It’s been a while since I posted a real moc but here it is, this was built for the Dark Times Group which I highly suggest you check out if you haven’t already. I am happy to say that this is the moc I am most proud of so far! I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

Story:

Arkus Noraga received word from one of his underworld intelligence sources of a possible store of Jedi artifacts on Batuu. The contact provided Noraga with the coordinates of a small insurgent cell located in the hills a short journey from Black Spire outpost. In hopes that the locals that formed the insurgent cell would have more specific information on the whereabouts of Jedi artifacts and the imperial occupation of Batuu, Noraga payed a visit to these rebels. Noraga smuggled with him highly valued weaponry through the imperial forces surrounding Batuu to bring the insurgent group in hopes it would encourage them to hand him the information he needed to have a more than successful business trip on Batuu.

Noraga landed 3 clicks south of the insurgent base and moved in on foot so as not to startle the rebels into any unfavorable decision making. The journey on foot took the smuggler through one of Batuu’s many jungles. As he journeyed north towards the rebel base he noticed several looming petrified grey trees, the ancient giants referred to by the locals as spires. The rest of the vegetation in the jungle consisted primarily of green trees that clung to the rocks and grew up wherever possible, almost encasing everything they could.

After a little under an hour of walking Noraga reached the rebel hideout, after lugging the crate of weaponry onto their platform he noticed that the platform appeared to be constructed from some clone wars era ship or machinery, it was old but sturdy and some of the components were still visible. The rebel base was set back in a rock face, it had the green foliage growing up around and threatening to swallow it, from above it wasn’t surprising that the base was so hidden.

The insurgents seemingly appeared on the platform from around the sides of the outpost, clearly having another secret entryway. Upon their seeing the weaponry and hearing the explanation the smuggler had to give they were more than accepting of his terms, they honestly seemed on board with anything that would cause the empire trouble.

Lovely sillouette of many mountains specific the Balsam Cordillera and several other volcanoes specially the Quetzaltepeque or San Salvador Volcano.

Una bonita cadena de montañas con destaque para la Cordillera del Bálsamo, en primera plana. También aparece la silueta de algunos otros volcanes especialmente el de San Salvador.

Uma silhueta bonita das muitas montanhas deste pequeno e rico país de El Salvador. A maior se chama Cordilheira do Bálsamo e atrás está o Vulcão de San Salvador.

On Explore - February 8, 2024 - Thanks to all my Flickr friends!

We know that ladybugs hibernate in the cold, but I even came across them in the park last month when the sun showed itself. It is also possible that this individual is looking for a new place for itself. It would be fair to say that I was surprised by the ladybug that I chanced upon on a snowdrop on a cloudy and cold morning. This is the photo I captured by quickly grabbing my camera from my car and taking it without a tripod. The delicate balance of nature never fails to amaze me.

Ladybugs, like many other insects, go through a period of dormancy during the winter months, known as hibernation. During hibernation, ladybugs typically seek out sheltered spots such as under leaf litter, in tree bark crevices, or inside buildings to protect themselves from the cold temperatures. They enter a state of reduced metabolic activity, conserving energy until warmer weather returns.

Ladybugs hibernate in groups, which provides them with added protection and warmth. They release a chemical signal that attracts other ladybugs to gather in clusters, known as aggregations. These aggregations can sometimes be quite large, with thousands of ladybugs huddled together.

As the weather begins to warm up in spring, ladybugs become more active and start to emerge from their hibernation sites. They begin searching for food and mates to start the reproductive cycle anew. This emergence from hibernation is often observed by people who may find ladybugs crawling out of their winter hiding spots and venturing into the open once again.

Ladybug populations in the UK can vary depending on factors such as habitat, climate, and food availability. While specific population numbers may not be readily available, ladybugs are common and widespread throughout the UK, with numerous species found across various habitats including gardens, parks, woodlands, and agricultural fields.

Ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Some of the benefits they provide in natural life include:

Controlling nature's pests: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, mites, and other garden pests. By feeding on these pests, ladybugs help to keep their populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture and gardening.

Pollination: While ladybugs are primarily known as predators, some species also feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from flower to flower in search of food, they inadvertently aid in pollination, facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants.

Indicator Species: Changes in ladybug populations can serve as indicators of environmental health. Monitoring ladybug populations can help scientists assess the impact of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution on ecosystems.

Food Source for Predators: Ladybugs serve as an important food source for various predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Their presence contributes to the food web and supports the survival of higher trophic levels in ecosystems.

Aesthetic Value: Ladybugs are beloved by many people for their bright colors, distinctive markings, and gentle demeanor. Their presence adds beauty and charm to gardens and natural landscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic value of these environments.

Overall, ladybugs play multifaceted roles in ecosystems, from providing valuable ecosystem services to captivating human observers with their fascinating behavior and appearance. Protecting and conserving ladybug populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices.

I've captured some moments with my camera, and I sincerely hope you'll find the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.

Thank you so much for visiting my stream, whether you comments , favorites or just have a look.

I appreciate it very much, wishing the best of luck and good light.

© All rights reserved R.Ertug Please do not use this image without my explicit written permission. Contact me by Flickr mail if you want to buy or use Your comments and critiques are very well appreciated.

Thanks for stopping and looking :)

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoneceus) Peninisula Pond, Thomson Marsh, Kelowna, BC. So named because he reminds me of a TUVU (Turkey Vulture).... Ac'tually, I think this Peninsula Percy because of his specific hangout, but it's hard to tell....

I can't remember where I've seen this design before, but today while messing around it just kinda can together. I have a large amount of this specific rebel helmet so I just sharpied on this one. This may also be used in a Star Wars project I have in the works. I really like this design so far, but this is my only torso of this kind, so I'm not sure how I'll get a squad of this kind going.

A cold clear morning sees the Norbord Inverness plant, off the A96, venting steam to great effect.

The plant produces oriented strand board (OSB), part of the organisations line in wood products, which also includes chipboard and MDF.

OSB, also known as flakeboard, sterling board and aspenite in British English, is a type of engineered lumber similar to particle board, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands (flakes) in specific orientations. It was invented by Armin Elmendorf in California in 1963.

Specific "riparian" crown form in Quercus robur. On the edge of the hogh steep left bank of the Volga river in Togliatti

Spain : 1972 - 1973 for this specific model. The L series are the very last 600 made in Spain. Some were exported and rebadged as FIAT.

Total production since 1957 :

815.549 units

4 cylinder 767cc rear engine

32 HP DIN @ 5000 rpm

4 speed manual gearbox

Length : 3,29m

Weight : 615 kg

Speed : 115 km/h

A group of us visited three specific sites in Pickens County, in the upstate of South Carolina over the weekend of March 19-20, 2021. Lots of wildflowers in full bloom. These are just a sampling of what we saw.

For the full trip report, please go to Jim's Blog.

Site-specific installation called "Glowing Core" by German artist Rebecca Horn (b.1944).

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Horn

The name of the building is Llotja de Palma, a historic building with Gothic design, built between 1426 and 1448. The building was originally the headquarters of the School of Merchants.

SN/NC: Ochna Serrulata Syn Ochna Atropurpurea, Ochnaceae Family

It is commonly known as the small-leaved plane, carnival ochna, bird's eye bush, Mickey mouse plant or Mickey Mouse bush due to the plant's ripe blackfruit, which upside down resembles the ears of Mickey Mouse, and bright-red sepals, which resembles his trousers) is an ornamental garden plant in the family Ochnaceae which is indigenous to South Africa. It is planted in southern African gardens and is an invasive species in Australia and New Zealand. Ochna serrulata was first described by the German naturalist Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, and given its current binomial name by Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin serrula "little saw", and refers to its fine-toothed leaf margins.

