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Surfacing is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, released on 15 July 1997. It was produced by McLachlan's frequent collaborator, Pierre Marchand, and its release coincided with the start of McLachlan's Lilith Fair tour. The album reached the top position on the Canadian RPM 100 Albums chart, number two on the US Billboard 200 and became her first album to reach the top 50 outside of North America.
On 23 October 2001, "Building a Mystery" became the first song ever publicly played on an Apple iPod. Apple founder, chairman and CEO Steve Jobs selected and played a short portion of the song during the presentation in which he first introduced the iPod to the public at Apple Campus in Cupertino, California.
I love Sarah’s voice and her music, I was hoping to see her performing live in their last tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, one of my all time favorite albums, but I couldn’t,
Happy anniversary, Sarah McLachlan!!
The song: youtu.be/_QUq72fla3o?si=WH95ID43qpBYMddf
This photograph was taken at dawn this morning at Lower Seletar Reservoir looking towards Orchid Country Club and Heritage Bridge (on the right).
This photograph captured the progressively illuminated and drifting clouds in the dawn sky and the Bridge. The mirror-like surface of the reservoir provided an enchanting view of the serene landscape.
Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!!
Photographed on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in the Kallahti nature reserve, Helsinki in mid-March. A warm week (+5 °C) with rains melted the snow from the sea ice and accumulated water in puddles. The freezing weather that followed this made the ice surface really smooth, bringing out the features of the ice flowers well (A7R4078-1e).
Sony ILCE-7RM3A + E28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071
1/20 sec at f/13, ISO 100, 28 mm
I love imagining the small critters that munched their way through parts of this leaf....leaving the surface with a new look.
Pottering about a bit in our Snowy Garden this morning, my Sonyeye became intrigued by this Winter Brightness. Almost violently red Cotoneaster Berries are vying with Gravity - can't show you that - over the fortunes of an H2O-droplet. Amazing forces of Nature form such a droplet. Water molecules would rather band together than bond with other kinds such as air. This desire for proximity to each other causes their spherical shape - a bit technically: a sphere has the smallest possible surface area to volume ratio. What looks like an 'elastic membrane' around the droplet is in fact its surface tension, caused by that central molecular binding. This tension is quite something: it makes it possible for example for small insects to walk on water.
In the photo, our water droplet is not a sphere. It's pendant, pulled out of shape by the force of gravity. And fell into a snowy grave just as Sony did its thing.
European hornet closeup (Vespa crabro), 10-2022, Ticino, Switzerland
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
European hornet (Vespa crabro), 10-2022, Ticino, Switzerland
If you're interested, you can find my best photos of the WILDLIFE IN TICINO, SWITZERLAND here: fr.lacerta-bilineata.com/l%C3%A9zard-vert-occidental-lace...
THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO:
I guess you can tell by the look on its face that this is not a happy hornet. That's not unusual for hornets - truth be told, variations of "not happy" "angry", or at least "badly irritated" seem to be pretty much their natural state of mind - but what's interesting about the fella above is that he also wasn't exactly sober.
To spell it out more clearly: that was one hammered hornet. It was so drunk in fact, it couldn't fly for two seconds straight without crashing. I shot that photo in my garden last fall, but as with all my pictures, I'll try to give you a bit more context.
Every year at least one hornet queen decides that some crack or hole inside the thick stone walls of my 400-year old house in Ticino is the perfect place to raise her royal family.
That in itself wouldn't pose a problem, but if there's one thing we know about "royals", it's that they're a complicated bunch (though it has to be said for both princes William and Harry that they rarely build little palaces inside the walls of some stranger's house, but I digress).
There is a slight potential for conflict; in my experience, all hornets are born with a sweet tooth and a bad temper, and particularly when there's ripe figs in my garden, tensions can rise.
That is entirely my fault though, because I still sometimes foolishly try to negotiate the human place in the food- (or rather: fruit-) chain, despite knowing perfectly well that fig season isn't the time to want to improve human-hornet relations, as any attempt in that regard will inevitably follow the same frustrating pattern:
Human: "Oh hello there Ms Hornet, how nice to meet you here at the fig tree - isn't the weather just lovely?"
Hornet: "Bzzzzzz. I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Go away. Bzzzzz."
Human: "There is really no need to be so angry, dear Ms Hornet: we're all friends here, and there's enough figs for all of us! How are the kids, I mean... larvae?"
Hornet: "Bzzzzzz. I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Go away. Bzzzzz."
Human: "Jeez, OK - relax! I can see you have a sting, I'm going, all right? You can have all the figs Ms Hornet, see: I'm already leaving!"
Hornet: "Bzzzzz. Yes, I have a sting. Bzzzzz. Don't come back. Bzzzzz."
And that's how THAT conversation goes.
