Author Archives: Dusky Pierce

Oddly Satisfying

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In this perfectly imperfect world, we all crave order, symmetry, whimsy and of course beauty. Thanks to Bored Panda, I happened onto countless images that are “Oddly Satisfying.” Once I got started, I couldn’t stop, following links from one post to another, collecting more and more favorites. So enjoy my selection of oddly satisfying images and follow the link to pick your own.

The Lighting Under This Bridge That Makes It Look Like A Crescent-Moon In The Water

My Neighbor’s Tree Fits Perfectly In My Window

 

A jaguar in Mexico was caught climbing through a broken wall that separates the jungle from a town in Quintana Roo.

These Two Zebras Lining Up Randomly, And Perfectly

BirdPerson

This perspective-warping shot of the Rio Tinto river in Spain, taken by a drone

Before & After 3-D Paint Job

Droplets On A Car Windshield During Sunset

Tree’s Shadow, perfect

This Mystique Cosplay Mid Merge (By Magnetomystique)

This Cake by Malizzi Cakes

Amazingly Well-Stacked Carrots On A Pickup

It Looks Like A Leafy Spoonful Of Cottage Cheese

I Finally Got A Picture Of My Cat Looking At The Camera

A wild Boar got in this photo of the night sky.  Amazing. “Milky Way” by Bence Mate.

These Rhubarb Pies

A Single Fallen Tree Holding Back The Duckweed In The Wetlands Of Louisiana

Lithops Are South African Plants That Have Evolved To Look Like Stones

The Way The Frost Highlights The Sculpture

I’m Not Sure They Entirely Thought This Through

The Way The Snow Accumulated

A Picture Demonstrating How Smoke Is Particulate Matter Suspended In Air

Piano Cake.  Very Talented Chef

These men carrying the city on a desktop.

Cubic Window During Different Times Of Day

Wind Turbines Aligned In A Row In Nevada

A Cornucopia Of Mushrooms

Matsumoto Castle On A Winter Night, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Making A Mosaic With Autumn Leaves by Porky Pain

This Photo Of The Moon And A Plane

The Way The Snow Rolled Down On My Windshield

Beautiful Apple Carving

My Neighbors Tree Has The Perfect Fall Gradient

Bad vs. Good Cable Management In A Server Room

Wintry Layers Of The Sea Of Japan Shoreline

Yogurt Bear Arrangement At This Market

A Dandelion Bouquet

Stealing The Moon

How Perfectly Our Cereal Boxes Fit In This Shelf In Our Dorm

She’s unimpressed by his showing. By Barbara Ingeborg.

This Plant Growing Up A Palm Tree

This Pattern Out Of Snow On A Patio Table

River Of Flowers, Netherlands

This perfect fit

OCD soup

A Perfect Snowflake Landed On Me

Perfectionism at work. These Piles Of Spice At A Market In Marrakesh

Trail Of My Sugar Cube Falling Through The Milk Froth

Still waters

Square Roots

Iceberg makes 4 perfect quadrants

A perfect forest

Rainbow Above The Flower Field

 

This Broom Setup In Our Local Garden Store

 

 

odds and ends

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Following are selections from the Sienna International Photo Contest. SIPA 2022 had nearly 48.000 images from amateur and professional photographers from 156 countries worldwide.

Sometimes I was able to identify the name of the photo and photographer but not the location of the picture. I apologize because it may leave you wondering, as it did me.

by Maymoni Maya, Savannah Storm

Red Chillies Pickers by Azim Khan Ronnie,

By Shirley Wung, Fireflies mating

By Kerry Griechen, Louisiana swamp, USA

Did you notice the glasscleaner in the above image?

Bangladesh by Rahat Bin Mustafiz

By Ahmet Fatih Sönmez, Shepherds return home in E. Turkey

by Alessandra Meniconzi, Mangrove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Vivid Conversation” Giza, Egypt by Liliana Ranalletta

Man in painting, Rome, Italy by Liliana Ranalletta  It’s hard to believe this man wasn’t cast to fit into this painting.

Priest Aregawi Wolde Mariam looks down at a dry river valley below an ancient church in Tigray, Ethiopia.By Natalia Mroz

by Thanh Nguyen Phuc, Hanoi, Vietnam

Long Mountains by Vasily Iakovlev

by Mustafa Kilic, Turkey

Kerala, India by Weimin Qi

Polar Fox in Norway by Bernt Østhus,

Murmuration Sunset by Aya Okawa

Tianzi Mountains, China by Alexandre Manuel

Spiral Staircase next to a big tank in an electric power plant by Steffen Ebert

The Ysios Winery in Egypt by Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz

Inside a museum by Yuliy Vasilev

the demolition of the Provincial Agricultural Consortium’s silo. Built in the 1970s, it was used to store wheat by Giulio Casti

Spiral Run by Marcel Van Balken

Manhatten, by Ibrahim Nabeel Salah

Dubai expo, by Muhammad Almasri

 

From 2022 Envision Kindness contest.

