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Northridge is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California in the San Fernando Valley. It is the home of California State University, Northridge, as well as eleven public and eight private schools.

Originally named Zelzah, the community was renamed North Los Angeles in 1929 to emphasize its closeness to the booming city. This created confusion with Los Angeles and North Hollywood. At the suggestion of a civic leader, the community was renamed Northridge in 1938. Northridge can trace its history back to the Gabrielino (or Tongva) people and to Spanish explorers. Its territory was later sold by the Mexican governor to Eulogio de Celis, whose heirs divided it for sale.

The area has been the home of notable people, and it has notable attractions and points of interest. Residents have access to a municipal recreation center and a public swimming pool.

The 2000 U.S. census counted 57,561 residents in the 9.47-square-mile Northridge neighborhood—or 6,080 people per square mile, among the lowest population densities for the city. In 2008, the city estimated that the population had increased to 61,993. In 2000 the median age for residents was 32, about average for city and county neighborhoods; the percentage of residents aged 19 to 34 was among the county's highest.

The 1994 Northridge earthquake was named for Northridge based on early estimates of the location of the quake's epicenter; however, further refinements showed it to be technically in neighboring Reseda. The earthquake, which occurred on a blind thrust fault, was one of the strongest ground motions ever recorded in North America. Freeways collapsed, and many buildings suffered irreparable damages. Vertical and horizontal accelerations lifted structures off their foundations. During the 1994 quake, the Northridge Hospital Medical Center remained open and treated more than 1,000 patients who came to the facility during the first few days after the 6.7-magnitude quake.

This was the second time in 23 years that the area had been affected by a strong earthquake. On February 9, 1971 the San Fernando earthquake (also known as the Sylmar earthquake) struck, having a magnitude of 6.5.

 

Crystal fragility is not weakness but refinement.

La fragilità del cristallo non è una debolezza ma una raffinatezza.

 

View Large On Black

For my video; youtu.be/Wwvwa9a-Fjw?si=QBfKQpfa1crt_HA-

 

Entrance to the 40th annual,

All British Field Meet is an Annual event held in Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Garden,

Oakridge, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

 

The longest-running and most significant annual display of British vehicles in Western Canada.

 

11 C, and raining

 

Half-ton commercial models based on the A55 were introduced in 1957. The van was released in February and was followed in May by pick-up, chassis and cab and chassis and scuttle models. Contemporary sales literature used the term "Austin ½ ton van and pick-up".

 

In October 1962, new models were introduced with a restyled front end and bumper, chrome side mouldings, 14" wheels, and various interior refinements. Morris-badged van and pick-up models also were now offered. From September 1963, the commercial models were fitted with the 1,622 cc (99.0 cu in) engine from the Austin A60 saloon, with the Austins still marketed under the "Austin ½ ton" name. They remained in production to 1973.

Modelling assignment ....Refinement.

Lavender flowers are known to represent purity, silence, devotion serenity, grace and calmness. In addition to the flower's significance, its purple color also comes with great symbolism. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement and luxury

 

Play behavior in bears represents millions of years of evolutionary refinement. Scientists believe play evolved as a low-risk method for developing essential survival skills—a way to practice hunting, fighting, and escaping without the life-threatening consequences of real situations. For bears, which typically live solitary lives but need complex skill sets to survive in challenging environments, play serves as nature’s training program.

Sparkling Elegance: The C. Zuri Christmas Tree Necklace for a Festive Look

 

The holiday season is the perfect time to let your wardrobe shine, and nothing completes a festive ensemble quite like a statement accessory. The C. Zuri Christmas Tree Necklace is a stunning piece that captures the magic of Christmas with sophistication and grace.

 

This delicate necklace, inspired by the charm of a holiday tree, features an intricate design of golden stars cascading in perfect harmony. Each star sparkles as if kissed by starlight, bringing a touch of celestial beauty to the wearer. The pendant’s elegant proportions make it an excellent choice for both formal holiday events and casual winter gatherings.