Ochna serrulata (comumente conhecido como avião de folhas pequenas, carnaval ochna, arbusto olho de pássaro, planta do Mickey Mouse ou arbusto do Mickey Mouse devido à fruta preta madura da planta, que de cabeça para baixo lembra as orelhas do Mickey Mouse, e sépalas vermelhas brilhantes, que lembra suas calças) é uma planta ornamental de jardim da família Ochnaceae, indígena da África do Sul. É plantada em jardins da África Austral e é uma espécie invasora na Austrália e na Nova Zelândia. Ochna serrulata foi descrita pela primeira vez pelo naturalista alemão Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, e recebeu seu nome binomial atual por Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. Seu epíteto específico é derivado do latim serrula "pequena serra" e refere-se às margens dentadas das folhas.

Ochna serrulata (comúnmente conocida como avión de hoja pequeña, ochna de carnaval, arbusto ojo de pájaro, planta de Mickey Mouse o arbusto de Mickey Mouse debido a los frutos negros maduros de la planta, que al revés se asemejan a las orejas de Mickey Mouse, y a sus sépalos de color rojo brillante, que se parece a sus pantalones) es una planta de jardín ornamental de la familia Ochnaceae que es autóctona de Sudáfrica. Se planta en jardines del sur de África y es una especie invasora en Australia y Nueva Zelanda. Ochna serrulata fue descrita por primera vez por el naturalista alemán Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, y Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers le dio su nombre binomial actual. Su epíteto específico se deriva del latín serrula "pequeña sierra" y se refiere a los márgenes de sus hojas de dientes finos.

Ochna serrulata (communément appelé avion à petites feuilles, ochna du carnaval, buisson à œil d'oiseau, plante de Mickey Mouse ou buisson de Mickey Mouse en raison du fruit noir mûr de la plante, qui à l'envers ressemble aux oreilles de Mickey Mouse, et des sépales rouge vif, qui ressemble à son pantalon) est une plante ornementale de jardin de la famille des Ochnacées, originaire d'Afrique du Sud. Il est planté dans les jardins d'Afrique australe et constitue une espèce envahissante en Australie et en Nouvelle-Zélande. Ochna serrulata a été décrite pour la première fois par le naturaliste allemand Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, et son nom binomial actuel a été donné par Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. Son épithète spécifique est dérivée du latin serrula « petite scie » et fait référence à ses bords de feuilles finement dentés.

Ochna serrulata (allgemein bekannt als Kleinblättrige Platane, Karnevals-Ochna, Vogelaugenstrauch, Micky-Maus-Pflanze oder Micky-Maus-Strauch wegen der reifen schwarzen Früchte der Pflanze, die auf den Kopf gestellt den Ohren von Mickey Mouse ähneln, und leuchtend roten Kelchblättern, die... ähnelt seiner Hose) ist eine Ziergartenpflanze aus der Familie der Ochnaceae, die in Südafrika beheimatet ist. Sie wird in südafrikanischen Gärten gepflanzt und ist in Australien und Neuseeland eine invasive Art. Ochna serrulata wurde erstmals vom deutschen Naturforscher Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter beschrieben und erhielt ihren heutigen Binomialnamen von Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. Sein spezifischer Beiname leitet sich vom lateinischen serrula „kleine Säge" ab und bezieht sich auf die fein gezähnten Blattränder.

Ochna serrulata (comunemente conosciuta come platano dalle foglie piccole, ochna di carnevale, cespuglio a volo d'uccello, pianta di Topolino o cespuglio di Topolino a causa del frutto nero maturo della pianta, che capovolto ricorda le orecchie di Topolino, e dei sepali rosso vivo, che assomiglia ai suoi pantaloni) è una pianta ornamentale da giardino della famiglia delle Ochnaceae, originaria del Sud Africa. È piantato nei giardini dell'Africa meridionale ed è una specie invasiva in Australia e Nuova Zelanda. Ochna serrulata fu descritta per la prima volta dal naturalista tedesco Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter e le venne dato l'attuale nome binomiale da Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. Il suo epiteto specifico deriva dal latino serrula "piccola sega", e si riferisce ai margini della foglia finemente dentati.

Ochna serrulata (algemeen bekend als de kleinbladige plataan, carnaval ochna, vogeloogstruik, Mickey Mouse-plant of Mickey Mouse-struik vanwege het rijpe zwarte fruit van de plant, dat ondersteboven lijkt op de oren van Mickey Mouse, en de felrode kelkblaadjes, die lijkt op zijn broek) is een siertuinplant uit de familie Ochnaceae die inheems is in Zuid-Afrika. Het wordt geplant in Zuid-Afrikaanse tuinen en is een invasieve soort in Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland. Ochna serrulata werd voor het eerst beschreven door de Duitse natuuronderzoeker Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, en kreeg zijn huidigebinomiale naam door Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers. De soortnaam is afgeleid van het Latijnse serrula "kleine zaag", en verwijst naar de fijn getande bladranden.

オクナ・セルラータ（逆さまにするとミッキーマウスの耳に似た熟した黒い果実と、真っ赤ながく片から、小葉の飛行機、カーニバルオクナ、バーズアイブッシュ、ミッキーマウスプラントまたはミッキーマウスブッシュとして一般に知られています）彼のズボンに似ています）は、南アフリカ原産のオクナセ科の観賞用園芸植物です。アフリカ南部の庭園に植えられており、オーストラリアとニュージーランドでは外来種です。オクナ・セルラータはドイツの博物学者クリスチャン・フェルディナント・フリードリヒ・ホッホシュテッターによって最初に記載され、ヴィルヘルム・ゲルハルト・ヴァルパースによって現在の二項名が与えられました。種小名はラテン語のセルラ「小さなのこぎり」に由来しており、細かい歯のある葉の縁を指します。

Ochna serrulata (المعروفة باسم الطائرة صغيرة الأوراق، أوكنا الكرنفال، أو شجيرة عين الطير، أو نبات ميكي ماوس أو شجيرة ميكي ماوس بسبب الفاكهة السوداء الناضجة للنبات، والتي تشبه آذان ميكي ماوس رأسًا على عقب، والكؤوس الحمراء الزاهية، والتي يشبه بنطاله) هو نبات زينة من فصيلة Ochnaceae وموطنه الأصلي جنوب أفريقيا. يتم زراعته في حدائق الجنوب الأفريقي وهو من الأنواع الغازية في أستراليا ونيوزيلندا. تم وصف Ochna serrulata لأول مرة من قبل عالم الطبيعة الألماني كريستيان فرديناند فريدريش هوتشستيتر، وأعطي اسمها الحالي ذو الحدين بواسطة فيلهلم جيرهارد فالبرز. لقبها المحدد مشتق من اللاتينية serrula ("المنشار الصغير")، ويشير إلى هوامش أوراقها ذات الأسنان الدقيقة.

"the woman invisible to herself " is a site specific performance installation in and around the old Sunshine Biscuit Factory in Oakland, CA by Dance-Theater Choreographer Mary Armentrout. I have done work with Mary in various capacities (on and off stage) for the past decade and the thing I love about her work is that it is very abstract yet extremely accessible to the non-artist (i.e. you can see her work and be able to "get it" without being an MFA), yet not so dumbed down to not be poignant to career artists as well. On this show I'm setting up and operating all the A/V gear and this go around she let me bring my Hasselblad to do a little shooting during the performance.