This first one is a heart-breaker. So touching. And a reminder that in the midst of tragic violence, there is also incredible kindness.

War notes by Mounab Taib

Mother and Son by Thant Zin In

Relationship by Thet Naing Oo

Horse and Girl by Ramazan Cirkoglu

Holding Our World by Pinkesh Bhati

Joy

Mother’s Love by Dikye Ariani

A couple months ago as I was in the midst of organizing a new post for my website I accidentally published it before it was finished. So here is a recap about Wikimedia and some new categories of photos:

The following photos are culled from monthly photo challenges sponsored by Wiki Commons, part of the same non-profit that offers the familiar Wikipedia. Photographers all over the world freely offer their take on the subject with the only stipulation being that the person using the photographs give attribution.

Challenges are based on a theme and run for a month. The theme may be a concrete subject, an abstract concept, a photographic technique or artistic style. 

Each contributor publishes in their own language and the only info required is the name they use on Wiki. Therefore, unfortunately it often leaves me wondering where the image was taken.

Breaking Rules contest

Breaking the rules by Mozzihh

Zebra crossing Audierne Bretagne by PtrQs

Prague, Czech Republic by Eliška Jindříšková

Tree out of line by Shiela dixon

breaking rules, The real me by Achraf Baznani

Not easy waiting for the bus, by Jmh2o

Upsidedown room in museum, Hamberg, Germany by Lusi Lindwurm

Cress growing in keyboard by wetwebwork

In Niagra Falls, Canada by AK-Bino

Footprints appear as raised,_Juist_island,_Germany by Hartmut Schmidt, Heidelberg

Feathers

WesternCrownedPigeon-MuseumGeneve_RomanDeckert18052023

Blue-Peacock By GabrielleMerk

Feathers of a male common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), photographed on Spiekeroog, Germany,1 By Stephan Sprinz

Pale white dove feather – rachis with one row of disconnected barbs – DSG2033-1 – 2021-04-04

Great White Pelican by Mozzihh

Ringed young sparrow hawks (Accipiter nisus). Location, Natuurterrein The Famberhorst in the Netherlands By Dominicus Johannes Bergsma

Star,_скворец

Big and Small

bucket wheel excavator at brown coal open face mine Welzow, Germany By Staubi59

 

The merchant and the fishing boat by Propoli187

 

by T.Kiya

by Odd Roar Aalborg,

by Peter Gronemann

by Hartmut Schmidt, Heidelberg

Big (E27s) and small (E10s) incandescent lamps by Friedrich Haag

by Reinhold Moller

Liebherr LRB 355 pile driving and drilling rig By Reinhold Moller

 

 

 

Wikimedia

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Below you will find my selection of images on the subjects of Stairs, Workers in Africa and “Big and Little.” They are culled from monthly photo challenges sponsored by Wiki Commons, part of the same non-profit that offers the familiar Wikipedia. Photographers all over the world freely offer their take on the subject with the only stipulation being that the person using the photographs give attribution.

Each contributor publishes in their own language and the only info required is the name they use on Wiki. Therefore, unfortunately it often leaves me wondering where the image was taken.

STAIRS

Ponce de Leon Inlet Florida, USA By P. Hughes

Treppe_im_Lutherhaus, in Wittenberg, Germany. By Empiriokritizismus

TreppeKyffhäuserdenkmal By Kora27

By Abdulrahman Mohammed

Spiral steps at Mohabat makabara by Sneha G Gupta

Wendeltreppe By Englandfan

two spiral staircases in National theater, Taiwan by 黃景淵

Spiral staircase viewed from below. Albergo Santa Chiara, Rome, Italy by Matt Fitt.

Remnants of stairs at junagadh, Gujarat, India by Sneha G Gupta

Schloss_Strünkede Germany by Mozzihh

Vatican Museums Spiral Staircase by User-Colin

Berwarttreppe_Deutschorden Schloss Bad Mergentheim by Norbert Gronostay

WenteltrapS tift Melk,UNESCO Oostenrijk by Algont. Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk, Austria, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river.

Badodara, GujaraIndia By Sneha G Gupta

 

Stairway to Heaven By Sally V

Africa at work

Tunesia, by Hallouli.

