionate and popular pet with a fairly good talking ability!

Known for being quite friendly, they are easy to tame and quite clever. They make a wonderful companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner, they can however be rather noisy. Mature birds are about 12 1/2 inches (31 cm) long from the head to the tip of the tail.

Amazons enjoy human interaction as well as interaction with other birds. In the wild they are very social birds living in groups. They are seen in flocks, from small groups to groups of more than six hundred birds. They also form permanent pairs when they are sexually mature.

The Orange-winged Amazon is a robust and hardy bird that can do well indoors or outdoors. As is true with all Amazons, they are very social and enjoy the company of people as well as other birds.

~~~~~

As a pet, the Venezuela-Amazone relatively popular, it is among the most widely held Amazon species. They are regarded as robust animals, which quickly trusting to their carers are. The breeding of the Venezuela-Amazone succeed now regularly.

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Como mascota, el Venezuela-Amazonas relativamente popular, es uno de los más generalizada de las especies del Amazonas. Se consideran animales sólido, que rápidamente la confianza de sus cuidadores son. La cría de la Venezuela-Amazonas éxito ahora con regularidad.

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Camera: Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture: f/4.0

Focal Length: 16.4 mm ~ 92 mm analog

ISO Speed: 80

fixed stand

Canon Image Size: Widescreen

Easy Mode: Portrait

Digital Zoom: None

Quality: Superfine

_______________________

FLUIDR

Fluidr

NEW TOOL

Large on black

Inside one of Las Vegas' casinos (I think it's the MGM, but not sure).

Part of my US West Coast set.

Ferrari 360 Modena On Black

The Ferrari 360 is a mid-engine midsize two-seater sports car produced from late 1999 until 2005. The 360 replaced the Ferrari F355 and was itself replaced by the fairly similar Ferrari F430. For the 360, Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to produce an entirely new all-aluminum space-frame chassis that was 40% stiffer than the F355, yet 28% lighter despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. Along with the new frame was a new Pininfarina body styling that broke ranks with the last decade's sharp angles and flip-up headlights, replacing them with a rounded appearance that harkened to the 1960s. The new V8 engine, common to all versions, was only slightly larger and more powerful than the F355's at 3.6 litres and 400 bhp (300 kW) of power, but the lighter frame and added stiffness improved performance; the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration performance improved from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds, . An engine replacement resulted in the V8 road model that followed, the F430 (internally referred to as the evoluzione or evo) which came out in 2004.

Wikipedia

I was on my way to the store where I bought my Nikon D90 to change the Nikon Camerabag, which was falling apart after only half a year, with a friend of mine when I saw this Ferrari appearing in my rearview mirrors.

I quicky grabbed my Nikon from the backseats and set the settings so I would be able to get some decent shots.

When I was to busy watching the traffic and trying to keep up with the yellow beast, I passed my camera to my friend which managed to get some shots too.

View Large On Black

Bas-relief Number 3 from the 2nd century AD in the Tang-e Chowgan gorge by Bishapur is extremely worn by a flooding after an aqueduct was constructed in the gorge in the 1960s. The aqueduct wasn't removed until the 1970s, by which time a deep groove had formed throughout the gorge damaging this relief between the fourth and fifth register, near the bottom. Regardless of the damage, the rich detailing of its former glory can still clearly be distinguished.

There are many Sassanid bas reliefs in throughout the Sassanid Empire, with some excellent examples of 'vistory' and 'equestrian' reliefs found in Naqsh-e Rostam and Nasqsh-e Rajab (photos coming soon).

Bishapur' s 'Relief Number 3' is often referred to as Shapur's Victory. 'Triple Victory' would have been a more apt description. The great quantity of horsemen firmly makes this an equestrian victory relief, but the gift bearers are reminiscent of the Achaemenid Eastern Apadana Staircase reliefs in Persepolis, while the cavalries are similar to those depicted on Trajan's Column in Rome.

Sassanid King Shapur I is depicted at the heart of the relief, roughly in the centre of the third register, on his horse and victorious over three Roman Emperors.

The upper left first and second registers and lower left fourth and fifth registers the show the cavalry approaching from the left, as with all Sassanid reliefs. Notwithstanding the flood groove in the fifth register, the use of less well defined figures located on the lower registers would suggest this to represent lower orders of the cavalry.

The middle left third register shows the best defined horse riding figures, probably representing the courtiers and officers of the cavalry.

The upper right first and second registers depict people carrying tribute by way of gifts and offerings to Shapur. Unlike the identifyiable Eastern Apadana Staircase reliefs of Persepolis the graphical identitfication of the ethnicity of the gift bearers is somewhat open to speculation, but the most agreeable interpretation is that these figures depict Romans.

The middle right third register shows the well defined infantry section approaching Shapur from the right. Apart from he Romans there is also the curious presence of an elephant on the extreme right...

The lower right fourth and fifthe registers are damaged by the flooding, which makes identification of the gift bearing figures more difficult, but even before the erosion there has always been speculation about these figures

See also Bishapur Reliefs Number 1, Number 2, Number 4, Number 5, Number 6

Due to the challenging form and placement of this relief, this is not strictly speaking a photo (hence no EXIF metadata), but a rather composite, like the Chehel Sotun composite.

The uploaded version is a much lower resolution version than the actual composite, but seven detail shots are uploaded individually at about half the original resolution, while the centre piece featuring Shapur is uploaded at full resolution.

View On Black

You are looking at a Great Blue Heron Rookery!! On the way to Ottawa I saw this beautiful scene on the wrong side of the highway.....We just couldn't stop to take photos. We remembered about where we saw this Rookery so on the way back home I was excited to be able to get out and grab a few shots. What better way for me to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day than by sharing this photo of all the good Blue Heron Mothers here ;)

"Large, gray bird.

Long legs

Long, "S"-shaped neck.

Long, thick bill.

White crown stripe.

Black plume extending from behind eye to off the back of the neck.

Shaggy feathers on neck and back.

Bluish gray back, wings, and belly.

Reddish or gray neck.

White morph all white with pale legs, yellow bill."

"The Great Blue Heron is mostly a colonial nester, occasionally they nest in single pairs. Colonies are typically found in lowland swamps, islands, upland hardwoods, and forests adjacent to lakes, ponds and rivers. Nests are usually in trees, as high as 98 ft. (30m) or more from the ground. The platform like nests are constructed out of medium sized sticks and materials may be added throughout the nesting cycle. Nests are usually lined with finer twigs, leaves, grass and pine needles, moss, reeds or dry grass. The same nests are refurbished and used year after year."