This is my first attempt at push processing C-41 film. This is shot via available light on the rooftop of the old factory just after sunset, so It was getting dark fast. In this shot I was also panning with the dancers' movement. Pretty interesting results (although it's very grainy).

Ilford XP2 super - C41 (pushed 2 stops) - (processed @ Light Waves Imaging)

SEKONIC L-778 DUAL SPOT F METER

(shot @ 1600ASA, exposure unrecorded, no filtration used)

Hasselblad 500C (1968) w/120mm f5.6 Zeiss S-Planar T*

Epson PERFECTION V750-M PRO SCANNER

(20110716_XP2_pushed2_C41_511041_017)

Lions do not mate at a specific time of year and the females are polyestrous. Like those of other cats, the male lion's penis has spines that point backward. During withdrawal of the penis, the spines rake the walls of the female's vagina, which may cause ovulation. A lioness may mate with more than one male when she is in heat. They normally mate after every 15-20 minutes for 2-3 days whilst on their honeymoon. The average gestation period is around 110 days; the female gives birth to a litter of between one and four cubs in a secluded den, which may be a thicket, a reed-bed, a cave, or some other sheltered area, usually away from the pride.

This shot of two adult males,part of survey area pride, mating with a singel female lioness was captured during my recent visit to Masai Mara ,Oct 2020. Both male took in turn to mate with the lioness though one of the male was more successful than his mate.....

Please left click with your mouse to appreciate the photograph at full resolution.

A superb historical "Association Item" connecting Israeli literature with its legendary political leadership. This July 22, 1959, First Day Cover commemorates the national poet Chaim Nachman Bialik Scott (#155) and features the prized original tab.

"This FDC was signed: Circa 1977–1979" Note: Although the philatelic issue is 1959, the signatures were obtained during the 18th Cabinet of Israel, when Ehrlich (Finance), Abuhatzeira (Religion), and Burg (Interior) served together under Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Hayim Nahman Bialik (Hebrew: January 9, 1873 – July 4, 1934] was a Russian-Jewish poet who wrote primarily in Hebrew and Yiddish. Bialik is considered a pioneer of modern Hebrew poetry, part of the vanguard of Jewish thinkers who gave voice to a new spirit of his time, and recognized today as Israel's national poet. Being a noted essayist, poet and story-teller, Bialik also translated major works from European languages into Hebrew. The variation in his first name arises from different transliterations of the Hebrew name(Chaim/Hayim/Hayyim).

Common variations of his name include:

Hayyim Nahman Bialik

Haim Nahman Bialik

Chajim Nachman Bialik

The Scott number for the Chaim Nachman Bialik stamp issued by Israel in 1959 is 155. The stamp was released on July 22, 1959, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death.

Key details of the issue include:

Denomination: 250 Pruta.

Subject: A portrait of Bialik.

Designers: Gavriel and Maxim Shamir.

Other Catalog Numbers: It is also identified as Michel 182, Stanley Gibbons 155, and Yvert 155.

Shlomo Joseph Burg (Hebrew: romanized: Shlomo Yosef Burg‎, 31 January 1909 – 15 October 1999) was a German-born Israeli politician. In 1949, he was elected to the first Knesset and served in many ministerial positions for the next 40 years. He was one of the founders of the National Religious Party. He held the Minister of Interior portfolio during this same window, specifically from 1977 to 1984.

Simha Erlich (Hebrew: December 1915` – 19 June 1983) was an Israeli politician. Erlich was leader of the Liberal Party and served in the Knesset from 1969 to 1983. Erlich notably served as Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, where he was known for his efforts to liberalize the Israeli economy, and also served as Deputy Prime Minister of Israel. He served as the Minister of Finance from 1977 to 1979. He resigned from this specific post in late 1979, making it the most restrictive date for the set.

Aharon Abuhatzira (Hebrew: 28 October 1938 – 21 September 2021) was an Israeli politician. After serving as mayor of Ramla, he held several ministerial portfolios in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He resigned from the cabinet after being convicted of larceny, breach of trust and fraud. He was the Minister of Religious Affairs from 1977 to 1981.

In specific, Holy Week is the week just before Easter that extends from Palm Sunday until Holy Saturday and marks the last week of Lent. It has earned the name 'Holy', according to the Orthodox Church, due to the significant events that take place for Christianity in regard to the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Saturday evening is filled with the anticipation of celebrating Easter Sunday. In some areas, people begin to gather in the churches and squares in cities, towns and villages by 11pm for the Easter liturgies. A few minutes before midnight, all the lights are turned off and the priest exits the altar holding candles lit by the Holy Light, which is distributed to everyone inside and outside the church. At midnight, the priest exits the church and announces the resurrection of Jesus. Many people carry large white candles called lambada, and the church bells toll as the priests announce “Christ is Risen!” at midnight. Each person in the crowd replies with a similarly joyous response.

The capital of the Republic of Cyprus is also its cultural heartbeat.

Nicosia is the capital and largest city on the island of Cyprus, as well as its main business centre.

There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.

We are making photographs to understand what our lives mean to us.

The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.

The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.

I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.

Kennedy And His Soul's Love Of The Sea - IMRAN™

Sometimes people think a dog owner can make their dog sit in a way that evokes a particular feeling or projects some specific personality.

My beloved, precious, rescued German Shepherd Dog Kennedy came into my life at the start of 2019. He was initially so afraid of the water—likely from traumatic experiences—that he would sit by the barbecue grill twenty feet away even if I went into the swimming pool.

I had not heard him bark even once, nor go into any kind of water. To get him into the water, I waded into Tampa Bay and tempted him to join me.

That was six months after his coming to his forever home with me. It was so funny to see him come up the water and run off to avoid getting wet.

It was also the first time he barked… and his bark was incredible! Ironically, he barked at me, as if saying, “Come out on to land and play like a real master!”

But then he got bolder and walked closer to me. I could see his expression of “WooTooF!” when he felt the strange sensation of water buoyancy on his body.

Within a few minutes, his natural ability to swim kicked in, literally. And just like that, in one experience, he transformed into a sea dog.

He literally HAD to go into Tampa Bay water every chance he got, regardless of the weather. He even started wading into the pool and grudgingly would even swim.

But I did not have to ever pose him to show his soul being at heart with the sea. You can see this in almost all his photos by the seaside.

This picture is actually a panorama of six handheld iPhone photos taken on April 28, 2022. Kennedy sat absolutely still overlooking Tampa Bay so it looks like a single shot image.

We were at my Symphony Isles neighborhood. I captured it from several hundred feet away while playing with then-2-year-old K2 on one side of the empty lot.

You can see Kennedy sitting at the far end, casually gazing at the bay. It was in his soul. Kennedy and his love of the sea were real. Best Dog Ever!

© 2022-2024 IMRAN™

Chestnut-eared Bunting (Emberiza fucata), Tianliaoyang, Taiwan

Ebird checklist:

ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33849752

The chestnut-eared bunting (Emberiza fucata, also called grey-headed bunting or grey-hooded bunting, the latter name also used for grey-necked bunting) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae.

The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific fucata is Latin for "painted" from fucare, "to paint red".