Women at work, by Sirphilipjunior

Palm oil refiners. By Foktokrafting

Africa, Somalia, Mogadishu. A man carries a huge hammerhead through the streets of Mogadishu By Marco-Gualazzini

Woman milking cow near Gonder by Niels Van-Iperen

By Abdulrahman Mohammed

Clothes dyers in Fez, Morocco by Mrinal-Mohit

By Adelbayoumi

By Adelbayoumi

By Abdulrahman Moh

By Farid Abdin

By Hassananelsayadd

By Michelle-Kibe

By Hossametsh20

 

By Adelbayoum

 

By Adelbayoumi

By Alaaeldeebphotography

 

From 2022 Wiki Loves Earth

Photo by Neide José Paixão, Portugal

By ayub mooduto, Indonesia. This camouflaged Santa Claus pygmy seahorse measures less than 1 inch or 3cm long.

By Jsinglador, Philippines

Photo by Aboubakrhadnine, Hoggar National Park, Algeria. Note the line of people walking.

Photo by Abdul Momin (Abdulmominbd), Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bangladesh

by Stathis floros, Greece

By Spica-Vega Photo Arts (Banu Nazikcan), Turkey

Big and Little

 

 

Close up, Macro, Micro and Minimalist Photographs

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The following images are from the top 100 winners of the first two years of the Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) Awards.

I found myself captivated both by the photographs and also by the stories of people who devote themselves to seeing the world of the tiny. The CUPOTY website includes details of how photographers captured and processed the images, way too technical for me. But it also includes stories about tying a portable fire ladder to a tree to climb down into a frozen cauldron to get a picture of a frozen air bubble inside an icicle.  Or a guy who is fascinated by the patterns formed during the crystallization of callous remover (you will be too.) Or a photograph of breast ducts,  spherical bundles of milk-producing cells encircled by tiny muscle-like cells that contract to push milk into the ducts that lead to a suckling infant.

I hope you will share my interest in both what is photographed and how the picture was captured.

By Don Komarechka, Canada. “What if you could make a freezing soap bubble into its own light source? By combining invisible ink that fluoresces blue with dish soap and white corn syrup (glucose syrup), you can create a bubble that freezes beautifully. Add in a custom-built ultraviolet flash and you’ll see it illuminate from within, glowing like a lantern of frost. Photographed in Barrie, Ontario, Canada on a cold winter night as a crazy ‘what if? ‘experiment.”

 

Slime Moulds on Parade by Barry Webb a British Gardener and Photographer. This image shows a line of 2.5mm high, fruiting bodies of the slime mould  growing on a decaying beech trunk. When I looked through the magnifier, I noticed that the fruiting bodies resembled people standing in a line – the holes in the stems looked like little legs!

 

By Anna Ulmestrand, Sweden. A frozen airbubble inside an icicle. “Close to where I live there is an old abandoned mill by a pond. Water flows down the mountain into a giant cauldron and it creates huge icicles. The problem is how to get there – there are no paths or rocks to step on. Thankfully, I discovered a solution in the form of a portable fire ladder! Walking from the car to the mill took time, and was even harder because I was wearing thick clothes and carrying the ladder. To get into position I tied the ladder to a tree and used it to climb down.  As usual, I had no idea what I was going to find, apart from plenty of ice, but I wasn’t disappointed when I spotted this frozen air bubble inside an icicle.”

By Norm Barker, BioMedical/Scientific Photographer at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, US.  Clinical microbiologists use culture plates that identify bacteria and fungi that cause infections in patients. These types of test are done by the millions at large academic medical centers.

By Alexander Mett,  Germany. This picture of a small group of mushrooms with icy caps was taken on a very cold winter’s day. For this picture I lay flat on the ice cold and hard ground to take the series of pictures as calmly as possible.

By Caleb Dawson, Australia. During pregnancy and lactation, the tree-like breast ducts form spherical alveoli – the sites where milk is produced. Each alveolus contains many milk-producing cells that are encircled by tiny muscle-like cells, revealed here by yellow and purple dyes. The muscle-like cells contract in response to suckling to push the milk from the alveoli, into the ducts and to the infant.

By Marek Mis, Poland.
Callus remover (used to remove areas of thickened skin) is one of my favourite substances for crystallisation. I’ve been taking photographs of this substance for a long time now and almost always find something new to capture.

By Sergio Tapia, Spain. Río Tinto is one of the oldest areas with mining and metallurgic activity in the world. The most acid pH and lack of oxygen, make it a unique place. After a morning of heavy rain over a small reservoir, big blocks of foam build-up. Due to the movement of the river and the wind, this foam begins to shift and travel, creating all kinds of forms and textures.

By Peter Juzak, Germany. Since the end of the 1970s I have been fascinated by the world of microcrystals. I took this picture in my flat in autumn, 2019. Hippuric acid is a colourless substance and only when it is placed on a microscope slide and allowed to crystallise under polarising light does it reveal its spectacular world.

By Henri Koskinen, Finland. There is a small pond near my house with crystal clear spring water. It is filled with frogs every spring and it is one of my favourite spots to spend a morning with my camera. Frogspawn creates visually interesting abstract patterns when viewed really close.