 

Paired with a shimmering chain that delicately hugs the neckline, this necklace exudes luxury and refinement. Its versatile design complements a range of outfits, from soft, pastel evening gowns like the lilac dress in this look to chic holiday sweaters. The golden hues create a striking contrast against any backdrop, while the pendant’s unique design adds a playful yet elegant touch.

 

What makes this piece even more special is its ability to evoke warm memories of Christmases past. Whether worn as a centerpiece for your holiday attire or gifted to a loved one, the C. Zuri Christmas Tree Necklace is a timeless addition to any virtual wardrobe.

 

To style it, pair it with a simple choker or layered necklaces for added dimension. Add soft curls or an updo to showcase the intricate details, and complete the look with subtle makeup, such as lavender lips and luminous eye makeup.

 

The Christmas Tree Necklace by Zuri is exclusively available at the Swank Winter Wonderland Event through December 31st. Don’t miss your chance to own this magical piece! See the Event's Landmark below:

 

Swank Winter Wonderland Event Landmark:

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/128/124/39

youtu.be/jdYBQO0KMpU?si=-1mzG9heIdNjxAz5

 

Cornflower: symbol of hope. Representing positive HOPE for the future, the Cornflower is a humble reminder of nature's simple beauty and the fullness of life's cycle.

The cornflower also came to symbolize love, fertility, anticipation, patience, elegance, delicacy, refinement and single blessedness.

A Symphony of Elegance – The Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery

 

Step into a world where opulence meets heritage, where each gemstone tells a story, and where the past entwines with the present in a breathtaking display of artistry. The Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery is more than an accessory—it is a masterpiece of refinement, an ode to ancient craftsmanship reimagined for the modern muse.

 

A Jewel of Timeless Craftsmanship:

 

At the heart of this exquisite collection lies the Multani Necklace, a regal adornment inspired by the mesmerizing artistry of Multan, the “City of Saints,” where vibrant hues of lapis, gold, and sapphire once adorned the noble courts of South Asia. The intricate hand-tooled silver and enamelwork, reminiscent of Mughal royal jewelry, brings a rich, historical depth to its design. Delicately sculpted filigree work, framed in fine silver plating, cradles each meticulously placed gemstone, forming an intricate tapestry of elegance.

 

Deep sapphire and amethyst-hued gemstones, kissed with a subtle shimmer of PBR materials, reflect the artistry of bygone eras, evoking the mystical allure of the Silk Road’s finest treasures. The accompanying earrings, featuring delicate silver dangles and ornate detailing, lend a graceful movement, catching the light with every turn—an enchanting dance of brilliance and sophistication.

 

The Influence of History in High Fashion:

 

Drawing upon the grandeur of Persian, Mughal, and Central Asian jewelry traditions, the Multani Collection embodies a fusion of heritage and haute couture. This collection pays homage to the intricate Jadau techniques and Kundan-style embellishments that once graced the necks of royalty, bringing forth a contemporary interpretation of historical elegance. It is a tribute to the timeless allure of bespoke, hand-crafted treasures, curated for those who appreciate jewelry as an art form.

 

Designed for the Modern Avatar:

 

Exclusively rigged for Legacy Classic and Reborn mesh bodies, the Multani Necklace is precision-fitted to ensure a flawless silhouette that enhances any ensemble. Whether adorning a regal evening gown, a contemporary cocktail dress, or an avant-garde couture piece, this statement necklace and earring set elevates your style to unparalleled sophistication.

 

Exclusive Release at the SWANK Wild Spring Event:

 

Indulge in this captivating work of wearable art, available exclusively at the SWANK Wild Spring Event. Embrace the beauty of antiquity—redefined for the modern connoisseur.

 

🌸 Shop Now at SWANK Wild Spring Event:

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/128/124/39

 

Drape yourself in legacy, luxury, and luminescence—experience the Multani Collection by Heartsdale Jewellery.

Power of God's words | God's Word "All Is Achieved by the Word of God" | The Church of Almighty God

 

www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/all-is-achieved-by-the-wo...