Best viewed LARGE. (Happy Mother's Day!!) I will catch up with everyone later on today as I'm having everyone over for dinner to celebrate tonight........(Lots of work to be done lol) ENJOY!!!

And if you go chasing rabbits; And you know you're going to fall

what I love about street photography in Tokyo is that you just never know what you are going to see (or, quite often, if what you're seeing is actually happening...)

I had just crossed the street with a group of friends, leaving the madness of a crowded matsuri behind me, and I looked to the right and saw this photo in front of me - all alone with his rabbit and in a world of his own...

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The other day I was watching this male Mute Swan strut his stuff around two Trumpeter Swans. Every once and awhile he'd swim in circles and puff out his feathers........The two Trumpeter Swans tagged E90 and O38 would let out a few honks then go about their own business. The two Trumpeter Swans seemed completely uninterested in this lone Mute..I never saw his mate. Perhaps he's a lonely bachelor.........?? ;)

"The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. If a male loses his mate and pairs with a young female, she joins him on his territory. If he mates with an older female, they go to hers. If a female loses her mate, she remates quickly and usually chooses a younger male."

Enjoy!! :)

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It’s my first time with texture and PS, so please, be placable =)

Saturday, 15.11.2009.

It was exceptional day, even if I felt so tired later.

It was day without sleep at night before (because I was afraid that I miss my (really!) morning train), 4 hours at train, than wonderful time with someone really special and than another 4 hours at bus on my way back home.

Some people make us smile, some make us happy, some make us special and some wake up to live and than keep us still alive.

Yep, that’s right: so close no matter how far and now nothing else matters.

Thank you my dear.

trust I seek and I find in you

every day for us something new

open mind for a different view

and nothing else matters

so close no matter how far

couldn't be much more from the heart

forever trusting who we are

no nothing else matters

/Metallica - Nothing else matters/

The kids live in a sleep-deprived culture. Our society has been very cavalier about our disregard for needing sleep. Changing school times is just a small piece of the discussion.

So yeah... Last night was bad. I couldn't sleep no matter how hard I tried, so I stayed up texting a friend of mine because he was sick and not able to sleep either. We kept each other company. I tossed and turned and just gave up.

Then I thought... I started to pray. Not the regular, "Our father, who art in heaven..." but I just started talking.... It was kind of nice to just talk. Then I directed it towards my aunt. I spent a good half an hour to an hour doing that. After I was finished, I just lied still and waited until the alarm went off.

But the weird thing was... I was completely hyper and energetic running on empty. My friends were getting a bit annoyed/scared haha.

Anyway, I'm off to teach karate! I have to be a hard-ass tonight =/ Well, oh well. It's their promotional tomorrow.

Anyway, now that teaching is over... I have more and more shit to deal with. Have you every felt so useless as your best friend tells you how much she wants to die? I have. I feel it right now. If she goes through with this, it will be another death on my hands, more blood. Another death I had to sit by and watch because there was nothing I could do. What's wrong with me? I used to be so good at helping people.

And now I don't know if she's listening.

"As I look out outside

I can see the rain about to start

The air is damp but warm

And I remember how you used to feel

I've lost you."

("Only A Day" by Goldfinger)

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Why do Wolves Howl

Lisa Matthews / Wolf Song of Alaska Volunteer

Howling is the type of vocal communication the wolf is most famous for (also in their vocal repertoire are whimpers, yips, growls, and barks). It’s no surprise that we are captivated by the sound of a howl, for as the mysterious song fills the vast expanses we are somehow reminded of, and are reconnected to, the wondrous aspects of nature that we may have forgotten about.

Once a wolf begins howling, other pack members often show a strong tendency to approach that animal and join in. Lois Crisler has said, “Like a community sing, a howl is a happy occasion. Wolves love to howl. When it is started, they instantly seek contact with one another, troop together, fur to fur. Some wolves will run from any distance, panting and bright-eyed, to join in, uttering, as they near, fervent little wows, jaws wide, hardly able to wait to sing.”

There is a lot more info on this site

www.wolfsongalaska.org/wolf_why_howl.html

Trekking in Nepal is part of adventure trekking tourism and Adventure Trekking in Nepal and Trekking in Himalaya. Natures to renew one’s own self regard, to relive oneself, to realize Nepal beauty, to interact with its generous, friendly peoples are highlights of Trekking in Nepal. Trekking is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors. So, Nepal is final purpose for trekking. Offers numerous options walking excursion to meet snowy peaks, their foot hills, valleys but however there is amazing for each who hope Trek in Nepal hill, mountain area. Typical trekking and Hiking in Nepal as unique combination of natural glory, spectacular trekking trips to hard climbing and Everest Base Camp Trek is most rewarding way to skill Nepal natural beautification and cultural array is to walking, trekking, width and the height of country. Trekking is important of Travel Nepal for Trekking Tours in Himalaya on description Nepal Tour of large range of ecological features for Nepal Travel Holiday. The country nurtures a variety of flora and scenery. Addition to natural atmosphere is rich Himalayan culture. Many of visitor trek to different part of Nepal every year to experience its rustic charm, nature and culture. Most treks through areas between 1000 to 5185m, though some popular parts reach over 5648 meters. Trekking is not climbing, while the climb of Himalayan peaks and enjoy walking Holiday in Nepal and Trekking Tours Nepal might be an attraction for travelers. Every travelers knows for the Trekking in Nepal from all over the words an inspiring knowledge. Attraction for your Travel Holiday in Nepal of beauty and its excellent culture.

Nepal Trekking heartily welcome your Travel Holiday in Nepal. We are honest your travel and Travel and Trekking in Nepal with us from our try to be fully satisfy client in our country and we anticipate good suggestion from you for our agency always. Client gratify is our motto and continually faithful frequently in our service when you are in any types of travel activities in Nepal. We presume to positives feedback in future and increase Nepal travelers with us every year. All the crews from our agency in Nepal are expert in Travel and Tourism in Nepal, as well as trekking and Peak Climbing in Nepal. Customer’s security, safety, relaxed and enjoyment always in high priority. Adventure Guided Walking make sure that every knowledge with us how to satisfy and remarkable Holiday in Nepal. Hope you confident to make trips inquiries and our company quick responds to you make joyful Holiday Travel.