By Hasan Baglar, Cyprus. This detail of the swallowtail butterfly wing reminded me of a hand woven carpet. I took a lot of photos to try and capture this image in a single frame while the butterfly rested on a branch under a cloudy sky.

By Henri Koskinen, Finland. I tried a number of compositions of seeds hoping to create the impression of ballerinas on a stage. The seeds of coltfoot are so delicate and light that I had to spray them with water to keep them still and stop them from flying away! I shot them on a semi-reflective surface as I wanted to create an airy feeling, and I used a background of blue sky and white clouds that I painted myself using thin, transparent watercolours.

By Tina Claffey, Ireland. I am a nature photographer fascinated by the bogs and wetlands of Ireland. This Feathery bog moss was frozen in the bog pool after a heavy night of frost. The moss extended its limbs in suspended animation, surrounded by frozen oxygen bubbles.

By Jay Birmingham, Britain. In Wyming Brook , I spotted a small mossy island with a solitary mushroom growing on it. Even better, there was a small waterfall behind. I crouched as low down in the water as I could to position the mushroom in front of the waterfall.

RADOMIR JAKUBOWSKI, Germany. This picture was taken during one of my workshops in the Canary Islands. As beautiful as the landscape was, I wanted to escape the obvious images of beach, sea and sky, so I turned my attention to the small details of the beach. I took the picture at sunrise, when the water turns a remarkable blue and the stone reflected the warm orange tones. As the wave retracted around the little stone, the foam created an interesting contrast against the black sand.

By Petar Sabol, Croatia. By Petar Sabol, Croatia. I had spent the morning looking for some macro subjects but couldn’t find anything interesting. Disappointed, I decided to go back home. As soon as I put my gear into the trunk of the car, I spotted this beautiful swallowtail butterfly bathing in the sun. I quickly grabbed my gear again and carefully crept up to the butterfly with my camera and tripod. I remained some distance from the butterfly in order to get a nice background blur.

By Hakan Kvarnstrom, Sweden, Risk Officer. Working with micromolluscs requires great care, patience, and persistence, as they are so tiny. But despite being only about 2–3mm in size, they have a beautiful and elaborate structure. This shelled mollusc was found in a marine water sample collected from a fish farm in Stockholm. By using fluorescence microscopy with ultraviolet light, the microalgae and cyanobacteria that grow on the surface of the shell are autofluorescing in red and orange, while the shell is blue.

By Greg Whitton, Britain. Pebbles was taken on Spittal Beach in Northumberland, UK. Swirls and geometric patterns are everywhere – you can lose yourself for hours in an area no larger than a squash court. On this day, the tide had receded and left the rock wet and clean. It was perfect for getting low and spending time finding the very best compositions.

By Luciano Richino, Argentina. “This image of the wing scales found on a butterfly from Madagascar, was taken in my studio. My principal objective with these photographs is to show people the perfection of the small – the details, textures and colours that we cannot appreciate with the eye alone.” (He describes many technical things he did to capture the amazing detail represented in this picture.)

By Lizzie Shepherd, Britain. What caught my eye (in this reservoir) was the wonderfully chaotic assortment of willow trees growing in the water’s edge. I was entranced by the intricate, reflections of the branches and twigs – almost like a delicate ink drawing.

By Mis Marek, Poland. I prepared a concentrated solution of water, sugar and salt on a microscope slide and left it for several hours until the water had evaporated. In amongst the many tiny crystals of the whitish substance left behind were a few larger crystals. The centre of one of them became this image.

By Simon Gakhar, Britain. Semi-Retired Explosion Safety Consultant. When air is trapped in water it naturally forms interesting patterns as the water freezes. I have found through trial and error that you can influence the type of pattern to some extent by using different amounts of aeration in the water, or by adding fizzy water to still water before freezing. Freezing at different rates also alters the pattern. (Why have I never really looked at the pattern inside an ice cube before?)

Mis Merik, Poland. The tissues seen here are epidermis cells and stomata cells from a Hepatica leaf. If the cells are observed in bright field illumination they are not that interesting, but by using polarized light, the colourful, puzzle-like pattern of the epidermal cells is revealed.

By Carolyne Barber, Britain. ‘I am a hospice nurse who loves photography and capturing the natural world around me. Photography enables me to bring some joy to our patients who cannot go outside.  This beautiful spider’s web, found on a fence in the hospice garden, looked dazzling with the backlight from the rising sun shining through the dewdrops.

By Gerd Guenther, Germany. ‘It is a constant enjoyment for me to explore the inner structures of common objects or materials. Using a microscope gives me the ability to visualize structures unseen with the naked eye. A guitar string is a very common object, but when you cut a longitudinal section and use a microscope illumination used for material science, the beauty of this subject is made visible.