 

Introduction

Almighty God says, "God of the last days principally uses the word to make man perfect. He does not use signs and wonders to oppress man, or convince man; this cannot make plain the power of God. If God only showed signs and wonders, then it would be impossible to make plain the reality of God, and thus impossible to make man perfect. God does not make man perfect by signs and wonders, but uses the word to water and shepherd man, after which is achieved the complete obedience of man and man’s knowledge of God. This is the aim of the work He does and the words He speaks. God does not use the method of showing signs and wonders to make man perfect—He uses words, and uses many different methods of work to make man perfect. Whether it be the refinement, dealing, pruning, or provision of words, God speaks from many different perspectives to make man perfect, and to give man a greater knowledge of the work, wisdom and wondrousness of God. When man is made complete at the time that God concludes the age in the last days, he will be qualified to look upon signs and wonders. … The time that God shows signs and wonders is when God punishes man, and also when the age changes, and, moreover, when the age concludes. When God's Work is being carried out normally, He does not show signs and wonders."

Recommended for You:gospel music videos

 

Image Source: The Church of Almighty God

Terms of Use: en.godfootsteps.org/disclaimer.html

Miss Calline in car. "The Maltese Bichon originates from the Mediterranean basin, more precisely from Sicily in Italy, and not from the island of Malta as its name might suggest. This breed of dog dates back to Antiquity, where it was revered as a symbol luxury and refinement.

Taken last night, using 2 x Off Cam flash, one placed to the side and the other behind for backlit effect....needs a bit more refinement though.

No sign of the male but I could hear him, so was probably hunting around the adjacent freshly ploughed field.

Thanks for looking.

 

1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe.

 

The 1938 Chevrolet Master and Master DeLuxe were saddled with the unimaginative advertising slogan "The Car that is Complete." It was a year of refinement, for only minor modifications differentiated the 1938 Chevys from their 1937 counterparts. The 1938 Chevrolet Master and Master DeLuxe did get a smart new grille designed by Franklin Q. Hershey, a recent arrival from Pontiac. It featured horizontal, rather than vertical bars. Otherwise, styling was unchanged.

‘The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement.” – Arthur Gray

Westport (Irish: Cathair na Mart, meaning "stone fort of the beeves", historically anglicised as Cahernamart) is a town in County Mayo in Ireland. It is at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Westport is a popular tourist destination and scores highly for quality of life. It won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition three times in 2001, 2006 and 2008. In 2012 it won the Best Place to Live in Ireland competition run by The Irish Times.

 

The design for the town was commissioned in the 1780s by the John Browne of the nearby stately home, Westport House, as a place for his workers and tenants to live. John Browne cleared the original village of Cahernamart, that had 700 inhabitants, to make way for his gardens at Westport House.

 

The current town centre was originally designed by William Leeson in 1780, in the Georgian architectural style. Its layout follows the medieval principles of urban design introduced by the Normans in the 13th century. A particular feature is the incorporation of the river into the composition, contained for two blocks by low stone walls producing, on each side of the river, tree lined promenades (The Mall) with several stone bridges over the river Carrow Beg. The layout further includes several tree lined streets, addressed by the narrow fronted commercial buildings typical of Irish towns, though with many here remaining of a singular refinement and charm. Some modern interventions, such as the Garda station, are less successful in maintaining the original continuity of the urban fabric.

 

The famous pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known locally as "the Reek", lies some 10 km west of the town near the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. The mountain forms the backdrop to the town.

The last of three images I'm posting from my new favourite place in Wales!

 

To be fair, it's only about a mile from my previous favourite place in Wales, but hey, with age comes wisdom and refinement, right ? ;-)

 

I was taken to this location one afternoon in October by Greg Whitton and Lee Acaster on a (superb) workshop they ran. We went up to try to get some good evening light, but arrived nice and early with hours to spare. So I got a chance for quite a bit of roaming-around-handheld-snapping, just exploring and scouting spots for sunset. In the end I didn't get images I was pleased with from the evening , but looking back I actually quite like these earlier afternoon snaps... which give a sense of the place in all its wild, rocky grandeur.