Source: Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut-eared_bunting

No specific model, just kind of a combo of a bunch of them. Enjoy!

They look positively cuddly, don't they? :)

.

These Magnolia flowers have a potent citrus aroma that is delightful, and also beyond my ability to describe. (The flowers are also described as emitting a lemon/citronella scent.)

In addition to their surreal beauty they attract a couple of different kinds of honey bees as an added bonus.

Join me as I peer into "The Magnolia Universe:"

www.flickr.com/photos/motorpsiclist/sets/72157632021058807/

.

My photographs and videos and any derivative works are my private property and are copyright © by me, John Russell (aka "Zoom Lens") and ALL my rights, including my exclusive rights, are reserved and protected by United States Copyright Laws and International Copyright Laws.

This photo is NOT authorized for use on blogs; pin boards such as Pinterest; Tumblr; Facebook; or any other use without my specific written permission.

ANY use without my permission in writing is forbidden by law.

If you're genuinely interested, then enjoy! Im gonna cover a few specific things here, so I'll separate by topic.

(PERSONAL LIFE)

Been real busy with family responsibilities lately, which takes up a crap ton of time.

I turned 19 last Saturday, so that's fun. Nothing special there, might go to an arcade on Sunday as a late celebration with my dad.

(HOBBY LIFE)

Haven't done much with Lego for the past year, if you guys haven't noticed. Not that I don't like it anymore, but it takes a lot of effort to pull all that stuff out and build, especially with younger siblings.

Been gaming a TON lately, played through Mass Effect, Arkham Knight, Borderlands 2, and started a bunch of other games. I actually pre-ordered the One Ounch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows game for Xbox One, so if anyone else is getting it then let me know.

Ive also been watching a good bit of anime. Binged the entirety of Haikyuu, started Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken (highly reccomend them both), and I'm thinking about watching Dr. Stone. Still drawing here and there, sporadically. Gonna try to get good on digital if I can find good brushes on the right applications.

Been working on a full length album, and some comedy songs as well, hope to have the album out this year. Got a couple collabs in the works, one im particularly excited about, so I hope it pans out!

(Plans this year)

Going to my home state of South Carolina for my friend's wedding, and staying with my best friends and his family while I'm there. Really hyped for that, we're both groomsmen, as well.

Going to Fan Expo Dallas again this year too if all goes well! Gonna meet up with one of my favorite cosplayers and hang with her, and one person wants to hire me for a photoshoot! They're doing a Haikyuu cosplay with their friend >:D

___________________________________

Just wanted to share a bit about where I am life-wise, currently, and maybe hear about where you guys are, as well. Feel free to share in the comments, and respond to everything/or anything I've mentioned in here. I wanna talk with you guys and catch up with some of you bros and broditas. :)

Stay frosty!

-FANTXTIK

P.S. Hopefully the people I didn't manage to tag see this too. Hope everyone is doing well.

P.P.S. Trying to finish Matchstick Volume 2 but I keep not being motivated. 4 issues are done, so we'll see. Should be great if I finish.

Albizia julibrissin / Persian Silk Tree

Albizia julibrissin, the Persian silk tree, pink silk tree, or mimosa tree, is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family, native to southwestern and eastern Asia.[1]

Taxonomy

It was introduced to Europe in the mid-18th century by Italian nobleman Filippo degli Albizzi, and the name of its entire genus Albizzia is given after him.[2] The specific epithet julibrissin is a corruption of the Persian word gul-i abrisham (گل ابریشم), which means "silk flower" (from gul گل "flower" + abrisham ابریشم "silk").[2][additional citation(s) needed]

Albizia julibrissin was described by Antonio Durazzini.[who?] John Gilbert Baker used the same scientific name to refer to Albizia kalkora written by David Prain, the Mimosa kalkora of William Roxburgh.[clarification needed][citation needed]

Names

Albizia julibrissin is known by a wide variety of common names, such as Persian silk tree and pink siris. It is also called Lankaran acacia or bastard tamarind, though it is not too closely related to either genus. The species is called Chinese silk tree, silk tree or mimosa in the United States, which is misleading—the former can refer to any species of Albizia which is most common in any one locale; and, although once included in Mimosa, neither is it very close to the Mimoseae. To add to the confusion, several species of Acacia, notably Acacia baileyana and Acacia dealbata, are also known as "mimosa" (especially in floristry), and many Fabaceae trees with highly divided leaves are called thus in horticulture.

Its leaves slowly close during the night and during periods of rain, the leaflets bowing downward; thus its modern Persian name shabkhosb (شب‌خسب) means "night sleeper". This tendency also explains the Chinese common name hehuan, which means "shut happy" and symbolizes a happy couple in bed.[3] In Japan its common names are nemunoki, nemurinoki and nenenoki which all mean "sleeping tree". Nemu tree is a partial translation of nemunoki.

Description

Albizia julibrissin is a small deciduous tree with a broad crown of level or arching branches, growing to 5–16 m (16–52 ft) tall.[3] Its bark is dark greenish grey, becoming vertically striped with age. Its leaves are large and frond-like: They are bipinnate, divided into 6–12 pairs of pinnae, each with 20–30 pairs of leaflets. Individual leaflets are oblong, 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) broad. The true leaves are 20–45 cm (8–18 in) long and 12–25 cm (5–10 in) broad.

The flowers bloom throughout the summer in dense inflorescences, which resemble starbursts of pink silky threads. The true flowers have small calyx and corolla (except the central ones), with a tight cluster of prominent stamens, 2–3 cm long and white or pink with a white base. They have been observed to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.[2] Its fruit is a flat brown pod 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long and 2–2.5 cm (0.8–1.0 in) broad, containing several seeds inside.

There are two varieties:

Albizia julibrissin var. julibrissin – the typical variety, described above

Albizia julibrissin var. mollis – differs in the shoots being densely hairy

Habitat, cultivation and uses

Original habitats of the tree include regions from Iran (Persia) and the Republic of Azerbaijan to China and Korea.[4]

A. julibrissin is widely planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens, grown for its fine leaf texture, flowers and attractive horizontal canopy. Other positive attributes are a fast growth rate, low water requirements and the ability to thrive planted in full sun in hot summer climates.[5] It is frequently planted in semi-arid areas like California's Central Valley, central Texas and Oklahoma. Although capable of surviving drought, growth will be stunted and the tree tends to look sickly. As such it should be given infrequent, deep waterings during the summer, which will benefit growth and flowering.[5]

The broad crown of a mature tree makes it useful for providing dappled shade. The flower colour varies from white in A. julibrissin f. alba, to rich red-tipped flowers. Variants with cream or pale yellow flowers are also reported. Other cultivars are becoming available: 'Summer Chocolate' has red foliage ageing to dark bronze, with pale pink flowers; 'Ishii Weeping' (or 'Pendula') has a drooping growth habit.