By Justin Zoll, US. Bartender and Photographer. I do all of my experimentation and work in my bedroom. In this case, amino acids were dissolved in high-proof vodka before being distributed onto a glass slide and allowed to evaporate. The colours in the resulting crystals are due to the interaction of polarised light and the birefringent properties of the crystals. One of my polarising filters is the lens from an old pair of sunglasses! 

Less Detail

By Edwin Giesbers, Holland, a scene captured inside a frozen thermopane window.

By Barry Webb of England. “Fruiting body of a slime mold.”

Pressed steel frying pan base. By Tony Cooper, Britain.

By Justin Zoll, US. Ferrofluid. This one had no explanation unless you know what a ferrofluid is.

Minimal Photography

Not all minimalist photography is black and white. And the images presented here go beyond black and white, highlighting an emphasis on simple line and form. I love it. These are my favorites from the first edition of the Black and White Minimalist Photography Awards presented by Minimalism Magazine.

By Tim Nevell, From a drone in Iceland

Desert By Fatemeh Pishkhan, Iran

Curves By Steve Day

A birds-eye view of a lake with algae and fallen leaves and a fisherman. By Daniel Franc

By Pierre Pellegrini

Zen. By Andrew Ilachinski

By Tomas Tison

By Jason Au. Hong Kong

The beginning. By Fritz Weis. Germany

Zeeland Bridge By Gee Hurkmans, Netherlands.

Sossusvlei Trees By Hector Izquierdo Seliva in Namibia.

The Palm. By Renate Wasinger Fuerteventura. Canary Islands.

Secret Canyon By Blake Enting. Arizona, US

On the Road, by Massimo Alloi.

Snowboard track. By Scott Rinckenberger. Japan.

Thanks to Claire Elizabeth for getting me started on Close Up photography and to CUPOTY.

And thanks to Minimalism Magazine for sponsoring the Black and White Minimalist Photography Awards for 2020 – 2021.

Singular Passions

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I love finding artists who get obsessed or absorbed with a particular or unusual way of seeing the world. Then they capture and share their vision. I wonder what it would be like to pass a sidewalk with grass growing through a  crack and picture this:

or see a blank wall and picture this:

And then to have the talent to bring the vision to life. (The above images are from a recent post: Tiny art/ Huge art.)

So now we’ve got a collection of wonderful and inspiring new passions including miniature landscapes, acorn people, smiles, leaves, aliens, woodpiles and playing Bach using a ball rolling down an incline. Enjoy.

Katsuhiro Ohkuchi, “Under One Inch”.Since he was ten years old Japanese artist Katsuhiro Ohkuchi has been fascinated by the world literally at our feet. He has designed a method of photographing extraordinary miniature landscapes that are “Under One Inch.” He posts them on Instagram.

View from a ditch after rain.

 

Petr Vaclavek, “Dubanci“

Petr Vaclavek of the Czech Republic started collecting acorns with his kids in the woods near his home. When they got back, they crafted the oak nuts into tiny “acorn elves” that Petr now calls Dubánci.
While his kids outgrew making the acorn people, Petr’s passion for the project only became stronger. Soon, he was creating increasingly elaborate photographs of Dubánci performing their whimsical hijinks.

Jay Weinstein, “So I Asked Them to Smile”

In 2013, photographer Jay Weinstein was taking pictures in Bikaner, India, when his eye was drawn to a man with a narrow face and wispy beard, The picture would have been perfect, but he hesitated, intimidated by the man’s stern expression and the harsh look in his eyes. He gave up on the shot and proceeded to photograph other subjects until he was interrupted by a friendly shout: “Hey, take my picture too!” It was the same man, completely transformed now, as a smile lit up his face.

This was the inspiration for “So I Asked Them to Smile,” a photography project Weinstein has been dedicated to ever since. He says, “What I love most about this photography project is that it forces me to face my fears and approach people I don’t know. It forces me to challenge whatever preconceptions I have of them and learn again and again how inaccurate my assumptions are.”

Lito Leaf Art

From a family at an amusement park to an owl overlooking a castle, the Japanese artist known only by the name lito leafart on Instagram produces incredibly imaginative creations from hand-cut from leaves.  Clearly it takes a lot of meticulous, detailed work and the artist confesses that it’s a great way for him to deal with his ADHD. He makes one piece of leaf art per day, photographs it against the sky to highlight the many tiny details and posts it on his Instagram account. He says it is a way to focus and help him calm down. His solution to ADHD benefits us all.

ALIEN INVASION

Kindergarten teacher, Jennipher Carpenter of Oakland California, is drawn to the whimsical and off-beat. She noticed aliens creeping into her art “probably because people don’t have a pre-conceived notion of aliens. So I felt free to express them however I wanted.” They appear in the cloth dolls she makes, the clay-like creatures made of Sculpy and drawings.

She usually carries at least one alien in her backpack because you never know when you will pass a perfect spot to snap a picture.