 

If you want to see some proper, deeply classy landscapes from this neck of the woods, check out the quite brilliant Nicholas Livesey's stream!!

  

Mekhet are a clan in Vampire: the Requiem with an affinity to darkness. The hallmarks of the clan are stealth, finesse and wisdom.

 

There is often a certain amount of finesse and refinement in whatever Mekhet do. Mekhet can appear as stealthy information-gatherers, spies, assassins or scholars; but just as well they can be aristocrats making their mark in the societies of the damned. A Mekhet bodyguard for example is unlikely to rely on brute force, but rather know an ornate fighting style. A Mekhet thief is gracious or invisible, not a sloppy vandal. To the others, Mekhet appear to be the most ordinary of the kindred, the ones who seem to have the least to distinguish them from other vampires. They watch and hide, and the other clans don't seem to take much notice of them. Because Mekhet alone from the major clans have no powers of control over animals or people, they prefer to work in secret behind the scenes, via conspiracies and shadow cults. (Source: whitewolf.fandom.com/wiki/Mekhet_(VTR) )

Nature art

Science equally

Vision Refinement

We visited some historical sites in the San Pedro River area.

We hiked the Millville and Petroglyph Discovery Trails in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area. This is the view looking southwest across the San Pedro Riparian area with the Huachuca Mountains in the distance.

 

www.destination4x4.com/millville-arizona-cochse-county-gh...

Millville, Arizona, is a ghost town in Cochise County, located along the San Pedro River, approximately nine miles southwest of Tombstone. Established in the late 1870s during the Arizona Territory's silver mining boom, Millville served as a milling hub for processing silver ore from Tombstone's mines. Closely tied to the nearby town of Charleston, Millville's history reflects the rapid rise and fall of mining communities in the American West. This report explores Millville's origins, economic significance, social dynamics, decline, and current status, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.

Millville emerged in 1878 following Ed Schieffelin's discovery of silver in the Tombstone area. Schieffelin, along with his brother Al and partner Richard Gird, recognized the need for a milling operation to process the raw silver ore into bullion. The San Pedro River's water supply made it an ideal location, as water was essential for ore refinement, unlike the water-scarce Tombstone. Gird selected a site on the east bank of the San Pedro River, where two stamp mills, the Gird Mill and the Corbin Mill, were constructed to crush and process ore. Millville was formally established as the industrial heart of the region, with Charleston, on the west bank, serving as the residential and commercial settlement for mill workers and their families.

Today, Millville is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail, the Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail, which features interpretive signs about the area's history and petroglyphs. The trail, rated as easy, takes about 38 minutes to complete and offers views of the San Pedro River, ghost town ruins, and natural features. Visitors report informative signage but note the lack of shade and occasional hazards like rattlesnakes.

The BLM and organizations like the Friends of the San Pedro River work to preserve the sites, though no official signage marks Millville along Charleston Road. The ruins consist of stone walls, adobe foundations, and remnants of the Gird and Corbin Mills, visible from the trail. The nearby Clanton Ranch, Fairbanks ghost town, and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate add to the region's historical attractions.

Millville, Arizona, encapsulates the fleeting prosperity of the Wild West's mining boom. From its founding in 1878 to its abandonment by 1889, the town played a critical role in processing Tombstone's silver, driving economic growth in the San Pedro Valley. Its industrial focus, contrasted with Charleston's lively social scene, highlights the diverse dynamics of frontier life. Though reduced to ruins, Millville's legacy endures through preserved trails and historical narratives, offering a glimpse into Arizona's rugged past. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area ensures that Millville's story, alongside its natural and cultural surroundings, remains accessible to future generations.

 

Some rock art petroglyphs in the area.

 

Kartchner 2025

Southern Arizona Adventure 2025

 

Happy Bench Monday, HBM,

Il convento venne costruito assieme alla chiesa di San Bernardino per disposizione di Federico da Montefeltro.

Il progetto e la successiva realizzazione dell'opera vengono oggi attribuiti all'architetto ducale Francesco di Giorgio Martini (con l'aiuto nella direzione dei lavori del giovane e promettente Donato Bramante).