A. julibrissin f. rosea

There is also a form, A. julibrissin f. rosea (pink silk tree) which has, in the past, been classed either as a variety or as a cultivar. This is a smaller tree, only growing to 5–7 metres (16–23 ft) tall, with the flowers always pink. Native to the northeast of the species' range in Korea and Northern China, it is more cold-tolerant than the typical form, surviving temperatures down to at least −25 °C (−13 °F). The selected cultivar A. julibrissin 'Ernest Wilson' (also known as 'E.H.Wilson' or 'Rosea') is a cold-tolerant tree with deep pink flower colour. In Japan, A. julibrissin f. rosea is often used for non-traditional bonsai. The name nemunoki* (ねむの木, Kanji: 合歓木) and its variants is a kigo representing the summer in haiku, especially a sleepy summer evening.[6]

A. julibrissin f. rosea has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit;[7] likewise the cultivar 'Summer Chocolate'.[8]

Other uses

Silk tree wood may be used to make furniture.[9] It is also reportedly psychoactive as well, with the flowers being used to make teas. In Chinese medicine it is considered an antidepressant.[10]

Invasive species

In the wild, the tree tends to grow in dry plains, sandy valleys, and uplands. It has become an invasive species in the United States, where it has spread from southern New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, west to Missouri and Illinois, and south to Florida and Texas. It is cultivated in California and Oregon.[citation needed] Its seeds are wind-dispersed and numerous, and they are fertile even over long periods of drought. Each pod, which resembles a flattened bean pod made of paper, holds about 8 seeds on average. The pod bursts in strong winds, and the seeds can carry over long distances.

Breeding work is currently underway in the United States to produce ornamental plants which will not set seed and can be planted without risk.[citation needed] However, in the eastern United States it is generally a short-lived tree, being highly susceptible to mimosa vascular wilt,[11] a fungal disease caused by a species of Fusarium, though the disease does not seem to have seriously impacted its populations. Because of its invasive tendencies and disease susceptibility, it is rarely recommended as an ornamental plant in the United States, though it is still widely planted in parts of Europe.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albizia_julibrissin

Victoria asked for this specific style of block and provided the grey fabric. She said that there were no limits on what fabrics we could use. It's a wonderful way to use up small but precious pieces of fabric. She gave us the option of adding something to the center if we wanted and I noticed a definite pink/birdy theme in my fabrics. The appliqued bird is from here. (It's the fifth time I've used this bird in a bee block...I'm kind of in love!)

At Sunset Crater National Monument--sitting in a huge field of volcanic cinders.

I've more or less finished my first piece for the paper (as mentioned previously, I've decided to pull back from flickr and photography while I concentrate more on writing), so am taking a brief break from writing to process a photo from my winter trip to the Southwest. Kind of at random, this photo popped up as I was searching through the possibilities.

The title, BTW, comes from a silly Jerry Lewis movie from the sixties, essentially turning "Cinderella" into a male character.

For anyone interested, what I've written over the past few days follows. I wish I could have inserted more specific examples to back my assertions, but space simply would not allow it. I have not titled it as the newspaper usually does that.

A recent poll found that 45% of Americans still approve of President Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. This leads one to ask, if his actions were so exemplary, how is it that in spite of the fact we knew weeks in advance that this terrible disease was coming—a luxury China did not have—we now have almost four times as many cases as any other country, with more deaths—soon to be many more? If his response was worthy of approval, how is it that the outcome of that response is presently far, far worse than in any other country in the world? China, in spite of not having any warning, now has the disease under a measure of control, as does South Korea. We had a month to prepare and did virtually nothing.

For weeks, Trump ignored the intelligence community's dire warnings, consistently downplayed the seriousness of what we were facing and did nothing to bolster our preparedness. Trump's nonstop minimizing of the problem (“It's very mild” “It's going to disappear . . . like a miracle”) and misinformation (“Anyone who wants a test can get a test”) dissuaded many from taking the situation seriously, but it was the inexcusable failure to act that was the gravest problem. The single positive action taken by the President before the pandemic began to spread like wildfire was closing off travel from China—but even that was handled incompetently as there was no systematic effort to screen or quarantine the thousands of American citizens returning from that country.

Unfortunately, this administration continues to demonstrate incompetence every single day. And everyday, though his messaging of late has cleaved closer to reality, Trump continues to give out false and misleading information, all the while bragging about his ratings and patting himself on the back for his miserable performance. And as for responsibility for failures?—“I don't take any responsibility at all”—because of course he doesn't.

Except he is the president of the United States. He is responsible—responsible for the criminally bad mismanagement, the chaos, the abysmally slow response and the numerous failures. Yes, there are others who can share some of the blame, but the buck stops at his desk. Tens of thousands are going to die that shouldn't have. He is responsible for that which makes him guilty of nothing less than negligent homicide—10,000 times over.

And now we know the consequences of electing someone who is unqualified by every conceivable metric to the most important office on Earth. Perhaps one hard-earned positive will emerge from this disaster—that in the future, we will approach our right to vote not as an exercise in expressing frustration, but as a sacred duty--a duty to ferret out the candidate most dedicated to the advancement of our nation and all humanity . . . not merely themselves.

(Published in What Digital Camera, February 2013)

(Explore #200)

Having made a specific trip to this unusual seaside pool, I judged my exposure at 70 seconds then watched as (much to my dismay) a small group of synchronised swimmers suddenly appeared and headed for the waters. Those lengthy seconds passed by, and reaffirmed how unpredictable long exposure photography is - much can happen in a relatively short period of time as any practitioner will testify. It certainly hadn't been my intent to include a human angle in the shot, and as a result I initially decided not to post the image here due to my lack of conviction about not only their presence, but the strange effect the water trails they'd left bore on the scene. The experience was also slightly sullied by my being asked to fill in a form by an attendant in case the swimmers were visible - as you can see they can all be readily identified here!

On a completely different note, today has been a good day photographically - which is perhaps odd as I didn't take any photographs. You see, this year I decided for the first time to enter LPOTY, and was really thrilled to receive an email earlier congratulating me on three of my submitted shots being shortlisted for the final judging. Having no experience of the competition previously, I'd be hugely interested to hear from any of you with prior dealings or knowledge of the proceedings. For example, does anyone know roughly how many images are submitted each year, or what percentage are shortlisted, etc? Hopefully you won't shatter my enjoyment by informing me that half of everything received makes it through, but I'd be grateful for any insight anyone can offer.

I genuinely (why is it that word tends to belie it's definition?) don't expect to get any further in the running despite my crossed fingers, but it's a useful learning curve and I'm already planning what I hope will be a much improved submission for next year.

Wish me luck!

www.take-a-view.co.uk/

The three First Potteries B7TL Geminis repainted into route-specific 'Kingfisher' livery in September 2019 now appear to be back out on their intended duties after being largely seconded to more local work in the Hanley area for Covid-related capacity reasons over the past 14 months. Looking pretty stunning, AU07DXW (37159) is seen as it turns off High Street in Cheadle with the 08:10 Uttoxeter to Hanley. As is generally the case, the vehicle is showing the pre-Kingfisher number 32 even though all publicity material lists the service as 'Kingfisher' or 'KF'.

Used on specific slag ladle duties on tracks with tight radius curves at Anshan steelworks in Liaoning Province, and not easy to catch in action, just sitting around not doing a lot at the blast furnaces for much of the time, 'PL2' Class 2-6-2 'Prairie' No.244 positioning empty slag ladles on 19th March 1997. The 'PL2' Class was closely related to the 'YJ' Class 2-6-2 and shared all the characteristics of Japanese design, and may well have been rebuilds of examples originally built in Japan around 1935, although information is sketchy. This one carried a 1958 builder's plate. It is believed that No.244 continued to work until around February 2000, when its duties were displaced by diesel, and was the last member of the class to remain in service at Anshan. The last active specimen in China was No.232, seen working at Baotou steelworks in 2002.

© Gordon Edgar - All rights reserved. Please do not use my images without my explicit permission

Not really based off of anything specific. I simply wanted to try my hand at painting a multi-cam along with the Combat Brick vest mod, and Brickarms m110 mod.