Sometimes when she feels her home is about to get over-run with aliens she “lets them go” by leaving them in random places on her walks, inviting someone to adopt them and taking one last picture.

Sometimes aliens sneak into her doodles

Sometimes humans sneak into her doodles.

NORWEGIAN WOOD PILES

What if a whole country gets a rather singular passion? Thanks to a faithful follower of DuskysWonderSite we have available a collection of woodpiles from Norway. The people who created these definitely shared a creative passion.

The king and queen of Norway.

Giant handmade xylophone plays Bach in the depths of a serene Japanese forest

Director Morihiro Harano and sound artist Kenjiro Matsuo built a breath-taking instrument in the middle of a lush forest as an ad for a Japanese telecom company, Docomo.

Their creation features hundreds of different-sized pieces of wood, each sounding an individual note when struck. A wooden ball then cascades down the structure, hitting every resonant note of a Bach masterpiece.

Made by hand from 100 per cent raw materials the instrument plays “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”and, unbelievably, the video contains no special effects.

 

Thanks to: Katsuhiro Ohkuchi for Under One Inch. Unfortunately I am not able to send a link to the page that is translated to English. So for more info in English, please google his name and then translate the page. Or you can follow any of the several articles about him that come up on Google.

To:  Petr Vaclavek and his dubanci  https://dubanci.cz/english-info/

To:  Jay Weinstein for “So I Asked Them to Smile.”   

To:  Lito Leafart   on Instagram

To: Jennipher Carpenter for her Aliens on Instagram

To the Woodpile artists in Norway

To the amazing creators of the forest xylophone, Morihiro Harano and Kenjiro Matsuo

And to George for sending me info about the woodpiles and many other wonderful images to check out through the years.

 

 

 

 

 

More Amusing Animal Images

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By Lisa Vanderhoop, Annial Wildlife Photography Awards

When you finally find some quiet time to mull about your life… And start feeling hungry.

Stuck In’ By Ashleigh Scully, USA, 11–14 Years Old Winner London contest

What Norwegian Police carry.

Biker gang terrorizes local residents

Safety first

The Reason Water Wasn’t Coming Out

Winter, When The Leaves Have Fallen And The Trees Are Bear

Quokkas Are The Face Of Happiness

By Yevhen Samucenko

Photo bombed by your horse.

By Tasmanian farmer Charlie Mackinnon

Ooops, caught…

From Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards by Jakob Strecker

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

By Kallol Mukherjee Rhinopeocock, Wildlife Comedy Awards

by Michael Lane, Comedy awards

Robert Adamson, Comedy Awards

Comedy Awards

If you want to keep looking at amusing animal pics on this site: go Here.

If you want to browse funny, beautiful, weird or other various animal images, scroll through here and take your pick.

Thanks to: Jen C, Jen H., Jill, Anita, George, This is Colossal, Babamail, and Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards.

Snow Artist Plus Nature’s Snow Art

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We start with images from a renowned artist creating fleeting sculptures in snow and ice. We end with nature’s own snow and ice art as captured by anonymous photographers and collected by Bored Panda.

Andy Goldsworthy, is a British artist whose stunning art explores the natural world. Much of it lasts mere minutes before being washed or blown away.  Goldsworthy says, “Movement, change, light, growth and decay are the lifeblood of nature. Each work grows, stays, decays. Process and decay are implicit. Transience in my work reflects what I find in nature.” Below his images captivate with the materials of snow and ice.

I’ve been informed that Pic number 3 is Alain Bernegger (sculpteur autodidacte)
COLONNE DE NEIGE VERTICALE (2010)

 

Now onto nature as the artist

The Ice Neatly Folded Itself.

Snow Was Very Geometric When I Went Skiing

The Way The Snow Is Resting On This Handmade Stone Arch.

Yep That’s Snow

Fresh Snow Over Christmas Lights

Art Only Nature Can Create. My Fence This Morning After A Snowy Night On Terschelling, The Netherlands

This Pattern In The Snow On A Patio Table

When Constant Winds And Ice Meet A Fence

When They Ask If There’s Much Wind Where We Live

The Snow Melted And Slid Down The Wire In A Spiral Form

Unmelted Snow In The Shadows

This Crazy Ice Wave Formation From Snow Slowly Melting Off The Tin Roof Of My Patio

The Snow Has Settled Only On The Outline Of The Bricks On My Friends Driveway

This Stop Sign After A Week Of No Sun

Snow Striped Forest

The Frost On The Fence This Morning

This Thin Streak Of Snow Across Ohio

This Frozen Leaf Carved A Perfect Circle In The Snow.

This Lone Tree And The Curvy Snow Waves.

Rolls Formed By The Wind

Snow on a cabbage field.

Looks more like a story book village than real.

The Way The Snow Rolled Down On My Windshield.

