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Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan province in the narrowest part of Thailand, which is only 15 kilometers wide, close to the border with Myanmar Burma. Khao Hin Theun Stone Park is a hilly area where many large granite stones are stacked naturally. The fact that these large rocks appear to remain balanced despite their size and weight reminds us of the delicate balance and stability in nature. It is a reminder of the forces of nature and the unique geological processes that create such formations. These formations are often the result of centuries of geological processes, including erosion, sedimentation, landslides and other forces. It's amazing how nature can create these complex structures over time. From the top of the hill you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding coastline. Just a few kilometers away, at the Singkhon checkpoint, is the border with Myanmar; a route with rich historical significance as it once served as a military trail during the late Ayutthaya period. At the summit there is also a secluded temple built between three large massive granite boulders. Essentially an open cave, this temple is a hidden gem maintained by a lone monk. This venerable monk, now 78 years old, has been living here in solitude for more than 40 years. The temple and living area are built into the large boulders. Surrounded by lush green forests, this open temple cave also offers an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility. Hiking trails are available for those who want to enjoy the natural environment. The peaceful surroundings and natural beauty make it a popular place for meditation and contemplation.
Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park, situated near Hua Hin,. The park is a remarkable natural wonder where numerous colossal boulders are ingeniously stacked, creating an extraordinary and unique attraction. Next to the granite boulders I find a beautiful flower. The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as the Chinese hibiscus, is a tropical flowering plant known for its beautiful, vibrant flowers. These flowers are not only visually attractive, but also play a crucial ecological role because they are nectar productive. A sugary liquid that serves as a food source for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other insects. Nectar is essential to the survival of these pollinators because it gives them the energy they need for flight and sustenance. As these pollinators land on the flowers to collect nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the plant's reproductive process.
Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park ligt in de provincie Prachuap Khiri Khan in in het smalste stukje van Thailand, dat slechts 15 kilometer breed is, dichtbij de grens met Myanmar (Birma). Khao Hin Theun Stone Park is een heuvelachtig gebied waar veel grote granieten stenen op natuurlijke wijze zijn gestapeld. Het is verbazingwekkend hoe de natuur door de tijd heen deze complexe structuren kan creëren. Vanaf de top van de heuvel kunt u genieten van adembenemende panoramische uitzichten op de Golf van Thailand en de omliggende kustlijn. Slechts enkele kilometers verderop, bij het Singkhon-controlepunt, ligt de grens met Myanmar; een route met een rijke historische betekenis, omdat deze ooit dienst deed als militair pad tijdens de late Ayutthaya-periode. Op de top is ook een afgelegen tempel gebouwd tussen drie grote massieve granieten rotsblokken. Deze tempel, in wezen een open grot, is een verborgen juweeltje dat wordt onderhouden door een eenzame monnik. Deze eerbiedwaardige monnik, nu 78 jaar oud, verblijft hier al meer dan 40 jaar in eenzaamheid. De tempel en het woongedeelte zijn in de grote rotsblokken gebouwd. Deze open tempelgrot is omgeven door weelderige groene bossen en biedt ook de mogelijkheid om te genieten van de natuurlijke schoonheid en rust. Naast de graniet rotsblokken vind ik een mooie bloem. De Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, ook bekend als de Chinese hibiscus, is een tropisch bloeiende plant die bekend staat om zijn prachtige, levendige bloemen. Deze bloemen zijn niet alleen visueel aantrekkelijk, maar spelen ook een cruciale ecologische rol omdat ze nectarproductief zijn. Een suikerachtige vloeistof die dient als voedselbron voor verschillende bestuivers, waaronder bijen, vlinders, kolibries en andere insecten. Nectar is essentieel voor het voortbestaan van deze bestuivers, omdat het hen de energie geeft die ze nodig hebben voor hun vlucht en levensonderhoud. Terwijl deze bestuivers op de bloemen landen om nectar te verzamelen, brengen ze onbedoeld stuifmeel over van de ene bloem naar de andere, waardoor het voortplantingsproces van de plant wordt vergemakkelijkt.
Er zijn wandelpaden beschikbaar voor degenen die willen genieten van de natuurlijke omgeving.
After a few years of stability, the Cardiff Bus fleet is now seeing a number of interesting changes, with the first batch out of a total of 36 electric Yutongs soon due as replacements for the remaining Transbus and Alexander Dennis Darts, and the remining Scania OmniCity artics.
The first sign of the fleet changes came earlier this year with the acquisition of a dozen Mercedes Citaros from Bus Vannin (numbered 141-52) to see off a number of the Darts and some of the 10 original shape Alexander Dennis Enviro300s. The withdrawal programme has been hastrened by the arrival of four Alexander Dennis E20D MMCs on hire from Mistral (numbered 271-4) and five Wright Solar-bodied Scania L94UBs and K230UBs (numbered 768-72) from Go South Coast's Swindon depot.
My photograph focuses on the latter and shows Scania K230UB 772 cruising down Westgate Street in the City Centre in October 2021. She is distinctive in carrying an all-over blue livery, whilst others retain blue and green.