I was extremely pleased with how the vest turned out. I've seen many people in the community do this mod so I decided to try it along with a new method of sanding down the edges of the vest to give the rig a more rounded look. I also tried adding a different variety of pouches and such to the vest since I typically do the same three mag pouches and radio combo.

The legs however, I was not to happy with. The camo was my first attempt at painting a camo in a while. I got the idea from @LJH91 multicam sniper and decided to try it. I would have liked to blend the colors together a little better, especially the white. and the those damn cp knee pads! I didn't have my usual tools to apply those so they're a little crooked.

The m110 mod is pretty simple but I like it. I was worried about the TT scope looking out of place with the brickarms weapon but it actually fits alright.

Let me know what you guys think. Comments and faves are always appreciated, Thank you!

This is my entry for the flickr-specific August challenge of the Lands of Mythron. Because this is a flickr-based challenge, I'll also be posting the stories on flickr for this story arc. Here's the first installment:

Qinon waited, barely concealing his impatience. Rayken, a Taksil soldier of the Larpang militia, had asked to speak with him in private at noon in one of the side rooms of the militia barracks. She was seven minutes late. Qinon could not fathom why she wanted to speak with him, but he was sure she had her reasons. She was an extremely capable soldier, and though she wasn't all too disciplined, she knew better than to ask for a private meeting with the Lost Ranger to talk about something unimportant.

Finally, nine minutes late, she arrived. Qinon was surprised to see her not in militia uniform, but wearing the black garb of an assassin, and armed with two katana blades rather than the standard wide-bladed sword and shield of the militia.

"My apologies for being late, and thank you for agreeing to meet with me," she said. Qinon nodded, waiting for her to continue.

She took a deep breath, then forged on. "I'm leaving the Larpang Militia."

Qinon did little to hide his surprise. When discussing promotions with Captain Ronohgr Kentar and Airee Hurt, his second in command, Rayken's name had been one of those most often mentioned. Did she know how successful she had been in the militia so far? How she had outperformed almost every other member in the primary tests when she first applied? How she had racked up a higher number of dwarven kills than even the second in command?

"Why?" Qinon asked.

"Tomorrow, a ship is setting sail from Suncliff. We are heading out to discover new lands and new cultures." Rayken put her hand on the dagger in her belt, not in a threatening but rather in a self-assuring way. "I'm the captain."

"But-" Qinon's mind was racing. How could he get Rayken to stay? He was loosing one of his most potent soldiers, possibly his future captain of the militia. He didn't know what to do - and he hated the feeling. "But we've lost so many troops in the dwarven war," Qinon said, floundering for an argument. "We can't afford to loose any more."

"I'm not asking for permission," Rayken said. "I'm simply informing you so you know why I am leaving and where to."

"No," Qinon hissed. If he could not convince her, he would simply force her. "I command you to stay. You can't leave!"

"I'm an Outlaw," Rayken said, angry now. "I am under nobody's command, not even that of the Lost Ranger. And if it came to it, do you really think you could force me to stay?" Now the hand on her dagger was definitely threatening.

Qinon thought for a moment. If he forced her to stay, she would no longer be a willing soldier, and therefore no longer a good soldier. And, he thought with a twinge of uncertainty, he wasn't even sure if he would be able to subdue her. He had seen her speed with the wide-bladed sword of the Larpang militia. How fast could she be with a light-handed katana?

Rayken broke their silence. "I'll be leaving tomorrow. If you ever see me again, we will be meeting as equals, of skill and of fame. But even if I never return, I know that I will achieve more greatness out there on my own than I ever would as a soldier in your militia."

Then she turned tails and left the barracks, no doubt heading to a dogsled that would taker her to Suncliff, the easternmost point of Outlaw territory.

Qinon laughed inside. She was foolish if she thought she could ever match his skill and fame. And yet, he was also sad. For he had lost a good soldier.

The floor was made using this floor technique that I posted as part of Technique Week earlier this month.

Every year around this time, the so-called "meninas" are placed in specific places in Madrid.

These, let's say, colorful sculptures are dedicated to various themes that change every year.

This year, in addition, a menina has been placed in the Plaza de Colón that is decorated with the official flag of the Valencian region, and that the people of Madrid are dedicating to all the victims of the flood that unfortunately occurred on October 29, 2024, and not only in the Valencian region but in other regions as well.

At the moment, a total of 230 dead and 4 missing have been recorded, as well as tens of thousands of people affected with thousands of ruined houses.

The photo also shows the so-called "Columbus Towers", which have changed their name and exterior design several times since they were built between 1967 and 1976.

Also visible in the photo is the monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, which was erected between 1881 and 1885, and which gives its name to this square.

And just behind the head of the "Valencian" menina, you can see an angel that is part of the night lighting in Madrid at Christmas time.

Originally, the "meninas" (or meninos) were "young women (or men) from noble families who entered the court to serve the queen or her children."

In fact, "las meninas" is an expression that became famous as a result of the nickname given to a painting by the famous painter Diego de Veázquez, which is actually called: "The Family of Philip IV" in reference to the family of that king of the dynasty of the House of Austria (Habsburg Spain dinasty), which was completed in 1656 and is considered a masterpiece for various reasons. (Source: Wikipedia)

DEDICADO A LAS VICTIMAS DE LA RIADA, 2024

Todos los años por estas fechas, se colocan en lugares determinados de Madrid las llamadas "meninas".

Estas, digamos, coloridas esculturas, están dedicadas a temas variados que van cambiando cada año.

Este año, además, en la plaza de Colón se ha colocado una menina que está adornada con la bandera oficial de la región valenciana, y que los madrileños está dedicamos a todas las víctimas de la riada que desgraciadamente ocurrió el pasado 29 de octubre de 2024, y no sólo en la región valenciana sino en otras regiones también.

De momento se contabilizan un total de 230 fallecidos y 4 desaparecidos, amén de decenas de miles de personas afectadas con miles de casas arruinadas.

En la foto, además, se ven las llamadas "Torres de Colón", que han cambiado de nombre y de diseño exterior varias veces desde que se construyeron entre 1967 y 1976.

También se ve en la foto el monumento dedicado a Cristóbal Colón, que fue erigido entre 1881 y 1885, y que da nombre a esta plaza.

Y asímismo, justo detrás de la cabeza de la menina "valenciana" se ve un ángel que es parte de la iluminación nocturna de Madrid en fechas navideñas.

En origen, las "meninas" (o meninos) eran "jóvenes de familia noble que entraban en la corte para servir a la reina o a sus hijos".

En realidad "las meninas" es una expresión que se hizo famosa a raíz del sobrenombre que se dio a un cuadro del famoso pintor Diego de Veázquez, que en realidad se llama: "La familia de Felipe IV" en referencia a la familia de ese rey de la dinastía de la Casa de Austria, que fue terminada en 1656 y es considerada una obra maestra por diversos motivos. (Fuente: Wikipedia)

Why are people setting themselves specific goals do not reach them, and not starting? Probably because we are waiting for the right moment and opportunity for the first step, which we believe will give a boost to all this. But you will constantly put it off the next day, week, month, citing the fact that the ideal time has not come yet. So you can wait a lifetime. It is enough to understand that this moment has arrived, right now, that's just it.