Il convento, dei Frati Minori, pare contrastare la raffinatezza della chiesa con l'austerità e la semplicità dei tradizionali edifici francescani.

L'edificio ha il suo fulcro nel chiostro a pilastri architravati.

 

The convent was built together with the church of San Bernardino by order of Federico da Montefeltro.

The project and the subsequent realization of the work are today attributed to the ducal architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini (with the help in the direction of the works of the young and promising Donato Bramante).

The convent, belonging to the Friars Minor, seems to contrast the refinement of the church with the austerity and simplicity of the traditional Franciscan buildings.

The building has its fulcrum in the cloister with architraved pillars.

 

IMG_1224m

The St. Andrew's Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital. It is currently one of four architectural landmarks of Ukraine, which were put down on the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. It is sometimes referred to as a cathedral. The church is part of the National Sanctuary "Sophia of Kiev" as a landmark of cultural heritage.

 

The church was constructed in 1747–1754, to a design by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Famous architect designed this five-domed church with one cupola in baroque style. It is still called Rastelli’s "swan song." The temple is in the form of a cross, and its edges are decorated with fancy ornamental towers.

 

As any baroque object, the St. Andrew's Church is notable for its unusual elegance, luxurious decor, exquisite refinement, and airiness of form. But even more impressive is the church’s interior – suited for a luxurious palace – which was also designed by the great Rastrelli. Its key decoration is the original bright-red iconostasis, made of linden wood and covered with gold.

 

Today, the St. Andrew's Church is a working temple, and services are conducted here. It also houses a museum, whose collection tells the difficult history of this architectural masterpiece.

The wine has a golden-green color. The rich, harmonious aroma of the wine is enhanced by hints of white fruits, peach, acacia, linden, and citrus. The taste of refinement and harmony. Light, refreshing, balanced wine with good structure and a pleasantly soft aftertaste. Chudove wine, like an aperitif. I enjoy it most when it is cooled down to 6-8 degrees Celsius.

 

Вино прозоре золотисто-зеленого кольору. Багатий гармонійний аромат вина увібрав відтінки білих квітів, персика, акації, липи, цитрусових. Смак витончений та гармонійний. Легке, освіжаюче, збалансоване вино з гарною структурою та приємним м'яким після смаком. Вино чудове, як аперитив. Найкраще смакую, будучи охлажденим до 6-8 градусів за Цельсієм.

 

The vineyards of Piedmont Langhe, Roero and Monteferato were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

Interestingly, the soils of these vineyards are not particularly fertile, and vegetables and grains are not grown there at all. But they are excellent for growing grapes, from which high-quality wines are then made, including the “wine of kings” - Barolo, one of the most famous Italian wines.

 

Виноградники П'ємонта Ланге, Роеро та Монтеферато у 2014 році були включені до списку Всесвітньої спадщини Юнеско.

Що цікаво, ґрунти цих виноградників не відрізняються особливою родючістю, і там взагалі не вирощуються овочі та злаки. Але вони чудово підходять для вирощування винограду, з якого потім роблять високоякісні вина, серед яких "вино королів" - Бароло, одне з найвідоміших італійських вин.

 

Одного разу, будучи шанувальником червоного вина, я необачливо висловився відносно білого (щось на кшталт «червоне більш до вподоби тому що.. « і далі про кислотність, відчуття після смаку і його тривалость). На моє щастя візаві, як потім з’ясувалося, був справжнім поціновувачем білих вин. Він не став заперечувати, а через деякий час подарував нам Vietti Roero Arneis 2021 року.

Досить велика вартість пляшки цього вина, в моєму уявленні, вже передбачала неабияку якість, але реальні смакові відчуття від цього вина набагато перевищили очікувані.

І я почав шукати і читати про все, що мало відношення до Arneis - чи всі вина з цього сорту винограду так само гарно смакують, чи є ще хтось, крім родини Vietti, хто створює настільки якісне вино з сорту Arneis, чи можливо їх придбати в Україні, тощо. І головне, чи можна придбати таке саме якісне, але за більш бюджетну ціну.