We organize Holiday Tours in Nepalas well as adventure trekking in himalaya, luxury Trek in Nepal well skill in travel trekking related field similar to Everest Trekking, Annapurna Trekking and Langtang Trekking related in travel and tourism industry based on own experience. treks adventure in Nepal always welcome to you in Nepal for Trekking Tour in Nepal from surrounding countries for adventure Hiking Holiday Tour with us from you, family, friend, research group, officially Nepal visitors or individual travelers in Nepal Adventure Tours in Himalaya for Nepal holiday to see how you could benefit from Nepal holiday by letting us our serving of your holiday travel in Nepal, trek tour Nepal and Trek in Nepal. We have countless opportunity for travel, Trekking in Nepal focus eco Tourism in Nepal opportunities to meet with local people in remote areas of Nepal Trekking to understand their invite travelers for Tours Holiday in Nepal from different country for tour in Nepal for Trekking Holiday in Nepal in countryside for Adventure Tours Nepal in remotes area of Nepal Treks increase tourism. Hiking in Nepal, Holiday Travel, Trekking in Himalaya, Adventure Activities in Nepal and Himalaya Adventure Trekking, Expedition in Nepal, Adventure Himalaya, Adventure Holiday Trekking are equally way will make fully satisfaction is our motto. We deeply sincerely to consideration how client delighted from Nepal Travel by our trekking agency in Nepal fully travel information in Nepal for walking trekking in Nepal acclimatize for high pass trekking. Travelers happy is positives feedback for us in future, Nepal travelers who exceptionally interested tours Walking in Nepal, Visit in Nepal to explore Adventure Nepal Himalaya. We arrange trek to difficult part of Nepal which is class of word Adventure Trekking it is in world hard trekking route in Nepal that we well organize. Grateful your budget Tours in Nepal and Travel Holiday, Nepal Trekking Tours, trekking adventure with us in Nepal, Cheap Holiday Travel. Great Nepal traveling and Trek Nepal to mountain pass, stunning scenery is best travel activities in Nepal. Trekkin in Himalaya greatly a distinctive cultural treks knowledge with Nepal Travel Holiday. Further interested to Travel Holiday walking and we highly provided best service of Holiday Tours Package in Nepal for your vacation.

Annapurna trekking region of Nepal enjoy with magnificent view close to highest and impressive mountain range in the world. Day exploration in Pokhara and morning morning flight to Jomsom or drive to Besishisahar from Kathmandu begin of trek. High destination, Muktinath 3800m and in generally highest point of whole Annapurna is 5416m. Thorangla la is situated in Buddhist Monastery, an eternal flame, and Hindus Vishnu Tempe of Juwala Mai making it a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and Muktinath is on the way down from popular trekking it call Thorang la pass which is incredible view in Annapurna region. Whenever possible we will arrive at lodging mid-afternoon, which should leave plenty time for explore the local villages, enjoy the hot springs at Tatopani, continue to Ghorepani where there is forever the possibility of sunrise hike to Poon Hill for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri and the Annapurna Himalaya range. Continue on to Birethanti finally between with the Baglung road where we will catch cab to Pokhara, next day drive or fly to Kathmandu.

Everest trekking

region, although fairly effortless compare to some of other trek, takes you high along trails to Tengboche monastery Everest Solu Khumbu is the district south and west of Mount Everest. It is inhabited by sherpa, cultural group that has achieve fame because of the develop of its men on climbing expeditions. Khumbu is the name of the northern half of this region above Namche, includes highest mountain (Mt. Everest 8848m.) in the world. Khumbu is in part of Sagarmatha National Park. This is a short trek but very scenic trek offers really superb view of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Amadablam and other many snowy peaks. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla it is in the Khumbu region and trek up to Namche Bazzar, Tyangboche and into the Khumjung village, a very nice settlement of Sherpas people. This trek introduction to Everest and Sherpa culture with great mountain views, a very popular destination for first time trekkers in Nepal. Justifiably well-known world uppermost mountain (8848m.) and also for its Sherpa villages and monasteries. Few days trek from Lukla on the highland, takes you to the entry to Sagarmatha National Park and town of Namche Bazaar is entrance of Everest Trek. Environment of the towering Himalayas is a very delicate eco-system that is effortlessly put out of balance.

Langtang trekking region mixture of three beautiful trek taking us straight into some of the wildest and most pretty areas of Nepal. Starting from the lovely hill town of Syabrubensi our trek winds during gorgeous rhododendron and conifer forests throughout the Langtang National Park on the way to the higher slopes. Leads up to the high alpine yak pastures, glaciers and moraines around Kyanging. Along this route you will have an chance to cross the Ganja La Pass if possible from Langtang Valley. Trail enters the rhododendron (National flower of Nepal) forest and climbs up to alpine yak pastures at Ngegang (4404m). From Ngegang we make a climb of Ganja La Pass (5122m). We start southwest, sliding past Gekye Gompa to reach Tarkeghyang otherwise we take a detour and another unique features of trekking past, the holy lakes of Gosainkund (4300 m.) cross into Helambu via Laurebina to Ghopte (3430 m) and further to Trakegyang. Northern parts of the area mostly fall within the boundaries of Langtang National park.

Peak Climbing in Nepal is great view of Himalayas and most various geological regions in asia. Climbing of peaks in Nepal is restricted under the rules of Nepal Mountaineering Association. Details information and application for climbing permits are available through Acute Trekking. First peak climbing in Nepal by Tenzing Norgey Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hilary on May 29, 1953 to Mt. Everest. Trekking Agency in Nepal necessary member from Nepal Mountaineering Association. Our agency will arrange equipment, guides, high altitude porters, food and all necessary gears for climbing in Nepal. Although for some peaks, you need to contribute additional time, exertion owing to improved elevation and complexity. Climbing peaks is next step beyond simply trekking and basic mountaineering course over snow line with ice axe, crampons, ropes etc under administration and coaching from climbing guide, who have substantial mountaineering knowledge and for your climbing in mountain.

Everest Base Camp Trek well noon its spectacular mountain peaks and the devotion and openness of its inhabitants, the Everest region is one of the most popular destination for tourists in Nepal. While numerous of the routes through the mountains are difficult, there are plenty places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Additionally, don't worry about receiving lost. Just ask a local the way to the next village on your route, and they will direct you. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can at least understand basic English, and many speak it fluently.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the major peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himalaya, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare and including Annapurna first 8091 meters are arranged almost exactly in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier enclosed field at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna base camp trek (Annapurna sanctuary trek), the Modi Khola way south in a narrow ravine fully 12 thousand ft. deep. Further south, the ravine opens up into a wide and fruitful valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The center and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short routes for trekking in Nepal and the valley is situated so that these treks can be easily joint with treks into the Kali Gandaki (Kali Gandaki is name of the river in Nepal) region to the west.

Upper Mustang Trekking name Make an escapade beginning from world deepest gorge Kaligandaki valley into world's highest area of Lo-Mangthang valley that passes through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep stony trail up and down hill and panorama views of high Annapurna Himalaya including Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and numerous other peaks. The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands years of seclusion has kept the society, lifestyle and heritage remain unaffected for centuries and to this date.