*Working Towards a Better World
I have been thinking long and hard about why our present day psyche has changed so drastically and have come to the conclusion that we are bringing up our children to focus on the ego, rather than the community. It seems to me that we put too much emphasis on material things and not enough on the spiritual or the whole. Yes, we need to teach our children to succeed and do their best but not at any cost without caring about others. We seem to encourage greed rather than sharing, perhaps we need to concentrate more on cherishing each other, our climate and the environment. When we work as a team we produce more through the sharing of ideas and creativity.
We need to coexist better, be more understanding, less critical, more open, less closed. Together we can achieve a great deal more than alone.
I have chosen the colours black and green because of their meaning found on the Color Pro: Color Meaning website:
www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html
"Green
Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money.
Green
"Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a 'greenhorn' is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road traffic.
Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to promote 'green' products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.
Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace".
Black
"Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery.
Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, 'black death'). Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color (black tie, black Mercedes). In heraldry, black is the symbol of grief".
Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, but a black background diminishes readability. A black suit or dress can make you look thinner. When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a black or gray background to make the other colors stand out. Black contrasts well with bright colors. Combined with red or orange – other very powerful colors – black gives a very aggressive color scheme.
Interestingly I have followed a few articles written by the New York Times columnist, David Brooks, who has written recently 3 interesting articles about this subject, On April 7th he wrote an article entitled
"What Candidates Need",
www.nytimes.com/2015/04/07/opinion/david-brooks-what-cand...
then on April 11th he wrote an article entitled
"The Moral Bucket List"
www.nytimes.com/2015/04/12/opinion/sunday/david-brooks-th...
and finally today he wrote an article entitled
"When Cultures Shift"
www.nytimes.com/2015/04/17/opinion/david-brooks-when-cult...
I find that David addresses many of my concerns quite well in these articles so decided to share them with you.
Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! xo❤️
One of a couple Pine Siskin which I spotted in some trees near Whitehorse.
Photo taken with the Canon EOS R and EF 400mm f/5.6 adapted with the Canon EF-EOS R Adapter. I also used a monopod to provide some stability for the non-stabilized body or lens. Final image processed from raw in Adobe Lightroom.
Now re-edited on a better monitor...
My final image for 2015 and, I think, one of my favourites. Not as sharp as I would have liked (yes, I know Andrew*) as the wind was blowing so hard, I had to set up the camera as close to the ground as I could feasibly get it, and then lay across the rear tripod legs to attempt some stability.
When I finally stood up, I got blown over! Did I mention the wind?
Anyhoo, this is looking west along Hadrian's Wall with the famous Sycamore Gap in the mid ground.
Wishing everyone a prosperous and creative New Year.
* :-)
Distinguished Mr. Prime Minister!
Dear Mr. Speaker of the House of Representatives!
Dear Mr. President of the Senate!
Dear leader of the opposition!
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the government, senators and members of the parliament!
Australian people!
Thank you for the great honor of speaking to you today.
In May 2016, thousands of Australians gathered at Perth Airport to see the Ukrainian "Mriya" for the first time. "Mriya" is the name of our An-225 aircraft. "Mriya" is a dream in English. After covering almost 15,000 kilometers, it delivered to Australia an urgent cargo - a 130-ton electric generator, which your enterprise desperately needed. Delivery by sea would take several months. And the Ukrainian plane did it in a few days.
We have always been proud of our "Mriya". Not because it is the largest on the planet. First of all because it helped people from all over the world by delivering food, drinking water, equipment for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
In 2019, after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our "Mriya" constantly delivered the most necessary medical supplies. That saved people. Adults, children - all. In different countries, on different continents. "Mriya" was bringing life. But now it is impossible.
Impossible, because there is a state that has completely different values than we have, than you have, than the whole civilized world has. And this state started a full-scale war against us.
It bombs and shells peaceful cities and villages, killing our peaceful people. Kills children. Arranges blockades of cities, holding hundreds of thousands of people hostage without water, food, light and heat. Daily. It separates thousands of children from their parents and takes them out, or rather kidnaps them, forcibly relocating to its territory.
And on February 27, as a result of fighting in the city of Hostomel, our plane "Mriya" was burned. Can we say that Russia has destroyed our dream? No. It burned the plane, it burned the iron. It destroyed matter, not soul. The shell, not the essence. Not freedom. Not dignity. Not independence.
We know that our dream cannot be defeated and destroyed. Especially if we can count on the support and help of the free world. On your support, on your help. And as in the story I told above, it is not needed in a few months, it is needed now.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Australian people!
The distance between our states is great, thousands of kilometers. We are divided by the seas and oceans, the territories of dozens of other countries, time zones. But this distance simply does not exist for the cruelty and chaos that Russia has brought to Eastern Europe, to the region of our Black and Azov Seas, to our Ukrainian land.
Everything that is happening in our region due to Russia's aggression and that is destroying the lives of our people has already become a real threat to your state and your people. Because this is the nature of evil - it can instantly overcome any distance and any barriers. Destroy life.