І мені пощастило знайти таке вино. На світлині Marrone “Arneis” DOC Langhe 2018, за ціною майже вдвічі меншою, якість якого можна сміливо порівняти з якістю Vietti Roero Arneis. Тому що воно того варте. Якщо можете придбати, - не сумнівайтесь. Так званих «любителів міцного», прохання не турбуватись.

At least half a dozen Baltimore Oriole pairs are currently in town, stopping for refreshments on their way north, or - in some cases - building their nests here. Among our most beautiful migratory songbirds, they arrive depleted and seem to crave oranges above all. Obviously they are birds of refinement and good taste. This one is at Laureen's feeder, down the street a couple of blocks from my home. What a pleasure to see their bright orange plumage flashing between the newly green trees of the village!

 

Photographed in Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2019 James R. Page - all rights reserved.

This was an un-numbered Scale Trains SD40T-2 that I "did up" in 2020. I also made improvements/refinements to some of the details, such as A-Line wipers, and enhanced the cab interior. Look closely, and you'll notice the fireman reading a newspaper.

Le quai Président-Wilson est un ancien quai industriel sur la Loire, d’une longueur totale de 1,5 km, situé au sud-ouest de l’île de Nantes, le long d'un des bras de la Loire baptisé « bras de Pirmil », de part et d’autre du pont des 3 Continents. Construit pendant la « Grande guerre » sur la rive sud de l'ancienne île Sainte-Anne puis agrandi pendant les années 1920 pour atteindre une longueur d'un kilomètre, il est considéré comme un des plus grands quais de France à l'époque. Les ouvrages ont été construits à des périodes différentes s’étalant sur la première moitié du XXème siècle, et certains ont subi des dommages importants au cours de la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale, ayant entraîné une reconstruction partielle de la partie sur voûtes ainsi qu’une reconstruction totale de la partie massive sur pieux. Il était utilisé pour la circulation de grues roulantes et de convois de marchandises. Jusqu'à l'arrêt définitif de son activité en 2007, il permet d'importer les matières premières approvisionnant les industries implantées sur place, à savoir du sucre de canne brut destiné à être raffiné dans l'usine de Béghin-Say, des engrais chimiques Timac), du fer-blanc destiné à la fabrication d'ustensiles de cuisine et de boîtes de conserves et d'exporter de la ferraille. Avec l’arrêt des activités portuaires du quai, au début des années 2000, les cinq grues Mofag, de 158 tonnes chacune, qui s'y trouvaient ont été déménagé vers d'autres sites du grand port maritime de Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.

 

The President-Wilson quay is a former industrial quay on the Loire, with a total length of 1.5 km, located to the south-west of the Ile de Nantes, along one of the arms of the Loire called "arms de Pirmil ”, on either side of the 3 Continents Bridge. Built during the “Great War” on the south shore of the former Île Sainte-Anne then enlarged during the 1920s to reach a length of one kilometer, it was considered to be one of the largest docks in France at the time. The structures were built at different times spanning the first half of the twentieth century, and some suffered significant damage during World War II, leading to a partial reconstruction of the vaulted part as well as a reconstruction. total of the massive part on piles. It was used for the movement of rolling cranes and freight convoys. Until the final cessation of its activity in 2007, it allows the import of raw materials supplying industries established on site, namely raw cane sugar intended for refinement in the Béghin-Say plant, fertilizers Timac chemicals), tinplate for the manufacture of kitchen utensils and cans and for the export of scrap metal. With the cessation of port activities at the quay in the early 2000s, the five Mofag cranes, each weighing 158 tonnes, were moved to other sites in the large seaport of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.

 

Veuillez ne pas utiliser mes images sur des sites Web, des blogs ou d'autres médias sans ma permission écrite. Si vous souhaitez utiliser mes images sur des sites Web, des blogs ou d'autres médias contacter moi par message ou sur mon site web !