Helicopter Tour in Nepal having high mountains and wonderful landscape of countryside but is effortlessly reachable by land transport, is known as helicopter tours country. Helicopter services industry in Nepal is now well well-known with many types and categories of helicopters for the fly to different of Nepal. The pilots are very knowledgeable expert with 1000 of flying hours knowledge in Nepal. We have service for helicopter is outstanding reputations and established records for reliable emergency and rescue flight too. Here we would like to offer some of amazing helicopter tour in Himalaya country of Nepal. Further more details information about Nepal tour itinerary for helicopter tour in different part of Nepal contact us without hesitation.

Kathmandu Pokhra Tour is an exclusive tour package specially designed for all level travelers. Kathmandu Pokhara tour package is effortless tour alternative for Nepal visitors. This tour package vacation the historically significant and ethnically rich capital (Kathmandu ) of Nepal and the most stunning city of world by the nature, Pokhara. Mountain museum and world peace stupa are another charming of Pokhara tour. Pokhara is the center of escapade tourism in Nepal. Package tour to Kathmandu Pokhara is design to discover highlighted areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley. Nepal is the country which is socially and geographically different that’s why we powerfully recommend you discover Nepal to visit once in life time. It is hard to explore all Nepal in one Nepal tours trip in this way we design this trip to show you the highlights of Nepal especially in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Adventure trekking in the southern part of the asia continent there lays a tiny rectangular kingdom squeezed between two hugely populated countries, China to the north and India to the south, this country is Nepal a world of its own. Adventure trekking is a type of tourism, involving exploration or travel to remote, exotic and possibly hostile areas. Adventure trekking in Nepal is rapidly growing in popularity, as tourists seek different kinds of vacations. The land of contrast is presumably the exact way to define the scenery of Nepal for you will find maximum world highest peaks high high up above the clouds determined for the gods above. Straight, active and attractive learning experience adventure trekking in Nepal that engross the whole person and have real adventure. Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Daulagiri, and Annapurna and many more are there for the offering for mountain-lovers, adventurers and travelers.

Trekking in Nepal

Adventure Trekking

Adventure Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Himalaya

Everest Base Camp Trek

Nepal Tour

Nepal Travel Holiday

Travel Holiday in Nepal

Hiking in Nepal

Trek in Nepal

Nepal Holiday

Annapurna Trekking

Everest Trekking

Langtang Trekking

Peak Climbing in Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Upper Mustang Trekking

Helicopter Tour in Nepal

Adventure Trekking

Kathmandu Pokhra Tour

Nepal Peak Climbing

Nepal Helicopter Tour

Tea House Trek in Nepal

High Pass Trekking in Nepal

Everest Helicopter Trekking

Island Peak Climbing

Trekking in Nepal - Nepal Trekking - Tea House Trekking - Lodge Trekking - Kathmandu Pokhara Tour - High Pass Trekking - Luxury Trekking in Nepal - Luxury Tour in Nepal - Helicopter Tour in Nepal - Nepal Helicopter Tour - Annapurna Trekking - Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - Annapurna Panirama Trekking - Ghorepani Trekking - Jomsom Muktinath Trekking - Annapurna Circuit Trekking - Annapurna Round Trekking - Tilicho Mesokanto Trekking - Tilicho Lake Mesokanto Pass Trekking - Upper Mustang Trekking - Everest Trekking - Everest Base Camp Trek - Everest Panorama Trekking - Gokyo Trekking - Gokyo Everest Trekking - Renjola Pass Trekking - Kongmala Pass Trekking - Three Pass Trekking - Jiri Everest Trekking - Langtang Trekking - Langtang Valley Trekking - Gosaikunda Trekking - Helambu Trekking - Tamang Heritage Trekking - Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking - Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking - Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking - Ganjala Pass Trekking - Peak Climbing in Nepal - Nepal Peak Climbing - High Pass Trekking - Nepal For All Season - Package Tour in Nepal - Island Peak Climbing - Mera Peak Climbing - Pisang Peak Climbing - Adventure Trekking - Adventures Trekking - Mustang Trekking - Upper Mustang Trek - Lower Mustang Trekking - Seasonal Package Trekking Tours in Nepal - Annapurna Trekking Region - Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Everest Trekking Region - Gokyo Trekking - Langtang Trekking Region - Tea House Trek or Lodge Trek - Three Pass Trekking or Everest High Pass Trekking

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Built on a basalt outcrop, the castle was known to the native Britons as Din Guardi and had been the capital of the British Kingdom of Bryneich from the realm's foundation in c.420 until 547, the year of the first written reference to the castle. In that year the citadel was captured by the Anglo-Saxon ruler Ida of Bernicia and became Ida's seat. It was briefly retaken by the Britons from his son Hussa during the war of 590 before being relieved later that same year.

His grandson Æðelfriþ passed it on to his wife Bebba, from which the early name Bebbanburgh was derived. The Vikings destroyed the original fortification in 993.

The Normans built a new castle on the site, which forms the core of the present castle. William II unsuccessfully besieged it in 1095 during a revolt supported by its owner, Robert de Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland. After Robert was captured, his wife continued the defence until coerced to surrender by the king's threat to blind her husband.

Bamburgh then became the property of the reigning English monarch. Henry II probably built the keep. As an important English outpost, the castle was the target of occasional raids from Scotland. In 1464 during the Wars of the Roses, it became the first castle in England to be defeated by artillery, at the end of a nine-month long siege by Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick.

The Forster family of Northumberland provided the Crown with twelve successive governors of the castle for some 400 years until the Crown granted ownership to Sir John Forster. The Forster family retained ownership until Sir William Forster (d. 1700) was posthumously declared bankrupt and his estates, including the castle, were sold to Lord Crew, Bishop of Durham ( husband of his sister Dorothy) under an Act of Parliament to settle the debts.

The castle deteriorated but was restored by various owners during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was finally bought by the Victorian industrialist William Armstrong, who completed the restoration.

During the Second World War, the Royal Navy corvette HMS Bamborough Castle was named after it.

Hilo de la Fotohistoria en Pullip .es: THE DATE (1 of 1) /

LA CITA (1 de 1)

(Read in order, this is: SHOT/FOTO 18 of 36) PAG: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.

FOTOHISTORY: In English / En Español

Reira: Here you are! ^^

Shin: Hi Reira...

/

Reira: Has venido! ^^

Shin: Hola Reira...