For decades, there has been no such threat of nuclear strikes as there is now. Because Russian officials and state propagandists are openly discussing the use of nuclear weapons against those who do not want to obey Russian demands.
For decades, it has not been the case that one state completely blocked the sea for another state and all merchant ships of any country.
But that is exactly what Russia has done. Our part of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov is now a completely dead sea. And any ship that tries to enter our waters can simply be destroyed by the Russian fleet. More than a hundred merchant ships under various flags are blocked by Russia in our ports!
For decades, there has never been a state in the world that has started a war against a neighboring people, openly declaring its conquest or destruction. So that not even the name of this nation remains, so that there is no possibility of free life for this nation.
Russia has already returned to the world the worst pages of the XX century. The greatest threats of that century. It returned the evil that humanity has long hoped to forget.
But the worst thing is that if Russia is not stopped now, if Russia is not brought to justice, some other countries in the world that dream of a similar war against their neighbors will decide that this is possible for them as well.
The fate of global security is being decided now.
No human is capable of controlling the wind and precipitation on the planet, and therefore no one will be able to save one or another part of the Earth from radiation pollution due to the use of nuclear weapons.
No state on the planet should have even a theoretical possibility to block maritime trade routes and even more so to completely close the sea to other states. I repeat once again: there should not even be a theoretical possibility!
No ruler in the world should count on impunity when considering the prospect of war.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Australian people!
After 36 days of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, it is safe to say that there is no other way in the world to guarantee global security than to force Russia into silence, into peace. And also to bring it to justice - this is important - for everything it has done against global security.
A state that does not shy away from nuclear blackmail should immediately receive sanctions that demonstrate that blackmail has devastating consequences for the blackmailer.
Effective tools are also needed to bring to justice any state that blocks maritime trade routes. So that no one even has such a temptation - to make the sea dead.
Now there are simply no such tools in the world. Therefore, Australia's leadership can be indispensable in modernizing the global security architecture. As well as in strengthening our anti-war coalition, which is now working to return peace to Ukraine.
It is also necessary to improve the capacity of international institutions created for the responsibility of war criminals and those who commit any criminal act for which the whole world can punish in solidarity, not just one state alone. If this was done in time, life in the world would be much safer.
I am sure that each of you, as well as each of us Ukrainians, remembers the tragedy of MH-17. Malaysian Boeing shot down by the Russian occupiers in the sky over the Ukrainian Donbas. Then 298 people died. My condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones.
But was it possible to bring to justice those who caused this tragedy? No. They are hiding in Russia. And, obviously, received security guarantees from the Russian state. Has Russia paid compensation to the relatives of the victims? No. It still denies its guilt in the tragedy.
Eight years have already passed and justice has not been restored yet. And no one knows how much longer it will take for at least one tragedy to receive a worthy response from the international community, from all of us.
And how many more new tragedies has Russia created or will create?
It is often said that unpunished evil returns. I would add: unpunished evil returns winged, with a sense of omnipotence. If the world had punished Russia for what it did in 2014, there would be none of the horrors of this invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
We need to fix these terrible mistakes now.
I am grateful to Australia for its bipartisan support for our defense against invaders. For the help that your state has already given us. In particular, for 70 thousand tons of coal for the needs of our energy.
But this is just the beginning. Together we can, and therefore must do more. New sanctions against Russia are needed. Strong sanctions. As long as it doesn’t abandon nuclear blackmail, the blockade of the sea, it must pay the highest price. No Russian ship should be allowed into the ports of the free world. Buying Russian oil means paying for the destruction of the foundations of global security. Any business activity with Russia must be completely stopped. Not a single dollar for the elimination of people!
Any attempt by Russia to circumvent sanctions must also be stopped. After all, what kind of sanctions are these, if they can be circumvented thanks to simple schemes?
But above all, we must arm those who are really fighting for freedom. For evil to lose and for Russia to seek peace, Ukraine must have everything it needs on the battlefield.
For example, you have wonderful Bushmaster armored vehicles that can significantly help Ukraine. As well as other models of equipment and weapons that can strengthen our position. If you have the opportunity - Ukraine will be grateful to you.
Now in Ukraine they will definitely do more for our common freedom, for our common security than being covered with dust on your land. The Ukrainian people have already shown the world how sincerely we value freedom. How consistently we are ready to defend it.
Our heroes are fighting against the army that is considered one of the strongest in the world. But all our people, without exception, are already thinking about the future. About how we will live after the war. How we will rebuild our country, our Black Sea region.
We invite the world's leading countries, leading companies and the best specialists to join the project of Ukraine's reconstruction. Take patronage of a region, city or industry of your choice in our country that needs restoration.
Your state has given Ukraine a special status of a like-minded country. But we are not only related in our thoughts - we are also related in our dreams.