Yet despite our occasional differences (like when I nearly died of smoke inhalation because Her Royal Hornet Majesty had decided my chimney was another suitable place for her nest), I'm happy to report we generally get along quite well, unless... - well, unless the hornets are intoxicated.
It's one of nature's lesser known facts (or perhaps its dirty secret) that many of our friends in the animal kingdom occasionally like to get high, and hornets are no exception. Not on anything illegal, mind; they are law-abiding insects after all, so you won't see them smoke crack or snort cocaine (although with some hornets I wouldn't rule that out completely 😉).
No: their usual drug of choice is alcohol, which my irritable neighbors find - surprise! - in my fig tree. Once some of the overripe fruit start to ferment, their potent juices become a magnet for hornets - and that's when the trouble starts.
It should come as no surprise that "hornets and hooch" are an inherently problematic combination. Because the crux with alcohol is this: it doesn't alter your personality, it only brings out the character traits that are already there without a filter, so you just become a terribly unrestrained version of yourself when you drink too much.
Which with hornets - who aren't the most cheerful bunch even on a good day - is a recipe for disaster. They are MEAN drunks - and I'm not kidding, oh boy. All that bottled-up anger constantly boiling underneath that shiny, chitin surface from the moment they hatch is finally released into the world, and it's not a pleasant sight, let me tell you.
Alcohol REALLY doesn't seem to improve their mood, and the other animals in my garden all agree (and I concur) that the fig tree would be a much happier place if the hornets just smoked weed and listened to Bob Marley instead (if them getting high can't be avoided altogether).
To be fair though, not all hornets have a drinking problem. Most of them behave responsibly and "don't drink and fly" (which I'm sure is a motto that gets taught in hornet school from an early age). And they don't get high all year long: It's only when fall arrives that the hornets like to have a merry get-together in my fig tree to get a good "buzz on".
But you know how it is: just like with any good party, there's always the ONE guy who can't hold his liquor and basically turns into your angry, drunk uncle at Christmas who starts picking fights with every one at the dinner table and insists on letting you know - very loudly - what he thinks about Trump or Biden or the Corona virus once he's had one too many.
Which finally brings me back to the fella in the photo above, because apparently he was THAT guy. That particular "drunk uncle" hornet sat underneath the fig tree on a fallen (and pretty rotten looking) fruit and was deep into its cups. As soon as it saw me, it started to buzz angrily and seemed intent on a confrontation, but it didn't manage to get airborne for more than a second.
After a few more failed attempts to lift off and a few more angry "Bzzzzzz" sounds (I think I actually did hear the words "Trump", "Biden" and "Corona" in there 😉), it just went back to boozing on the juices of the spoiled fig on the ground.
I left it to its own devices, happy that I got this quite expressive shot. 😊
P.S. I think it was actually a crazy, drunk AUNT - not an uncle 😉)
P.P.S. Just to make sure we understand each other (maybe as a disclaimer for readers who come to this gallery for the first time and aren't familiar with my kind of humor): I love the fact that these beautiful insects visit my garden. Watching how these efficient predators hunt wasps, horseflies or other insects is incredibly fascinating (adult hornets themselves mainly feed on sugary plant juices, but they hunt because their young need protein to grow).
Hornets may seem like they're constantly angry (which to me is funny - hence this text), but they're not; they're actually very peaceful towards humans, and even when you compete for a ripe fig with them, their furious buzzing is mostly just a bluff, and I've never been stung (and I don't know anyone who has).
Due to the unfounded fear many people have of hornets, who often get exterminated because they're confused with common wasps, this species is threatened in many countries (in Germany for example, hornets are a protected species). But unless you step (or sit) on them or destroy their nest, hornets don't attack, and even when they're drunk, they are usually so incapacitated that they are completely harmless (just like your uncle/aunt 😉).
So if you have hornets in your garden, just enjoy watching them and please don't harm them! 🙏 🙏 ❤ ❤
With that being said, I hope you like the photo and wish you all a wonderful weekend! Many greetings from Switzerland, and as always: let me know what you think in the comments 🙏 😊 ❤!
For Looking close on Friday!
Theme: Matchsticks.
Des friction lights de John Walker aux lucifers de Samuel Jones
Le pharmacien John Walker est celui qui a inventé, en 1827, la première allumette qui s’allume par friction, comme on la connaît aujourd’hui. S’inspirant des travaux d’un physicien et chimiste irlandais, Robert Boyle, il imagine un mélange qui, par friction sur une surface rugueuse, peut s’enflammer. En bon scientifique qu’il était, et ne voulant pas faire connaître le procédé de sa découverte, il refuse de la breveter, se contentant de commercialiser lui-même son produit, et de vaquer à ses occupations de pharmacien, botaniste et minéralogiste. Ce procédé de fabrication des allumettes finit par être breveté sous le nom de lucifers par un certain Samuel Jones. Les lucifers présentaient néanmoins de nombreux problèmes : flamme instable et violente, odeur désagréable. On dit que malgré tous ces désagréments, le nombre de fumeurs augmenta en raison de cette invention. Ils pouvaient enfin déambuler dans la nature, avec leurs cigarettes, cigares et pipes, en toute indépendance.