My instagram

Site-specific installation art by Giancarlo Neri - Paris Square, Rio de Janeiro

#AbFav_PHOTOSTORY

#AbFav_TIME

Clock towers are a specific type of building which house a turret clock and have one or more clock faces on the upper exterior walls.

Many clock towers are freestanding structures but they can also adjoin or be located on top of another building.

Some other buildings also have clock faces on their exterior but these structures serve other main functions.

Clock towers are a common sight in many parts of the world with some being iconic buildings.

One example is the Elizabeth Tower in London (usually called "Big Ben", although strictly this name belongs only to the bell inside the tower).

Although clock towers are today mostly admired for their aesthetics, they once served an important purpose.

Before the middle of the twentieth century, most people did not have watches, and prior to the 18th century even home clocks were rare.

The first clocks did not have faces, but were solely striking clocks, which sounded bells to call the surrounding community to work or to prayer.

They were therefore placed in towers so the bells would be audible for a long distance.

Clock towers were placed near the centres of towns and were often the tallest structures there.

As clock towers became more common, the designers realised that a dial on the outside of the tower would allow the townspeople to read the time whenever they wanted.

Have a wonderful day and thank you, M, (*_*)

For more: www.indigo2photography.com

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reservedTime, clocks, towers, timer, architecture, Brugge, Belgium, night, colour, horizontal, "magda indigo"

立體的五官

After the hike out to Wijiji, I took a short stroll with my brother over to Kin Kletso. My brother is handicapped and can hardly walk, so this was quite the distance for him. We poked around a bit, and discussed the climb up to Pueblo Alto.

The occupation dates here are very specific. If I remember correctly, they dated the site using overlapping tree ring growths.

If someone is obsessed with this site, are they a Kletsomaniac?

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Project Room

Barry McGee (TWIST)

Site-Specific Loft Installation

"Running concurrently with the group exhibition Do Not Stack, McGee takes over the project space, transforming the room’s physical relationship with the visitor into an interactive viewing. A distinctive cluster of McGee’s various paintings, works on paper and urban objects can be accessed by ascending through the floor of the utilitarian structure to the lofted space above."

Barry McGee "Site-Specific Loft Installation" at the Roberts and Tilton Gallery in L.A.

I spoke with the director of the gallery. He said that the gallery offered this 10' x 10' room to Barry McGee to do something with it. He said they got to talking and then Barry asked, "Can I build a loft?" And they did. A real interesting space. Well worth a visit in my opinion.

FLICKR Explore'd

Plonk is a non-specific and derogatory term used primarily in British and Australian English for cheap, low-quality wine.

It is believed to come from Australian slang, in reference to blanc (the French word for "white"), before it became naturalised in Britain.

HOWEVER :

I would prefer to describe this one as "inexpensive and very good for the price" of AUD 5

One for the kids.

Oil, collage and levelling gel on canvas

(basically, this was a serious portrait that I overworked, then destroyed - but it didn't want to die so I brought it back to life:)

Showing a little thigh and being a little cheeky.

Tracy Prince's Captivating World of Fashion and Femme Elegance

Welcome to Tracy Prince's enchanting realm, a mesmerizing photo blog that celebrates the artistry of fashion, beauty, and the alluring allure of femininity. With a keen eye for elegance and a passion for exploring the spectrum of style, Tracy captures the essence of glamour through her lens, bringing you a collection that transcends boundaries and defies conventions.

In Tracy's world, "high heels" are not just a fashion statement; they are an embodiment of empowerment and confidence. Whether it's the sleek lines of thigh-high boots or the classic elegance of stiletto heels, each photograph tells a story of grace and poise. Tracy explores the world of heels with an unwavering focus on details, showcasing the intricate designs that make them not just footwear but works of art.

Lingerie takes center stage in Tracy's visual symphony. Delicate fabrics, such as satin and lace, weave a tale of sensuality and sophistication. From the timeless beauty of "tan pantyhose" to the provocative allure of "black stockings," Tracy's lens captures the delicate nuances of intimate apparel. Garter belts, a timeless accessory, add a touch of vintage charm, creating a perfect harmony between classic and contemporary femininity.

Tracy embraces the art of "X-DRESS," navigating the realm of crossdressing with a respectful and inclusive lens. Her collection celebrates the diversity within the crossdressing community, showcasing individuals expressing their identity with confidence and style. Tracy's portrayal of "tranny schoolgirl," "tranny in stockings," and "tranny in pantyhose" is a testament to the beauty that emerges when personal expression meets the canvas of fashion.

"Beautiful crossdresser," "classy crossdresser," and "sexy crossdresser" are not just tags in Tracy's blog; they encapsulate the spectrum of elegance she captures. Each image resonates with a unique blend of style and individuality, breaking stereotypes and embracing the beauty that comes with embracing one's true self.

The interplay of light and fabric highlights the shimmering allure of "shiny pantyhose" and the timeless charm of "nylons crossdresser." Tracy's lens transforms each image into a narrative, where every detail contributes to the larger story of empowerment and self-discovery.

"Thigh high boots" make a bold statement in Tracy's visual narrative, symbolizing strength and confidence. Paired with "satin babe" or "nylon," these boots become a symbol of fierce femininity, challenging traditional notions of beauty and style.

Tracy's exploration of beauty is not limited to a specific gender. Whether it's a "transvestite," "tgirl," "trans," or "transgender," Tracy's lens captures the unique beauty that transcends labels. "Sexy shemale," "transexual," and "transgender beauty" become expressions of confidence and authenticity, challenging societal norms and celebrating the diversity of gender expression.

In the world of Tracy Prince, "Femme" is not just a descriptor; it's a celebration of the myriad ways individuals express their femininity. Leather, boots, and the timeless appeal of "nylon" and "Thigh High Stockings" become tools for self-expression, allowing each person to craft their unique narrative.

As Tracy navigates the intricate landscape of fashion and beauty, she brings to light the complexity and depth of personal expression. "Pantyhose high heels," "stockings high heels," "garter belt stockings high heels," and "nylons high heels" are not just combinations of clothing items; they are the building blocks of a visual symphony, a harmonious blend of textures and colors that create a stunning visual tableau.

Tracy's lens explores the realm of "fellatrix," recognizing the beauty in the art of seduction. Whether it's a provocative gaze or a subtle pose, each image captures the essence of allure and confidence. Tracy celebrates the beauty of "slutty women" and "classy crossdressers" alike, breaking down barriers and embracing the diversity of expression within the world of fashion.

In Tracy Prince's photo blog, each image is a brushstroke on the canvas of beauty and self-expression. Through her lens, the world of fashion and femme elegance becomes a celebration of diversity, individuality, and the timeless allure of personal style. Step into Tracy's captivating world, where every photograph tells a story of empowerment, confidence, and the endless possibilities that come with embracing one's true self.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the day refuses to leave without a final, fiery performance. Standing on the banks of the Merced, I watched the granite giants of Yosemite ignite under the alpenglow, turning the valley into a symphony of violet and Red. In moments like these, time seems to stretch as thin as the long exposure on my lens. It’s more than just a photograph; it’s the feeling of the crisp evening air, the rush of the water, and the humbling reminder of how small we are in the presence of such ancient beauty.

60's style gasser or B/FX class drag car. Flip-up front end as most of these cars had for ease of access to the powerplant. This is not based on any specific make, but would be something like a Chevy II Nova, Ford Falcon, or Plymouth Valiant. This is actually a redux of this car: flic.kr/s/aHskCMa75t

that I've modified. The biggest change was to move the rear wheels forward by one stud to provide more correct and pleasing placement. I also included some changes to the front end to take advantage of the newer angled slope piece. The chassis is the same one that I used on the yellow car just swapped over to this body.