Therefore, I invite your beautiful country to look closely at our southern regions, at our coasts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Restoration of our ports, development of such cities as, for example, Kherson, which is fighting for its freedom today, restoration of the maritime industry of Ukraine can be a special contribution to stability for you after this terrible war.
Together with the fundamental protection of free navigation, this will restore the strength of the old but correct words: whoever is able to defend freedom at sea, is able to defend freedom in the world. I believe you can do it!
And I hope that the Ukrainian community of Australia, our strong Ukrainian community, will join this common work. It will support us now as much as in previous years.
Dear friends, the geographical distance between us is insane. Thousands of kilometers. But what does this distance mean for those who have a common understanding, who see the world the same way, who are bitterly disturbed when the enemy comes, when children are killed, when cities are destroyed, when refugees are shot on the roads, when a peaceful country is turned into a burned territory? Then any distance disappears. Geography means nothing. Only humanity matters. Only a dream of returning to a peaceful life.
A dream we will fulfill.
Definitely. And definitely together.
Thank you!
Thank you Australia!
Glory to Ukraine!
Happy new year, friends!
It is certainly another happy one for me. People I care about are doing well, work is steady, the house is fine, and our dog continues to manage us according to her daily routine. Stability. Predictability. Contentment. Joy.
These and other things are the anchor for our dreams and aspirations, as they are released in the maelstrom of the world like leaves in the wind.
I hope to get some Alex time in February. I was unable to get out to meet with friends last month, and this month is busy. Keystone is coming up, and 2-3 days there have been penciled in. I look forward to that.
Dress: SHEIN
Shoes: SHEIN
A time consuming and cold adventure at 16000 ISO.
Difficult to focus and maintain stability over almost four hours!!
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 4, 2017) Lieutenants Miranda Krasselt and Chris Williams signal for the launch of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kenneth Abbate/Released)
Gold medallion of Constantius I and Galerius as Caesars. The two junior tetrarchs are depicted wearing consular robes, facing one another. Constantius I, on the left, holds a globus (globe or orb) topped with a tiny statue of Victoria (Victory), who extends a wreath toward him, symbolizing world dominance and divine favor. Galerius, on the right, holds a standard ceremonial scipio - an eagle-topped consular scepter - which highlights his authority as a magistrate and consul. Both men are shown laureate - that is, they wear a crown of laurel on their heads, tied with vittae, ribbons. The wreaths signaled their supreme victorious status and shared imperial authority.
Both Caesars are wearing consular robes - the toga picta (painted toga, inherited from the Etruscans) - highly ornate, embroidered robes rather than standard military armor. This specific attire was traditionally reserved for Roman consuls celebrating a triumph. It emphasizes their elite civilian authority, legal legitimacy, and role as supreme state magistrates rather than just wartime generals
The inscription around them reads:
DD NN CONSTANTIO ET MAXIMIANO NOBB CAESS
Translation/transliteration:
"Our Lords Constantius and Maximianus, Most Noble Caesars"
Established by Diocletian, the Tetrarchy split rule between two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior co-emperors (Caesars). Constantius I and Galerius were the two junior Caesars appointed in 293 CE. Facing each other at equal height on the medallion underscores their shared status, political harmony, and intended peaceful succession to the senior offices.
The reverse of this medallion depicts a scene of Principum Iuventutis (The Princes of Youth) surrounded by military standards, cementing the dynastic stability of the empire.
Such medallions were not intended for general currency but were oversized gold pieces likely used as imperial gifts.
Roman, made in Rome, 293 CE.
Met Museum loan from the American Numismatic Society (L.2007.9.30, ANS 1944.100.63131)
WESTERN PACIFIC (Nov. 11, 2017) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Stingers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 113 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and Nimitz carrier strike groups are conducting flight operations in international waters as part of a three-carrier strike force exercise. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Russell/Released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2020) A cake is presented on the mess decks of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during an event held in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks 19 years ago. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)
This one was edited so as to highlight the chaotic elements and to subdue the structural ones. This is what I'm seeing every morning and evening on our political news. And if you're living in the U.S. I think you'll know what I mean. :((
“Nothing is more consonant with Nature than that she puts into operation in the smallest detail that which she intends as a whole.”
- - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Try viewing LARGE (i.e. type L and F11 )
"Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon and the Bath to Westbury railway line, at Avoncliff in Wiltshire, England. It was built by John Rennie and chief engineer John Thomas, between 1797 and 1801. It is a Grade II* listed building. During construction stone from a local quarry was used which broke when affected by frost. This caused buttresses to collapse and parts of the structure to need rebuilding. Eventually Bath stone from Bathampton Down was used enabling greater stability." - from Wikipedia.
This summer I did a solo cycling tour across Europe through 12 countries over the course of 3 months. I began my adventure in Edinburgh, Scotland and finished in Florence, Italy cycling 8,816 km. During my trip I took 47,000 photos.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Catalan: [bəˈzilikə ðə lə səˈɣɾaðə fəˈmiljə]; Spanish: Basílica de la Sagrada Familia; ('Basilica of the Holy Family')), also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 7 November 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church and proclaimed it a minor basilica.