LINKS:

- FOTOHISTORIAS en casa de Sheryl en el Foro de Pullips: Pullip .es

- Sheryl Photostories at Flickr

- Ayrin and Sheryl PHOTOSTORIES at Flickr

- Saw Canceled and Sheryl PHOTOSTORIES at Flickr

[ Demoreel | Portfolio | Linkedin | My Book | Flickr | My Blog | Twitter | IMDB | Facebook ]

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I was tagged by Tedscanon to reveal ten things about myself and pass on the tag to ten of my contacts. So here it goes...

1) I'm more extroverted than introverted :)

2) Love music of all types, except country music...sorry to the country music fans out there!

3) In my younger years I was a singer in a rock band but found that touring in a drafty bus in -30 degrees C weather with no money to buy food wasn't my idea of fun so went to university, got a job, and became responsible (HA!)

4) I'm a driven person...i want to learn new things and experience all I can while I'm on this earth.

5) I care about my family, friends and co-workers...they are all part of my daily life and I deeply appreciate each of them for who they are and what they've brought to my life.

6) I drive a Subaru but want a BMW :))

7) I'm terrible with directions...I need a GPS at all times!

8) I have two incredible kids that have taught me a lot about myself and about accepting their individuality.

9) I hate drama...prefer to have people around me that don't play games and take advantage of others.

10) Last, but not least...I love photography and have met many fantastic people on flickr who share this same passion....and hope to meet many more!!! :))

And finally, the people I tag for the next round...

Jane Photo1

U-g-g-B-o-y

KPEP

Roxanne

Ashley1954

klem@s

*luis*l*

Limbo Poet

Rene from Holland

Jay Bees Pics

uniform.wingzero.tw/high-school.php?id=209

模特兒:

陳世承

www.facebook.com/edward.chen.9803150?fref=ts

簡廷倪

www.facebook.com/ohninigerrr?fref=ts

湯思祈

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004023167785&fref=ts

陳亭妤

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001360149209&fref=ts

吳采倩

www.facebook.com/yoyo.0521?fref=ts

戴良銳

www.facebook.com/ray.ray.568?fref=ts

攝影師

張家偉

www.facebook.com/justatlantis

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See where this picture was taken. [?]

The only species of hummingbird that breeds in eastern North America, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is found throughout the eastern deciduous and mixed forests. It flies nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Central America.

Cool Facts

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird beats its wings 53 times a second.

The extremely short legs of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird prevent it from walking or hopping. The best it can do is shuffle along a perch. Nevertheless, it scratches its head and neck by raising its foot up and over its wing.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird does not show a strong preference for any particular color of feeder. Instead, it prefers specific feeder locations

Description

Size: 7-9 cm (3-4 in)

Wingspan: 8-11 cm (3-4 in)

Weight: 2-6 g (0.07-0.21 ounces)

Tiny bird.

Back iridescent green.

Hovers at flowers.

Male with brilliant iridescent red throat.

Sex Differences

Male with red throat, female with white. Female with white tips to tail feathers. Female larger.

Male

Gorget (throat) brilliant metallic red. Back and head metallic bronze-green. Tail feathers pointed and dark purplish or black. Wing feathers dark slate. Chin, malar region, around eyes, and auriculars black. Small white spot behind eyes. Chest dull brownish white, changing to darker brownish gray on breast and abdomen; sides and flanks darker and overlaid with bronze-green. Tufts on side of rump white. Undertail coverts brownish gray, edged with dull white.

Female

Back, top of head, and two central tail feathers metallic bronze-green. Three outer tail feathers on each side with broad white tips, black central portions, and bronzy green bases. Wing feathers dark. Small white spot behind eye. Auriculars dusky. Throat and underparts dull grayish white or brownish gray. Flanks and undertail coverts tinged with buffy. Tufts on side of rump white.

Immature

Similar to adult female. Male with dusky streaks on throat and a few metallic red feathers.

Similar Species

Male Black-chinned Hummingbird has purple gorget.

Female hummingbirds are difficult to distinguish.

Sound

Rapid squeaky chipping. Humming sound from wings.

Summer Range

Breeds from central Alberta eastward to Nova Scotia, southward from eastern North Dakota to eastern Texas and Florida.

Winter Range

Winters in southern Mexico and Central America south to Costa Rica.

Habitat

Breeds in mixed woodlands and eastern deciduous forest, gardens, and orchards.

Winters in tropical deciduous forest, tropical dry forests, scrubland, citrus groves, and second growth.

Food

Flower nectar, small insects, and tree sap. Comes to hummingbird feeders.

Foraging

Hovers at flowers and sap wells, catches insects in flight and plucks them from leaves, plucks spiders from their webs.

Nest Type

Nest an open cup placed on top of small tree branch. Made of thistle and dandelion down, held together with spider web and covered on outside with lichens. Placed at 6-50 feet height, average of 10-20 feet.

Egg Description

Color: White.

Size: 12.2–14.0 mm x 8.38-9.14 mm.

(0.48-0.55 in X 0.33-0.36 in)

Incubation period: 12-14 days.

Clutch Size

Usually 2 eggs. Range: 1-3.

Condition at Hatching

Helpless, naked, and black.

Chicks fledge in 18-20 days.

Conservation Status

Populations appear stable

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Madero Tango Show - Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires

Whoever goes to Buenos Aires just have to see a live tango show. The hardest part, on my opinion, is to choose the right one. There is a plethora of places in Buenos Aires that offer such shows so the choice is vast. We checked on Trip Advisor and we asked for some advice to the people where we were staying and we got pretty much opposite feedback. Weird.

We finally went to Madero Tango, despite some terrible critics on the web. I must confess that we were so happy with that choice. We did not take the dinner that is part of the dinner-show pack because we all know that this kind of place might be great to see a good show but certainly not for food. So I cannot say about the dinner but I can tell you that for the Tango, it’s more than worth the price.

The dancers were amazing, the music was loud and beautiful, the light was perfect and we were really impressed by the overall quality of the show. It just has nothing to do with the street tango dancers that one can see in the famous La Boca neighborhood. This is professional Tango.

Morella, Castelló (Spain).

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ENGLISH

Ramon Cabrera (Tortosa 27 December 1806 - Wentworth 1877) was a Carlist general of Spain.