 

Please do not use my images on websites, blogs or other media without my written permission. If you want to use my images on websites, blogs or other media contact me by message or on my website!

 

www.istvanszekany.com/

 

"I think art is not an ornament or refinement

at the fringes of human intelligence,

I think it's at the center.

It's at the core."

~ Robert Pinsky ~

 

Rishton is one of the most famous and oldest centers of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Legend claims that the art is over 800 years old, passed down from generation to generation.

 

A fine quality reddish-yellow clay deposit 1-1.5 meters deep and 0.5-1.5 meters thick underlies almost the whole Rishton area. The clay can be used without refinement or addition of other types of clay from other regions. Besides clay, the potters of Rishton extracted various dyes, quartz sand, and fire clay from the surrounding the mountains.

 

The history of producing ceramics here goes back to the seventh century. In the late 19th – early 20th centuries, almost all the population of Rishton were potters. Its clay is suitable for making the whole variety of ceramic goods and the repertoire of ornamental patterns in the Rishton ceramics is one of the richest. Today, over 2000 craftsmen use both traditional techniques and modern machinery to produce over 5 million items per year. The traditional design has a blue-green glaze, called “iskor”. In the 1960s, this technique had almost died out, but has now recovered, thanks to the efforts of the artisans themselves.

 

Main languages spoken in this area are Tajik and Uzbek.

“to live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony...."

 

~ william ellery channing

  

We visited some historical sites in the San Pedro River area.

We hiked the Millville and Petroglyph Discovery Trails in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area.

 

www.destination4x4.com/millville-arizona-cochse-county-gh...

Millville, Arizona, is a ghost town in Cochise County, located along the San Pedro River, approximately nine miles southwest of Tombstone. Established in the late 1870s during the Arizona Territory’s silver mining boom, Millville served as a milling hub for processing silver ore from Tombstone’s mines. Closely tied to the nearby town of Charleston, Millville’s history reflects the rapid rise and fall of mining communities in the American West. This report explores Millville’s origins, economic significance, social dynamics, decline, and current status, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.

Millville emerged in 1878 following Ed Schieffelin’s discovery of silver in the Tombstone area. Schieffelin, along with his brother Al and partner Richard Gird, recognized the need for a milling operation to process the raw silver ore into bullion. The San Pedro River’s water supply made it an ideal location, as water was essential for ore refinement, unlike the water-scarce Tombstone. Gird selected a site on the east bank of the San Pedro River, where two stamp mills—the Gird Mill and the Corbin Mill—were constructed to crush and process ore. Millville was formally established as the industrial heart of the region, with Charleston, on the west bank, serving as the residential and commercial settlement for mill workers and their families.

Today, Millville is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail, the Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail, which features interpretive signs about the area’s history and petroglyphs. The trail, rated as easy, takes about 38 minutes to complete and offers views of the San Pedro River, ghost town ruins, and natural features. Visitors report informative signage but note the lack of shade and occasional hazards like rattlesnakes.

The BLM and organizations like the Friends of the San Pedro River work to preserve the sites, though no official signage marks Millville along Charleston Road. The ruins consist of stone walls, adobe foundations, and remnants of the Gird and Corbin Mills, visible from the trail. The nearby Clanton Ranch, Fairbanks ghost town, and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate add to the region’s historical attractions.

Millville, Arizona, encapsulates the fleeting prosperity of the Wild West’s mining boom. From its founding in 1878 to its abandonment by 1889, the town played a critical role in processing Tombstone’s silver, driving economic growth in the San Pedro Valley. Its industrial focus, contrasted with Charleston’s lively social scene, highlights the diverse dynamics of frontier life. Though reduced to ruins, Millville’s legacy endures through preserved trails and historical narratives, offering a glimpse into Arizona’s rugged past. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area ensures that Millville’s story, alongside its natural and cultural surroundings, remains accessible to future generations.

 

Some rock art petroglyphs in the area.