On 19 March 1882, construction of the Sagrada Família began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.
Relying solely on private donations, the Sagrada Família's construction progressed slowly and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. In July 1936, revolutionaries set fire to the crypt and broke their way into the workshop, partially destroying Gaudí's original plans, drawings and plaster models, which led to 16 years work to piece together the fragments of the master model. Construction resumed to intermittent progress in the 1950s. Advancements in technologies such as computer aided design and computerised numerical control (CNC) have since enabled faster progress and construction passed the midpoint in 2010. However, some of the project's greatest challenges remain, including the construction of ten more spires, each symbolising an important Biblical figure in the New Testament. It is anticipated that the building can be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The basilica has a long history of splitting opinion among the residents of Barcelona: over the initial possibility it might compete with Barcelona's cathedral, over Gaudí's design itself, over the possibility that work after Gaudí's death disregarded his design, and the 2007 proposal to build a tunnel of Spain's high-speed rail link to France which could disturb its stability. Describing the Sagrada Família, art critic Rainer Zerbst said "it is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art",[13] and Paul Goldberger describes it as "the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages".[14] The basilica is not the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Barcelona, as that title belongs to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
This is a '63 Nova, heavily modified for drag racing. Its "killer feature" is the hinged front bodywork, allowing easy access to the engine bay. It was a bit of a challenge trying to implement this without compromising the structural stability of the thing, but it remains a very strong and playable model, so I'm pleased! I resisted the urge to put racing stripes or a 2-tone livery on this one because I figured it would actually be more unique and interesting to have an entirely dark azure car. As a consolation prize, it does at least spit fire.
Instructions on Rebrickable. I design LEGO MOCs on Twitch! Help the LEGO Wild West ride again on IDEAS.
PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
3/52 weeks
stability
I have been going through all million of the shots i took in July of anything and everything...debated about a few different ones for week 3. It is still very tough sometimes to get in front of the camera...with a 20 sec timer you can start giggling about things that make you laugh.
it has been a tough month for me, probably more emotional than most...but I don't hold onto it for long. I could go a year, maybe 2 without shedding a tear. Even to me it sounds cold as i type it...but so not true at all. I have a real hard time crying and a real hard time letting people see me cry or know about it...maybe that is why i have laughed harder this month than most. One of my biggest things is I believe to a degree in attracting what energy you give, i believe that if I stay with a sad thought....more will follow. I have to dump it out one way or another, and it is usually through art. Photography is such gratifying art when it comes to this. I would be painting for 1000 years the pictures I would need to paint for the thoughts that dance in my mind.
ohhh you are so going to get this thrown at you again...but Picasso is my main man for quotes
and
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"
PHILIPPINE SEA (June 21, 2021) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails alongside the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) during a replenishment-at-sea. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)
Must attribute with link to: www.ptpioneer.com
Image of a girl working out Outside doing stability ball Crunches outdoors in a park
During testing, the stability augmentation system required a lot of fine-tuning. Although the Arrow was not the first aircraft to use such a system, it was one of the first to use a three axes system that other aircraft did not and was consequently problematic. But, this was not the only advanced system developed for the Arrow. Avro’s engineers had created the first non-experimental fly-by-wire control system in an aircraft and a nvaigational computer that used real-time telemetry. The Arrow’s thin wings also nbecessitated the first 4,000 lb/in2 (28 MPa) hydraulic system to supply enough force to the control surfaces using small actuators and piping. The fly-by-wire system used the pilot’s inputs to activate a series of pressure-sensitive transducers in the control stick that sent the signal to an electronic control servo that operated the valves in the hydraulic system to move the various flight controls. This resulted in a lack of control feel so to recreate the mechanical sense, the same electronic control box partly responded to the hydraulic back-pressure fluctuations and triggered actuators in the stick, making it move slightly. Test pilots came to call this “artifical feel” and was an aviation first.
In this image, RL-203 shoots through the skies in southern Ontario. All of the flight tests were conducted at Malton airport. However, on 2 February 1959, a TCA Viscount passenger airplane crash-landed in Toronto, nessistating the test flight be diverted and landing at CFB Trenton. Note the wing fences extending from the dog-tooth to control airflow over the wing. The fences for swept-wing aircraft keep airflow from bleeding to the wingtips and creating a nose-down pitching moment, thus preventing the entire wing from stalling. Soviet aircraft designers employed this technique on several of their aircraft; Western examples are limited.
20 minutes into its journey, the 1256 Poole to York crosses the River Avon at Christchurch while an angler casts off into the still waters.
The mid-1990s were a period of stability for 'inter-regionals ', as what are now known as Cross Country trains were then known. On the Bournemouth line trains started from Poole (with the exception of one train per day on Summer Saturdays from Weymouth) and were operated by either HSTs or class 47/8s with air conditioned mark 2 coaches.