He was born at Tortosa, province of Tarragona, Spain. As his family had in their gift two chaplaincies, young Cabrera was sent to the seminary of Tortosa, where he made himself conspicuous as an unruly pupil, ever mixed up in disturbances and careless in his studies. After he had taken minor orders, the bishop refused to ordain him as a priest, telling him that the Church was not his vocation, and that everything in him showed that he ought to be a soldier. Cabrera followed this advice and took part in Carlist conspiracies on the death of Ferdinand VII. The authorities exiled him and he absconded to Morella to join the forces of the pretender Don Carlos.

In March 1875 Cabrera sprang upon Don Carlos a manifesto in which he called upon the adherents of the pretender to follow his own example and submit to the restored monarchy of Alphonso XII, the son of Queen Isabella, who recognized the rank of captain-general and the title of count of Morella conferred on Cabrera by the first pretender. Only a very few insignificant Carlists followed Cabrera's example, and Don Carlos issued a proclamation declaring him a traitor and depriving him of all his honours and titles.

Cabrera, who was ever afterwards regarded with contempt and execration by the Carlists, died in London on the 24th May 1877. He did not receive much attention from the majority of his fellow-countrymen, who commonly said that his disloyalty to his old cause had proved more harmful to him than beneficial to the new state of things. A pension which had been granted to his widow was renounced by her in 1899 in aid of the Spanish treasury after the loss of the colonies.

More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram%c3%b3n_Cabrera

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CASTELLANO

Ramón Cabrera y Griñó (Tortosa, 27 de diciembre de 1806 – Wentworth, 1877), fue un militar y político español. Conocido como "El Tigre del Maestrazgo", fue un destacado líder carlista.

Hijo de un marino mercante de buena posición social, siguió la carrera eclesiástica por voluntad paterna, comenzando tempranamente sus estudios religiosos. En 1825 la herencia familiar le permitió disfrutar de un beneficio eclesiástico en el seminario de Tortosa. Durante estos años su relación con el obispo de Tortosa, Víctor Damián Sáez, ex ministro de Fernando VII, de férreas convicciones absolutistas, influiría en la formación de Ramón Cabrera. Llegó a recibir las órdenes menores, pero ante su falta de vocación religiosa, abandonó el hábito para sumarse al levantamiento carlista de 1833, en favor del pretendiente Carlos María Isidro.

En dicho año, se encontró entre los voluntarios realistas que se negaron a desarmarse al proclamarse el decreto del 25 de noviembre de 1833. Huyendo de un anunciado destierro en Barcelona, se incorporó a las tropas carlistas que habían tomado Morella. A los pocos días de su incorporación su formación le permitió ocupar cargo de secretario de los mandos carlistas, convirtiéndose en el hombre de confianza de Marcoval, el cabecilla más importante de cuantos permanecían en las partidas del Maestrazgo.

En enero de 1838 defendió Morella frente al general Oraá y la convirtió en la capital del territorio bajo su control. En recompensa a sus servicios, el pretendiente le nombró conde de Morella. No aceptó el convenio de Oñate de 1839, firmado entre los generales Baldomero Espartero y Rafael Maroto, que llevó a la disolución del ejército carlista del Norte, por considerarlo una traición. Por tanto, Cabrera quedó como único general de la causa del pretendiente, prolongando la lucha en el Maestrazgo hasta mayo de 1840, fecha en la que Espartero logró tomar la ciudad en la que se había fortificado. l 6 de julio, tras una huida que le llevó a atravesar Cataluña, Cabrera y 20 de sus batallones que le habían seguido, cruza la frontera francesa. El gobierno francés, aliado del español, le mantuvo confinado en el castillo de Ham, hasta que se le concedió la libertad en 1846, instalándose en Lyon.

Más info: es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram%c3%b3n_Cabrera

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This is another shot, from a series I took a while back, of a Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) running across the road with a grasshopper in it's beak.

The similar shot (below) is the most viewed, and most interesting, shot in my photostream.

20081108-087

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in a story in the Mahabharata, Dushasana tries to strip Draupadi, the queen, of her sari, and she, seeing her husband who has gambled her away, unwilling or unable to help her, appeals to Krisha (or Dharma), and her sari is miraculously made infinite, and Dushasana is unable to strip her and backs off in exhaustion.

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I photographed this Limpkin at the Shark Valley district of Everglades National Park. I had been photographing another bird when I heard a loud call which I had never heard before and whose origin I could not see. I walked a few yards to my left to be able to look around a bushy tree that had been blocking my view and there was this Limpkin on a high branch above the shallow water. It just stood almost immobile on the branch and let me take as many shots as I would. I took half a dozen almost identical shots and this was the one I kept.

Limpkin on a Branch at Everglades National Park, Florida

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Située à 14 km à l'est de Clermont-Ferrand sur la rivière Allier et desservie par les routes départementales 2089 (ancienne route nationale 89), 1093 et 1093b et l'autoroute A711, la ville est située à quelques kilomètres de l'aéroport de Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne. Pont-du-Château est à la fois proche du parc naturel régional des volcans d'Auvergne et de Clermont-Ferrand, entre nature et métropole.

Elle jouit ainsi d’un site privilégié protégé et d'une croissance significative de sa population.

Pont-du-Château est une ville au riche passé historique : elle était une ville majeure du commerce fluvial le long de l'Allier au cours des siècles passés. Ce fut le port principal de Clermont-Ferrand : bois, charbon, vin, pierre de Volvic transitaient par ses quais. Les communs du château de la famille de Montboissier-Beaufort-Canilhac, famille noble du Gévaudan, abritent aujourd'hui le Musée Pierre-Mondanel de l'ancienne batellerie de l'Allier et de la Dore qui fait revivre l'intéressante histoire de cette navigation.

A voir :

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. Château du XVIIe siècle de la famille Montboissier Beaufort Canillac, devenu mairie et 4 autres sites classés à l'inventaire des monuments historiques,

. Maisons à colombage du XVIe siècle

. Église Sainte-Martine : narthex et nef du XIIe siècle, envoutement de la nef : XIIIe siècle, transept et chœur : XIVe au XVIe siècle. Georges Couthon fit détruire en 1793 le clocher qui fut reconstruit à l'identique en pierre de Volvic en 1811. Le bâtiment à l'exception du clocher est en arkose.

. Chapelle de Paulliat

. Musée Pierre-Mondanel de la batellerie .

source Wikipedia

Thanks to wikipedia ! Pont du Chateau, english version

Get close up to the Booby

The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) from the Sulidae family, a long-winged seabird. The natural breeding habitat is tropical and subtropical islands off the Pacific Ocean, most famously, the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.