 

Kartchner 2025

Southern Arizona Adventure 2025

The Falcon's Scepter was developed and manufactured just before the start of a the Martian civil wars, and came to represent the oppression and removal of civil liberties under the rule of the monarch tyrant "Steve". A true fighter and bomber hybrid - this fast and deadly vessel could successfully defend its payload deep into enemy territory and strike at the heart of the resistance.

 

Reminds me of a slightly more refined version of my "Boom wing.

m.flickr.com/#/photos/53458657@N04/19885267328/

m.flickr.com/#/photos/53458657@N04/14408471310/

 

Another shot on black with some mild refinements so unoticable that you probably won't even notice.

 

Also, I should mention it fits a fig, and the wings are slightly adjustable to form different configurations.

 

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Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. Single shot, refinement and 7:5 crop in Affinity Photo.

 

I was born a child

An atheist that is

In a conception of love

Tell me about yours, please.

 

Nothing tells time better

Than nine months in confinement

After all that darkness, yes

I needed a refinement.

 

Now they tell me I am Godlike

And that all roads lead to Rome

I want to know the truth

What is my real Home? b.mikic

A view of Chester station taken from the Hoole Road over-bridge catches a 3-car Merseyrail class 507 unit, 507008, leaving the station with the 3.45pm train to Hooton (2H40).

 

The station, once named Chester General and jointly operated by the London & North Western Railway and Great Western Railway companies, was opened in 1848. It still carries a good deal of its original brickwork and architecture, although refinements and modifications over the years now see it somewhat rationalised and sporting a mixture of different styles, especially platform side.

 

The purpose of this shot is purely record, aimed at capturing one of the soon-to-disappear class 507 3rd rail Merseyrail units.

 

3.45pm, 22nd March 2019

Of cliches, overshot locations, and long lines... I've been shooting this tree now for 11 years. I've missed a few autumns here and there, but nearly every year I've returned to this tree. When I first shot this tree, there was no waiting, no line, no signs informing you of a 15 minute time limit. Now there is often long lines filled with people who have traveled far and wide to photograph this tree. I've met people from as far away as Iceland and South Africa who have come for this tree. Everyone has a shot of it. It would seem nothing original is possible about it anymore. But yet somehow when there was a nice blanket of fog in the garden the other day, I felt compelled to shoot the cliched shot, process it, and post it. I guess because no matter how many times it's been shot, it looks fantastic. Even more so with fog. Every year now just seems to be a slight refinement. Slightly different conditions make all the difference. But now that I finally have a shot in the fog that I've been on the hunt for over the past several years, I'm not sure where to go next. Maybe it's time to find a different tree.

 

I could post other photos from this day of other parts of the garden which look fantastic in the fog, but I know they will just languish here on social media. So here it is. Maybe for the last autumn I will share a photo from underneath it.

 

Laceleaf maple on a foggy autumn morning in the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon, USA.

 

Prints: tom-schwabel.pixels.com

 

This is a copyrighted image with all rights reserved. Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, facebook, or other media without my explicit permission. See profile page for information on prints and licensing.

 

Bản quyền hình ảnh. Không sử dụng mà không được phép.

Авторское изображение. Не используйте без разрешения.

受版权保护的图像。未经许可,请勿使用。

“I love tulips better than any other spring flower; they are the embodiment of alert cheerfulness and tidy grace, and next to a hyacinth look like a wholesome, freshly tubbed young girl beside a stout lady whose every movement weighs down the air with patchouli. Their faint, delicate scent is refinement itself; and is there anything in the world more charming than the sprightly way they hold up their little faces to the sun. I have heard them called bold and flaunting, but to me they seem modest grace itself, only always on the alert to enjoy life as much as they can and not be afraid of looking the sun or anything else above them in the face.”

― Elizabeth von Arnim

 

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Thanks a lot to all for visits and comments... !

Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

   

 

Ceiling inside les Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

In October 1912, the new store’s inauguration was a major event. The store’s 5 floors, balconies and glass dome were advertised all over Paris, the provinces and even globally as pure refinement. Inspired by a neo-Byzantine style, the 33-meter high glass dome comprises of 10 painted windows encapsulated in rich metallic frames and decorated in a sculpted floral motif.

  

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