From John Walker's Friction Lights to Samuel Jones' Lucifers
In 1827, the pharmacist John Walker invented the first friction-lighting match, as we know it today. Inspired by the work of an Irish physicist and chemist, Robert Boyle, he imagined a mixture that could ignite by friction on a rough surface. As a good scientist, and not wanting to make the process of his discovery known, he refused to patent it, contenting himself with marketing his product himself, and going about his business as a pharmacist, botanist and mineralogist. This process for manufacturing matches ended up being patented under the name of Lucifers by a certain Samuel Jones. However, Lucifers presented many problems: unstable and violent flame, unpleasant odor. It is said that despite all these inconveniences, the number of smokers increased because of this invention. They could finally wander around in nature, with their cigarettes, cigars and pipes, in complete independence.
Un grand merci pour vos favoris, commentaires et encouragements toujours très appréciés.
Many thanks for your much appreciated favorites and comments.
The stillness of the water hides a predator’s patience. Only the ridged crown and ancient eyes of the alligator break the surface, a living fossil gliding through ripples that shimmer like brushed steel. The scene is pure tension calm on top, power beneath a reminder that Florida’s wetlands are never truly quiet. Every subtle movement of the water feels deliberate, every reflection a whisper of the creature’s stealth. This is the moment between awareness and action, captured before the strike, before the calm folds back into chaos.
My latest photography is now available for purchase at crsimages.pixels.com, featuring prints, framed art, and more from my curated collections.
What Unearthed?, a geometric beach hut on Eastbourne seafront, completed by Irish architect Stephen Foley following an international competition. Inspired by recent local archaeological discoveries, the hut is sited on Seafront Walk, which leads to Beachy Head where the remains of a young woman dating from 245AD were found. Analysis suggests that she was of Sub-Saharan origin, and therefore among the first immigrants from southern Africa to reach UK shores. The story manifests itself, according to Foley, in the faceted form of translucent Corian Panels is positioned between the boardwalk and the beach.
It is possible to hire this beach hut and it was illuminated by night shortly after it was placed in position. In the distance you can see the pier on the left with the lights reflected on the surface of the sea and on the right are hotels and guest houses.
This close-up photograph captures the underside curve of the famous Miraculous Staircase inside the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Visual Features
Helical Design: The image highlights the fluid, sweeping curve of the wooden staircase, showcasing its double 360 degree spiral design as it ascends toward the choir loft.
Craftsmanship & Texture: The warm-toned wooden underside displays a distinctive textured finish with fine grain and intricate surface details, complemented by a polished wooden trim along the edges.
Balustrade Details: The dark, turned wooden balusters and handrail run along the inner and upper edges of the staircase structure.
Historical Significance
Constructed around 1878–1881 by an unknown carpenter, the staircase became famous for its unusual engineering: it was built without a central supporting pole, nails, or glue, relying instead on wood pegs and inner stringers to bear the weight. Local legend attributes its creation to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, after the Sisters of Loretto prayed a novena for a way to reach their choir loft.
Historical Context: Built in the 1870s and inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, this Roman Catholic chapel was commissioned for the Sisters of Loretto and their girls' school, Loretto Academy. It is most famous for its helical "Miraculous Staircase" that leads up to the choir loft. Today, the chapel serves as a museum and popular wedding venue.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretto_Chapel
History
The staircase was built sometime between 1877 and 1881.[4] By this point, the chapel was substantially complete but still lacking access to the choir loft, possibly due to the unexpected death of the architect, Projectus Mouly, in 1879.[12]
According to the version of events passed down by the Sisters of Loretto, multiple builders were consulted but were not able to find a workable solution due to the confined quarters. In response, the nuns prayed for nine straight days to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the last day of the novena, a mysterious stranger appeared and offered to build the staircase. He worked alone using only a few simple hand tools and disappeared afterwards without collecting his pay or the Sisters learning his identity. More fantastical versions of the story have the work taking place overnight, while according to others, it took six to eight months.[7][9][13]
The finished staircase was an impressive work of carpentry, seeming to defy physics as it ascended 20 feet (6.1 m) without any obvious means of support. The Sisters of Loretto viewed its construction as a miracle and believed that the mysterious builder must have been Saint Joseph himself. As the story spread, the staircase became one of Santa Fe's most famous tourist attractions.[7]
The staircase as originally built lacked handrails and was reportedly so frightening to descend that some of the nuns and students did so on their hands and knees. Eventually, railings were added in 1887 by another craftsman, Phillip August Hesch. The stairs have been mostly closed to the public since the chapel became a privately run museum in the 1960s.[9]
New Mexico 2026
Santa Fe Downtown
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