Average size 32 in long and weighs 3.3 lb, the females slightly larger. Long pointed wings and a wedge shaped tail. They have strong, thick necks. The booby's eyes are placed on either side of their bill and oriented towards the front. They have excellent binocular vision and the eyes are yellow. The male has more yellow on its iris than the female. The Blue-footed Booby has permanently closed nostrils specialized for diving. They breathe through the corners of their mouths. Their feet range from a pale turquoise to a deep aquamarine. Males and younger birds have lighter feet than females do.

Blue-footed boobies are aptly named, and males take great pride in their fabulous feet. During mating rituals, male birds show off their feet to prospective mates with a high-stepping strut. The bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate.

Average lifespan in the wild: 17 years

Info re Nat Geo and Wiki

Barra

Salvador

Bahia

Brasil

bighugelabs.com/dna.php

" A palmeira-imperial (Roystonea oleracea (Palmae) ou Oreodoxa oleracea), também chamada palmeira-real[2], é uma palmeira originária das Antilhas[3]. Pertence ao género botânico Roystonea da família Arecaceae. Foi aclimatada pelos franceses no jardim botânico La Gabrielle, instalado na Guiana Francesa e depois transferida para o Jardin de Pamplemousse, nas Ilhas Maurício[3].

No Brasil, o primeiro exemplar de Roystonea oleracea, a Palma Mater, foi plantada no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro pelo príncipe regente dom João VI, em 1809 [4] [5]. Fora presenteada a dom João VI por um dos sobreviventes de uma fragata, o oficial da Armada Real Luís Vieira e Silva. Por um erro histórico, dizia-se que tinha sido trazida do Jardim Gabrielle, de onde vieram muitas plantas, principalmente durante as Guerras Napoleônicas. Porém o Jardim Gabrielle era nas Guianas e as primeiras plantas que chegaram ao Brasil, na verdade, vieram das Ilhas Maurício, do Jardim La Pamplemousse, obtidas clandestinamente por Luiz de Abreu Vieira e Silva, que as ofereceu a dom João VI. Quando foi plantada por dom João VI, a primeira Roystonea oleracea (Palmae) brasileira passou a ser conhecida como palmeira-imperial [6]. A Palma Mater floresceu pela primeira vez em 1829. Deste exemplar plantado em 1809, descendem todas as palmeiras-imperiais do Brasil, daí sua denominação de Palma Mater. A Palma Mater foi destruída por um raio em 1972.

Tinha, naquela época, 38,70 metros de altura. O tronco foi preservado e encontra-se em exposição no Museu Botânico. Em seu lugar, foi plantado outro exemplar, simbolicamente chamado de Palma Filia, oriunda de uma semente da palmeira original. Segundo Roseli Maria Martins d’ Elboux, mestre em história e fundamentos da arquitetura e do urbanismo, o plantio das palmeiras-imperiais se tornou comum no Rio de Janeiro em meados do século XIX, diante da "necessidade do fortalecimento simbólico do Segundo Império". Pode ser procedente a história segundo a qual as sementes da palmeira-imperial foram distribuídas aos súditos como sinal de proximidade ou lealdade ao poder central e tenham, assim, se tornado o "símbolo do Império". "Desse modo, depois de alguns anos, a espécie vincula-se definitivamente à imagem do poder monárquico, à ideia de nobreza, distinção e classe."

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I think this beautiful bird knows that he is, because he seems to love to pose, which is fine with me. Shooting through the wire wasn't a problem, but it was a big distraction in the background, so I extracted the bird, which was a bear to do, and added a black background. HMB!

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[ Random movie scene - What happens next is up to your imagination ]

[ Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM ]

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For a long time, I never used my tripod. I got used to having just my camera with my nifty 50 and all was happy and nice. I was pumped up to use it for this photo series together with my Sigma 70-300mm Macro DG but when I arrived at the famous garden, I did not even bothered to set it up and just use my breathing technique to keep the camera steady. Hahaha! I just felt tired and annoyed to level the tripod head, adjust the legs, etc. It was too much work for me and I had no patience for that haha! So this is the reason why most of the photos in this series in not so sharp.

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A crop of an earlier upload for use in my upcoming magazine, World View Two.

See all 36 images in the magazine's set as a slideshow:

www.flickr.com/photos/p0ps/sets/72157626154871427/show/

Found on the east side of Norfolk just south of Rivington. I really like Judith Supine's work, admire his demo video.

This shot was an experiment in using my camcorder-calico method for making hi-res photos by pano-stitching together hundreds of lo-res video stills. Why don't I just buy a 10+ megapixel SLR? It would be too easy.

I shot this in motion video holding the camcorder about 18" from the wall, starting at the upper left corner, slowly panning to the right across the top, lowering it about half a row, panning left across, then a little lower, back across, etc. until I was crouched down at the bottom and people on the sidewalk were wondering what kind of perversion I was up to.

Then, back home, I imported the footage into iMovie, converting to an 8 frame per second image sequence of tiffs. By selecting every other image file by hand, I divided the resulting 1200+ stills into 2 folders of about 600 each, then divided each of those into 2 folders of about 300 each.

I loaded the first folder into Calico, the pano-stitcher made for Mac. After about an hour of aligning, Calico formed an incomprehensible pano that looked like a blurred horizontal strip.

I ran Photoshop actions on the 300 stills in the second folder to mildly increase the saturation, the contrast and sharpness. This took about an hour. Then I loaded them into Calico and after an hour of aligning it formed a pano which had a little more height than the first one, but was still not comprehensible, didn't contain all the imagery, so I moved on.

The third folder, I ran Photoshop actions on those 300 stills with harsh increase of saturation, contrast, sharpness and the watercolor filter. Calico understood that one and after another hour of aligning, the preview display showed a decent, complete pano, so I pushed the "make" button and two hours later had a 167 MB tiff showing the complete door that the art is painted on.

The shape distortion is slight and desirable.

I opened it in Photoshop, made a few duplicate layers and worked each one with image adjustments and filters, adjusting the opacity of each layer until I thought I had the clearest, best representative image, then combined the layers, making the 2048 pixel wide jpeg which I uploaded here.

The original is about twice this size and perhaps somebody may print from it someday.

As you can see from this method, I was able to spend about 6 hours making this image, 6 hours of being in my apartment with Ruth, listening to music, talking. If I just snapped a hi-res image with a big SLR and turned it into a jpeg for Flickr, I'd have been done in 10 minutes, missing all that fun.

Also, I don't need to do straight document of street art, Elisha Cook Jr., Jake Dobkins, otherthings and a few others are covering that beat very well.

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Situata nella parte sud-occidentale della Basilicata, la Valle prende il nome dal fiume Agri ed è una delle valli più belle e caratteristiche dell'Italia Meridionale.

La forma della valle è quella di un'ampia varice, circondata dai rilievi montuosi, e presenta ambienti e zone molto diversificate.