Bunny eats snowman’s carrot nose.

Apple Orchard After A Snowfall

Many thanks to Brenda for forwarding the Andy Goldsworthy selection.

and to Jill and Bored Panda for the individual selections.

Strangely enough, I couldn’t find a website for Andy Goldsworthy. So here’s a link to a catalog of his images from 1976 – 1986.

 

Siena International Photo Awards, 2020

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The Siena International Photo Awards include a high level of international participation. The 2020 contest received nearly 48.000 images from amateur and professional photographers from 156 countries worldwide.  I enjoyed browsing through examples from various websites and am glad to share some of my favorites.  Below are selections sorted by topic.  All comments are by the photographer.

ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN

By Maurizio Sartoretto, The stairwell of a building, in this case a hospital, becomes an occasion to combine graphics, architecture and design.

By Everhard Ehmke

By Muhammad Almasri, An interesting entrance guides the way into a place called the World of Illusion. The entrance makes you somewhat lose focus, especially when standing in the middle. (I couldn’t find out where this is.)

By Martin Seraphin. It was still very early and the Maat Museum was still closed. But the guard walking slowly along the building. There was only a narrow path between the building and the river Tejo and my feet got wet taking this shot.

By Majid Hojati. After a long time of drought, the water has returned to the Zayandehrood River, and people are sitting by the historic Khaju Bridge, enjoying the water and having fun.

By Marcel Van Balken, In a play of light and shadow the building forms an almost surrealistic and abstract decor, reinforced by the apparently disproportionate presence of man.

By Barbara Schmidt.The ceiling of Nevigeser Wallfahrtsdom church has truly unique architecture.

By Attila Balogh, Only a single apartment’s windows are lit in Tsing Yi district, a densely populated area of Hong Kong, right before sunset.

By Ute Scherhag The Berlin TV tower on Alexander Place is the tallest building in Germany and at the same time the most distinctive landmark in Berlin.

By Nataliya Andrianove, Passers-by on an area of the Heydar Aliyev Center, building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

By Alberto Caselli, This unique staircase is located inside the Chianti Classico Antinori winery near Florence. The shot captures the moment when a woman is passing.

By Jacqueline Hammer This is an upward view of the beautiful wooden spiral staircase at CitizenM hotel in London. It is quite a small staircase and at the top there are several circular lights, a few of which are shown here.

NATURE

By Christian Vizi, Water plants and small fish at cenote Aktun Ha, known as Car Wash cenote in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

By Stas Bartnikas. This aerial shot of a small glacial lake surrounded by ice was taken in Denali National Park, Alaska from a float plane.

By Hong Jen Chiang. Captured from an aircraft flying over Iceland. Braided Rivers exhibit numerous channels that split off and rejoin each other to give a braided appearance. They typically carry fairly coarse-grained sediment down a fairly steep gradient. Consequently, braided rivers usually exist near mountainous regions.

By Mauro Battistelli, Early in the morning on a November day, inside the swamp, looking for the magnificent beauty of the Spanish moss.

By Stephan Furnrohr. On the Greenland Icecap. As the summer approaches, large meltwater lakes appear at the edge of the ice. The water filters all colours until only blue tones remain, which are scattered and reflected on the ice.

 

By Armand Sarlangue. Aerial abstract image from the central Utah desert, showing the side of a canyon, the tracks left by the path of water, and the reliefs as they can be seen only from above.

By Juan Garcia Lucas, The wicker stems of Cañamares, Cuenca.

By Khanh Phan. This is a picture of nipa palm forest in Quang Ngai Vietnam. Nipa palm is located in a rich ecosystem. The only hole in the nipa palm forest is the relic of the bomb crater from the Vietnam War.

By Paul Kiitagaki, Strong winds blow through the branches of an oak tree and light up the sky at the Kincade fire in Sonoma County, California. The fire lasted more than 10 days and subsequently burned 77,758 acres until it was fully contained.

By Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn. The iceberg resembles the shape of a fish. The small pond mimicking the eye of the fish, while the breaking ice in the tail helps to create the sense of movement of the fish’s tail.

By Martin Rak. Leaves against the silhouettes of grey beech trunks in a cold winter forest.

By Sergio Saavedra Ruiz. A spectacular sea storm hits the North coast of Cantabria, Spain. The waves exceeded 12 meters.

By Stanislao Basileo. One winter day, walking along the banks of the river, I noticed a fairytale scenario several willow branches had fallen and frozen, creating a wonderful landscape.

By Yunhua Yu. Night storm in Chinese metropolis.

By Agorastos Papatsanis. The autumn dusk in the woods is always a magical moment. These macrolepiota procera, which can reach up to 30 cm in height, stand on a carpet of pine needles among blue trunks.