Onder het EPS (piepschuim) wordt vaak geotextiel of grondversterking aangebracht als funderingslaag. Om stabiliteitsredenen moeten de blokken in minimaal twee lagen worden gelegd. Tussen de verschillende lagen worden klemplaten gebruikt voor een betere stabiliteit en om wegglijden en wegwaaien te voorkomen.
English:
Geotextile or soil reinforcement is often applied under the EPS (styrofoam) as a foundation layer. For stability reasons, the blocks must be laid in at least two layers. Clamping plates are used between the different layers for better stability and to prevent slipping and blowing away.
And why you had to come and end all my stability? Why couldn't you just stay in my dreams? Why had to come and turn my world, my head, my heart upside down? I have a feeling, and I know it's platonic, but not tire of saying: I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!
By: me :)
PS: esse coração,eu fiz com massinha de modelar,que minha sobrinha ganhou e me pediu pra ir brincar com ela...Eu adorei,e tive que tirar uma foto :x
The City of Opa-Locka was the vision of aviation pioneer, Glen Curtiss. Opa-locka is an urban community occupying 4.2 square miles in the North-Western area of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The city boundaries are as follows: on the North-NW 151st Street, on the South - N.W. 125th Street, on the East – NW 45th Avenue on the West. On May 14, 1926, Opa-locka was chartered as a town by twenty-eight registered voters.
The area was originally named by the Native Americans “Opa-tisha-wocka-locka” meaning “a big island covered with many trees and swamps” but the name was quickly shorten to Opa-locka. The City was developed based on the Arabian Nights theme which is evident by the large collection of Moorish architecture throughout the city and with street names like Sabur, Sultan, Ali Baba, Sharazad, Aladdin and Sesame. Mr. Curtiss and architect, Bernhardt Muller, built 105 buildings with an array of domes, minarets and outside staircases. By the time Mr. Curtiss completed his vision for Opa-locka he had built a self-contained city with a hotel, zoo park, golf course, archery club, swimming pool, airport, and train station.
The September 1926 hurricane badly damaged the City, destroying many of the structures, but the surviving Moorish style buildings continue to give Opa-locka its unique appearance. Opa-locka currently has twenty buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The U.S. Navy opened a base at the Opa-locka Airport shortly after the hurricane which allowed the City to thrive after the hurricane but the base closed in the 1950s. The City experienced a decline, and was labeled a "struggling community" in South Florida. Despite the challenges, the City has regained the spirit it was founded with in 1926. Under the direction of Mayor Myra L. Taylor, city officials have vowed to turn the city around by focusing on crime prevention, cleaning up the city and maintaining financial stability. This drive has generated an increased sense of community, pride among Opa-locka residents and a major drop in crime. In keeping with that vow and to advance community pride, the city became the first community in the United States to commemorate the first African-American President of the United States by renaming a mile-long section of Perviz Avenue from Oriental Boulevard to Ali-Baba Avenue, Barack Obama Avenue on February 17, 2009.
In addition to the unique buildings, Opa-locka has a large general aviation airport, three parks, two lakes and a railroad station which is currently the tri-rail station. The City is comprised of a mixture of residential, commercial and industrial zones. Despite its limited resources, the City was the backdrop for the making of movies such as Texas Justice, Bad Boyz II and 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.opalockafl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Opalocka-M...
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg
Luxembourg, officially named the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France on the south. Its capital and most populous city, Luxembourg City, is one of the four institutional seats of the European Union and hosts several EU institutions, notably the Court of Justice of the European Union, the highest judicial authority in the EU.
As part of the Low Countries, Luxembourg has close historic, political, and cultural ties to Belgium and the Netherlands. Luxembourg's culture, people, and languages are greatly influenced by France and Germany: Luxembourgish, a Germanic language, is the only recognized national language of the Luxembourgish people and of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; French is the sole language for legislation; and both languages along with German are used for administrative matters.
With an area of 2,586 square kilometres (998 sq mi), Luxembourg is Europe's seventh-smallest country. In 2024, it had a population of 672,050, which makes it one of the least-populated countries in Europe, albeit with the highest population growth rate; foreigners account for almost half the population. Luxembourg is a representative democracy headed by a constitutional monarch, Grand Duke Henri, making it the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy.
The County of Luxembourg was established in the 11th century as a state within the Holy Roman Empire. Its ascension culminated in its monarch, Henry VII, becoming the Holy Roman Emperor in the 14th century. Luxembourg came under Habsburg rule in the 15th century, and was annexed by France in the 18th century. Luxembourg was partitioned three times, reducing its size. Having been restored in 1815 after the defeat of Napoleon, it regained independence in 1867 after the Luxembourg Crisis.