I centri abitati sono posti sulle colline situate lungo la parte iniziale del tragitto del fiume (lungo 136 Km) che nasce alle pendici del monte Volturino e sfocia in mare nei pressi di Policoro.

La zona è dominata da due monti: il Volturino (1856 m.) ed il Monte di Viggiano (1725 m.) sul quale ha sede il Santuario della Madonna di Viggiano, uno dei più noti di tutta l'Italia Meridionale.

Le bellezze naturali in Val d'Agri sono innumerevoli; degne di nota sono la faggeta del Volturino, ricchissima di fiori di bosco come i ciclamini rosso scuro, l'agrifoglio, i gigli rossi ed i narcisi; la faggeta di Moliterno dagli alberi imponenti e i castagneti di Tramutola.

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A guy stopped to ask me about the photos I was shooting here. It was impossible to explain to him that Marley was easier to photograph on the snow than Troy because of the contrast issues, dark dog on snow, not easy, white dog on snow, lower contrast, easier to hold the details in the shadows and highlights.

He looked at me totally confused. "But he's white, can you even see him against the snow?" I thought I'd just explained that. Then I explained that I used manual settings to override the meter which will be confused by the white on white scene. Again, bemused. "Your camera must be crap then, all the new ones can do everything automatically!" A total waste of breath speaking to him, he didn't listen to a word. Idiot!

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Longest Covered Bridge in the World

Hartland (2001 population: 902) is a town in Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada.

Hartland is situated on the Saint John River in the central-western portion of the province in the agricultural heartland of Carleton County. It is the hometown of two of New Brunswick's premiers during the 20th century: Hugh John Flemming and Richard Hatfield. U.S. Congressmen Isaac & Samuel Stephenson and Prince Edward Island's Lieutenant-Governor Barbara Oliver Hagerman are also from Hartland. Renowned Canadian poet Alden Nowlan also lived in the town for several formative years while working for the Hartland Observer newspaper.

Longest covered bridge, showing pedestrian addition, with ice in the river

The town is best known for being the site of the Hartland Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the world. Originally opened on July 4, 1901, the 1,282 foot (390.75 m) bridge is a national historic site. The bridge was covered as part of major repairs in 1921, and the pedestrian walkway added in 1945.

Hartland is the headquarters of the North American trucking company Day & Ross, as well as home to the New Brunswick Bible Institute.

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Panoramic HDR shot from the St. Andreas church in my hometown Westeremden, The Netherlands.

From a circa 1200 built, dedicated to Saint Andrew, not overarched church only the western part retained after a fire in 1238. After the completed reconstruction and expansion in 1259, the church was a Cross-type church with shallow transverse arms. The major thirteenth-century tower was demolished in 1808: the west wall of the church was then rebuild. The wind indicator added was a horse. The east facade of the church contains saving fields with varying decorative masonry. In the 15th century white chalked vaults and holy figures were provided. The north wall of the church is a damaged presentation of the Last Judgment. The church still has a nice interior with pulpit, screen and banks from the middle of the seventeenth century. (--> partly google translate, yes I'm lazy, if you don't get the translation please let me know).

Van een omstreeks 1200 gebouwde, aan Sint-Andreas gewijde, niet overwelfde kerk bleef na een brand in 1238 het westelijk deel bewaard. Na de in 1259 voltooide herbouw en uitbreiding was een kruiskerk met ondiepe dwarsarmen tot stand gekomen. De forse dertiende-eeuwse, met de kerk verbonden toren is in 1808 afgebroken: de westmuur van de kerk is toen opnieuw opgemetseld en de nok is van een dakruiter voorzien. De windwijzer daarop is een paard. De oostgevel van de kerk bevat spaarvelden met uiteenlopend siermetselwerk. In de vijftiende eeuw zijn de gewelven gewit en van heiligenfiguren voorzien. De noordmuur van het schip draagt een beschadigde voorstelling van het Laatste Oordeel. De kerk bezit een gave inrichting met preekstoel, koorhek en banken uit het midden van de zeventiende eeuw.

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".... La casa-habitación del maestro estaba en la tercera planta del edificio de la escuela, esa planta estaba sobre la reservada al aula, la empresa decidió demolerla como otras muchas casas de su propiedad, ahora bien tuvo que limitarse al piso de arriba, con el inferior no pudo hacer lo mismo pues la inspección de Huesca mientras hubiese niños no decretaba la extinción de la escuela. Los niños tuvieron que sufrir el estruendo del derribo de la planta superior. La escuela estaba en el conjunto de bienes comunales que la junta vecinal había vendido a Iberduero en el año 1962, dicha venta estaba en litigio, dicho litigio siguió durante muchos años.

El 4 de agosto de 1966 un empleado de Iberduero y afecto al servicio de expropiaciones de la empresa, tiró la puerta de la escuela de una patada, agarró a la maestra de los pelos y la sacó fuera, detrás salieron los niños entre empujones y patadas ...."

Mas fotos en éste monográfico:

Jánovas, la historia de un abandono

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Not related to this photo, but I wanted to tell you about an interesting search that we were called out on, last night. It was for a 13-year old girl that had overdosed on her medications for bi-polar disease. We were unable to locate her, but we think that we covered the area around her house well and are fairly confident that she is not there.

The interesting part that I wanted to share is how we used technology to aid us in a thorough search. Coincidentally, I just happened to be playing with www.local.live.com to try to figure out where this photo, that my friend Denise had posted, was shot, when we got the call from the San Diego Police Department, and that is the tool we used on the search.

We had recently decided to keep Jan's laptop at the ready, so we scooped it up on the way out the door, and set it up when we arrived on scene. I plugged in our "air card", a device that lets us access the Internet, using regular cell phone connections, but we didn't need it, because there were about half a dozen wireless access points (which are much faster) available and the first one I tried was open, so I used that. As a side note, if you use a wireless router in your home, I urge you to be sure that you protect it, so that no one else can access it, without the key, because they can get into your computer if you don't. The laptop turned out to be an invaluable tool, because with the clarity that was available, we could easily see the open space around the house that the girl went missing from and plan where to send the teams, as well as debrief them when they returned, since they could just point to the areas that they covered.

Besides the laptop, we used the GPS units in our cars to give us spoken turn by turn directions to the house, handheld GPS to track where the teams had been (which could have been uploaded into the laptop to provide a better visual picture, had we needed that), commercial radios that were provided by a grant from a local philanthropic group, and cell phones to communicate with each other. Technology certainly made our jobs easier and enabled us to search safer and more efficiently.

[Update] The girl was found about an hour after we left. Fortunately, she was not in our search area.