As always, comments and constructive criticisms are welcome, and thanks for looking!!

The City of Virginia Beach commissioned artist Giuseppe Percivati aka. Pepe Gaka to create site-specific murals to be painted under the Rudee overpass for Spring 2018. Pepe has over eight years of international experience in private and public commissioned mural work. The murals will transform the Rudee Underpass Walkway into a work of art that becomes a welcoming space for visitors, residents and families. Each panel of nine square columns will be entirely covered by designs made to look like stained glass and representing sports, nature and landmarks of Rudee Inlet and Virginia Beach.

Photo by Craig McClure

18063

© 2018

ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.

Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.

I snuck into Connecticut on Friday with a very specific goal thanks to a tip from Jack Robert. There aren't too many shots left on my 'New England Bucket List' after the last nearly four years of hunting. But this was another pretty big one I finally got, having never seen this back in the old days.

Anyway the Connecticut River is the largest waterway in New England, bifurcating the region and running 406 miles from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound and draining some 11,260 square miles. It is been bridged by railroads at 21 points along that length and amazingly 16 of those crossings still remain in service, including all four in Connecticut.

This is one of those bridges, and one I'd longed wanted to photograph. Build in 1872 by the perfectly named New Haven, Middletown and Willimantic Railroad it had been staunchly opposed by maritime interests who feared competition and the risks it would pose to maritime navigation. Those fears were not without cause as this story tells: connecticuthistory.org/a-night-to-remember-when-the-steam...

The original bridge was replaced by the present steel one in 1910 that was built by the American Bridge Company at a total length of 1220 ft with a 300 ft main swing main span. Here is another article on it if you're interested: www.courant.com/hc-xpm-2010-11-03-hc-marteka-railroad-swi...

As for the railroad it was never particularly successful and was reorganized as the Boston and New York Air-Line Railroad in 1875 and was purchased by the growing New Haven system in 1882. Early in its life it had some importance and even saw the passage of one of the most famous trains of all time, the New England Limited was inaugurated in 1884 and operated between New York and Boston jointly by the New Haven who then handed it off to the New York and New England at Willimantic. It became the thing of legend in 1891, when the Pullman Palace Car Company refitted the train with luxurious new cars decorated in white and gold, inspiring the advertising department to call it the White Train and folks along the line to call it the Ghost Train as it sped through their towns after dark. While it only ran for five years it became so famous in that time to even be memorialized by Rudyard Kipling in a verse. To read a bit more check out this.

www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1998-02-11-980210...

However in 1889 the last major gap in the Shore Line was completed when the Thames River was bridged between Groton New London. Despite this coastal route being 25 miles longer it had far less severe grades and quickly eclipsed the direct 'Air Line' overland route as the preeminent New York to Boston line, a distinction it continues to hold to this day as Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.

Meanwhile the old Air Line's connection at Willimantic, the NYNE merged with the New Haven in 1898 and by 1925 through Boston to New York passenger trains were gone. The route hung on for local freight service until 1965 until the 27 or so miles east of Portland to Willimantic were abandoned. The former NYNE route, later New Haven's Midland Division, was severed at Putman by a flood in 1955 and the line was gradually abandoned and today nearly all of it from Blackstone, MA to Portland, CT is a fabulous trail. in fact the stretch around Pomfret on the old NYNE is personally very special as it is one of my Dad's favorite bike rides and annual fall tradition for us to ride the ghost rails of the old ghost train!

Anyway, NH successors Penn Central and Conrail continued to serve Portland via this bridge until 1987 when the state purchased the trackage from CR which had filed for abandonment. The new Connecticut Central shortline took over and operated it until 1998 when the Providence and Worcester purchased the shortline.

The PW, now under the corporate umbrella of Genesee and Wyoming, still operates it to this day as seen here. Lacal freight CT-1 took a string of empty gondolas over the river to Red Technologies in Portland and returned with loads. B39-8E is seen nearing the railroad south end of what they call their Portland Running Track as they approach the east end of the bridge and the diamond crossing with the Valley Line.

Middletown, Connecticut

Friday February 11, 2022

Site specific interactive artwork in a public plaza. The artwork was designed and intended to allow people to climb up and down. Unfortunately four people jumped––to their death. It is now closed.

With 50 empty coal gons clacking along behind, Mid Michigan GP9 #24 rolls east along the former GTW through Ada at dusk. The empty cars would be put into storage on the out-of-service portion of the GTW main in Lowell.

Interested in purchasing a high-quality digital download of this photo, suitable for printing and framing? Let me know and I will add it to my Etsy Shop, MittenRailandMarine! Follow this link to see what images are currently listed for sale: www.etsy.com/shop/MittenRailandMarine

If you are interested in specific locomotives, trains, or freighters, please contact me. I have been photographing trains and ships for over 15 years and have accumulated an extensive library!

Number 8, a green 1967 Volvo (Amazon) 123GT, registration number RMK 231F, entered by Andy Lane and Iain Tullie, is seen competing in the HERO's (Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation's) Land’s End to John O’Groats Reliability Trial and Classic Car Tour (LE JOG) Scotland December 2016.

heroevents.eu/

Any additional information clarifying the vehicle's make, model, modifications made and its specific history will be welcomed.

Press "L" to view large.

by Adrián Villar Rojas - The Most Beautiful of All Mothers, Site-specific installation, organic and inorganic materials

Which is your favorite?

1. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #12, 2. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #11, 3. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #10, 4. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #09, 5. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #08, 6. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #07, 7. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #06, 8. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #05, 9. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #04, 10. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #01, 11. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #02, 12. The Most Beautiful of All Mothers #03

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

An elevator crew is using GMTX #2676 to load a grain train at the MAC elevator in Newaygo, during the summer of 2007. The Geep was left by Marquette Rail's Z151 the night before along with the empties. #2676 was one of two extended cab GP38-2s the railroad had leased from GATX.

Interested in purchasing a high-quality digital download of this photo, suitable for printing and framing? Let me know and I will add it to my Etsy Shop, MittenRailandMarine! Follow this link to see what images are currently listed for sale: www.etsy.com/shop/MittenRailandMarine

If you are interested in specific locomotives, trains, or freighters, please contact me. I have been photographing trains and ships for over 15 years and have accumulated an extensive library!

Credits to Maelven for the plane design!

The Ayalon Institute was a secret ammunition factory disguised as part of a kibbutz to fool the British back in the 1940s. Jewish people used the factory in their efforts to fight for the independent state of Israel. Organizers went to extreme measures to build and sustain this secret factory within the kibbutz. Between 1945 and 1948, the Ayalon Institute produced more than 2 million 9mm bullets.

During the British mandate, the Jewish people began planning ways to make machinery and guns to fight for independence. While manufacturing guns didn’t prove to be that difficult, it was very challenging to make bullets for the guns.

So, a group of Jewish people decided to build a ammunitions factory under a kibbutz, which is a communal area of land designed for a specific purpose, such as farming. The area was near a British base. In 1945, the group built structures on the surface that resembled a kibbutz and in about three weeks, they built an entire ammunitions factory eight meters underground. The factory was about the size of a tennis court.

The factory stopped operating in 1948, three years after being built. In 1987, the factory was restored and turned into a museum that is now open to the public.