Luxembourg is a developed country with an advanced economy and one of the world's highest PPP-adjusted GDPs per capita, per the IMF and World Bank. It also ranks highly in terms of life expectancy, human development, and human rights. The historic city of Luxembourg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to the exceptional preservation of its vast fortifications and historic quarters. Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union, OECD, the United Nations, NATO, and the Benelux. It served on the United Nations Security Council for the first time in 2013 and 2014.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_City
Luxembourg (Luxembourgish: Lëtzebuerg; French: Luxembourg; German: Luxemburg), also known as Luxembourg City (Luxembourgish: Stad Lëtzebuerg or d'Stad; French: Ville de Luxembourg; German: Stadt Luxemburg or Luxemburg-Stadt), is the capital city of Luxembourg and the country's most populous commune. Standing at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers in southern Luxembourg, the city lies at the heart of Western Europe, situated 213 km (132 mi) by road from Brussels and 209 km (130 mi) from Cologne. The city contains Luxembourg Castle, established by the Franks in the Early Middle Ages, around which a settlement developed.
As of 31 December 2024, Luxembourg City has a population of 136,208 inhabitants, which is more than three times the population of the country's second most populous commune (Esch-sur-Alzette). The population consists of 160 nationalities. Foreigners represent 70.4% of the city's population, whilst Luxembourgers represent 29.6% of the population; the number of foreign-born residents in the city rises steadily each year.
In 2024, Luxembourg was ranked by the IMF as having the highest GDP per capita in the world at $140,310 (PPP), with the city having developed into a banking and administrative centre. In the 2019 Mercer worldwide survey of 231 cities, Luxembourg was placed first for personal safety, while it was ranked 18th for quality of living.
Luxembourg is one of the de facto capitals of the European Union (alongside Brussels, Frankfurt and Strasbourg), as it is the seat of several institutions, agencies and bodies, including the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Auditors, the Secretariat of the European Parliament, the European Public Prosecutor's Office, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund, the European Stability Mechanism, Eurostat, as well as other European Commission departments and services. The Council of the European Union meets in the city for three months annually.
Additional Foreign Language Tags:
(Luxembourg) "لوكسمبورج" "卢森堡" "Luxemburg" "לוקסמבורג" "लक्ज़म्बर्ग" "ルクセンブルク" "룩셈부르크" "Люксембург" "Luxemburgo"
(Luxembourg City) "مدينة لوكسمبورغ" "卢森堡市" "Luxembourg-Ville" "Luxemburg-Stadt" "לוקסמבורג סיטי" "लक्ज़मबर्ग शहर" "ルクセンブルク市" "룩셈부르크 시티" "Люксембург" "Ciudad de Luxemburgo"
An old image when I had my time shooting on one of the most bombed islands in World War II.
***Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM ӏ Exposure details: 17mm at f/8, 1/400s, ISO 400
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Breanna Delafuente, from Long Beach, Miss., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares to launch a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 from the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 7, 2022) Sailors remove chocks and chains from a CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced), prior to take-off from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Kelley)
I bend forward just a little to grab the banister and handrail a bit higher up for some extra stability. But oh dear, this is very tricky as the view from below quite easily turns a bit too much into a daring upskirt. There's nothing wrong with a sensual and teasing upskirt peek, yet it shall be executed with elegance, style and mostly suggestion and not show too much and turn cheap and vulgar. There's a fine line between the two so it's very delicate. In my view this one is on the limit, yet still tasteful so okay to share. Living on the edge I guess!
Quoted from: www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-stable-diffusion-stability-ai-law...
"Stability AI, the first open-source image generator, trained its systems on images from across the internet. An independent analysis of the origin of those images shows at least 15,000 came from gettyimages.com; 9,800 from vanityfair.com; 35,000 from deviantart.net; and 25,000 from pastemagazine.com."
None of the artists whose images were used, gave permission for them to be used in this way.
Two different views of Love & Stability by Reilly Creative.
Husband and wife duo Reilly Creative’s design has taken inspiration from Southampton’s flag, designed in 2017. It depicts an anchor and a Tudor rose. They have taken these elements and with a nod to the beautiful windows that can be found in Saint Marys Church, have turned them into a stained-glass effect design. We have called it Love, to represent the delicate rose and Stability, for the strength of an anchor.
Sponsored by Southampton Hospitals Charity
Over the summer of 2024, Southampton Hospitals Charity will be lighting up the South with a large-scale public art event that promises to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
There will be 40 8ft magnificent lighthouse sculptures on display through the streets and public spaces of Southampton and Cowes, each one a unique masterpiece designed by artists both local and well renowned, plus 40 mini lighthouses designed by local education groups, creating a family-friendly trail of discovery for visitors and residents to enjoy and explore.
The lighthouses will then be displayed together for a Farewell event in September 2024 which will be a chance to see all lighthouses gathered in one place, a truly unique sight. The sculptures will then go into auction to raise vital funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.
EXPLORED!!! Highest position: 51 on Sunday, January 3, 2010
This is, of course, my last upload for this year.
Time to draw some conclusions...
I'm gonna be pretty wordy here, I really want to share with you my impressions of the moment; my 'occasional' followers can skip this section and go to my usual shooting details and description!
First of all, 2009 has been, without a doubt, the explosion of my SERIOUS love for visual arts.
I realized I need a stronger knowledge about art and photography. I'm trying to read as much as I can, to broaden my culture. I made a commitment to stop caring that much about gear and spending useless time on photographic forums, serious books provide far more valuable informations.
I'm also trying to learn more and more from the Masters, having increased their 'number', too.
I'm a lot more into subtleties than before, I spend much more time thinking the shot than actually wonder around shooting.
As for my personal life, 2009 made me really stronger. I fully recovered from an important love story which ended.
This recovery made me realize how much strong I am and how much I can give to other people.
Then I fell in love again, and when I look back it's easy to see that those moments of deep pain are now so distant and far, and things are going much better than before.
Those deep changes in life are useful: they let you realize your point of view can dramatically change, much faster than you can imagine.
Now, some 2010 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS!!! (random order)
1) More stability with work. I want to get a full time occupation and sign an official contract;
2) No laziness: I have to keep up the good work with my body I started last May - June;
3a) No intellectual laziness: Stop wasting time on the Internet (Flickr is NOT wasting time; useless forums, facebook etc.. are);
3b) No intellectual laziness: Read more (Novels, Art books, essays, etc);
4) Attend more art exhibitions;
5) Buy a full-frame camera (is it a resolution?!?);
6) Travel a lot;
Last but not least:
I really want to thank you, my dear Flickr friends. When I write this I really mean it; without you I wouldn't be here;
your constant feedback, comments, faves, notes, helped me immensely.
Many of your artworks truly inspired me, made me struggle to get better and better and open my eyes in many directions.
THANK YOU!!!!
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Una piccola eccezione per la fine del 2009... la descrizione in italiano!!!
Mi scuso con tutti i miei contatti e con i visitatori occasionali per le mancate traduzioni passate;
come ho scritto anche nel profilo la traduzione completa diventerebbe impegnativa;
Questo è il mio ultimo upload per il 2009, ed a corredo voglio inserire alcune riflessioni.
Il 2009 è stato certamente l'anno che ha segnato l'inizio del mio interesse dilagante per le arti visive.
Mi sono reso conto di quanto debba approfondire la mia conoscenza relativa sia alla storia dell'arte in generale che, più nello specifico, alla fotografia.
Mi sto applicando per leggere moltissimo, cercando di evitare di sprecare tempo girovagando in Internet senza una meta.
Cerco di trarre ispirazione dai Maestri, che, con il passare del tempo, stanno aumentando decisamente in numero!
Passando ad aspetti più personali, il 2009 mi ha reso senza dubbio più forte; mi sono completamente ripreso dalla fine di una storia molto importante, e ciò mi ha fatto intendere quanto forte sia davvero e quanto abbia da dare agli altri.
Ora, quando guardo indietro, è facile rendermi conto di come quei momenti di sofferenza siano lontani e quanto adesso le cose funzionino meglio di prima.
Certi cambiamenti radicali nella vita sono senza dubbio utili: permettono infatti di renderti conto di come il tuo punto di vista, i tuoi riferimenti possano mutare in un battito di ciglia.
Ed ora, qualche buon proposito per il 2010!!! (Ordine casuale)
1) Più stabilità lavorativa. Voglio un impiego a tempo pieno;
2) No alla pigrizia: Voglio continuare l'ottimo lavoro con il mio fisico iniziato prima dell'estate;
3a) No alla pigrizia intellettuale: Non sprecare tempo su Internet;
3b) No alla pigrizia intellettuale: Leggere di più;
4) Visitare più mostre;
5) Acquistare una full-frame;
6) Viaggiare molto.
Ultimo, ma non meno impoartante:
Voglio ringrazionare di cuore tutti voi, miei amici di Flickr. Senza di voi non sarei qui; i vostri commenti, le critiche, le preferite, mi hanno aiutato moltissimo.
I vostri lavori mi hanno ispirato, fornendomi motivazione per migliorarmi e mi hanno aperto gli occhi in molto nuove direzioni: GRAZIE!!!
Details
- CANON 400d, EF-S 10-22 @ 10mm, f/10, 1/50s, ISO 100.
- Tripod
The shot
Shot not far from where I live.
The Processing
Photoshop:
- Created 5 Overlay layers to adjust light
- Multiplied the sky and added a gradient mask
- Added a Level layer to improve contrast
- Created a Color-Balance adjustment layer to warm things up
- Improved microcontrast with Unsharp Mask
- Resized
- Sharpened (SS + More Accurate, rocks only)
- Framing and signature.
Take a look at it, LARGE on Black :
@ You all
Comments, faves and critiques are always welcomed!
It is time to wish you, your families and your loved ones the best 2010 you could ever imagine.
Luca
201020-N-IO312-1419 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 20, 2020) -- F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the Japan Air Self Defense Force conduct integrated air operations with the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)
Improved stability, front and rear standard, 8x11 inches. Maximum bellows extensions (1000mm).
Tilt, left and right as much as the bellows allow. Steel Iris, quick-change lenses up to (120mm) diameter.
SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 9, 2020) Landing craft, air cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship conducts amphibious operations. Germantown, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)