 

ANIMALS

By Fahad Alenezi The Arctic Fox saves his food in different locations before the winter to return back to it during the heavy winter in order to avoid the risk of dying of starvation.

By Nachum Weiss. In the Israeli Negev desert, a Nubian Ibox looking for food is very carefully escorting her one-and-a-half-month-old puppy in a difficult and dangerous passage.

By Henley Spiers, A school of uniquely patterned spotted eagle rays passes beneath me on an unforgettable dive in the Maldives. The spotting on each ray is unique, like fingerprints.

By Amit Eshel A.large group of Mobula Rays in the Sea of ​​Cortez.These creatures are as graceful in mid-air as they are in the water, throwing their wings like flying birds.

By Tobias Friedrich. Mandarinfish usually mate every afternoon during sunset in very shallow water. These two emerged from the coral reef in the clear water, when the female left her eggs and the male his sperm.

Thomas P Peschak, Germany, South Africa.

By Artur Stankiewicz,. A giraffe in the middle of the Mara River, in the Serengeti Park, with soft, orange light, and wildebeests passing by.

By William burrard-lucas. Black leopards taken in Africa, but as far as I knew, nobody had ever captured a series of high quality images of a wild black leopard in Africa before. I traveled to Kenya.

By Mohammad Murad, Framed by the glow of street and car lights along Kuwait city, two Arabian red fox cubs explore the night just outside their den.

By Massimiliano Giovampaoli. In the vicinity of Florence airport while a plane is taking off, a flock of starlings are trying to survive, by averting off a predator that is attacking them.

By Jose Fragozo, Lake Bogoria is a saline and alkaline lake in the Kenyan Rift Valley that at times is home to one of the world’s largest congregations of lesser flamingos.

By Galice Hoarau. Juvenile fish protecting himself inside a stinging box jellyfish. The photo was taken during a blackwater dive in the Lembeh strait, Indonesia.

By Sonda Cai. These peculiar filaments help the young Pompano to move and eat slow-moving crustaceans, small crabs and other fish. As the body grows it lengthens and the fins get shorter.

By Yunhua Yu, At sunset, in an enchanting and peaceful atmosphere, a group of camels walking among the desert dunes.

HUMANS

Azim Khan Ronnie. Vietnamese workers sit surrounded by thousands of incense sticks in Quang Phu Can, a village in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the sticks have been traditionally made for hundreds of years.

By Amirmahdi Najafloo Shahpar. Muslim women praying in Hamedan, Iran for Eid al-Fitr. The last day of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims all over the word with special prayers and gatherings.

By Orban Tanhan. The daily life of people feeding the animals in the harsh winter months east of Turkey.

By Eric Tkindt. A gymnast’s jump on the parallels at the Flanders International Team Challenge. Her expression clearly shows her tension and fear.

By Hassan Ghaed. Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, had been involved in the war for four years. A mother, who returned home after the end of the conflict, found her child’s toy car in their destroyed house.

By Tobias Friedrich. Night diving at a temperature of minus two degrees Celsius in Eastern Greenland, swimming among icebergs under the ice of a fjord.

By Igor Altluna. Children jumping from the roof of our ship in the seas of Malaysia, the game consists of who jumps more and makes more turns.

By Olesia Kim. A family watching the scene in front of a colorful striped background.

By Briana Gardener. Women of a variety of shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Challenged to wear no makeup, and posing in outfits styled to match the tone of their skin, they attempt to combat unhealthy beauty standards.

By Thien Nguyen. A fishing net moving underneath the water’s surface. Many local fisherman families along the coastline of Phú Yên province will follow the near-shore currents to catch the anchovy during peak season.

Koichi Omae by Silvia Alessi. I met the amputee dancer Koichi Omae, originally from Osaka, on my way. At 23, when he was entering his career, a car accident took away all his dreams. He had his left leg amputated below the knee. With great willpower, he decided to continue his career as a dancer, aware that without the limb, he would have to spend much more energy not only in performing the artistic gesture, but also just walking normally.

By Michael Kowalczyk. A man with a blue shirt is carrying a big new rectangle-shaped mirror on his shoulder along the street and passes a man with a blue shirt standing behind a sale stand with cellphone accessories in Medellin, Colombia.

By Paula Bronstein. Veiled Thai muslim women take a selfie on the Talo Kapo beach wearing their best dresses on Eid al-Fitr on June 5, 2019 in Pattani, Thailand.

By Xiangang Chen, The green train, known as the poverty alleviation train, has greatly helped the local Yi ethnic people to trade agricultural products and thus help minority areas to get rid of poverty, in Liangshan, China

Natalya, Irina, and Tatyana are three twin sisters from the northern Russian city of Krasnoyarsk. (I think they are triplets.)

By Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn. A father and his son are trying to catch fish inside a cave in South Vietnam during the monsoon season.

By Trung Pham Huy .A group of farmers washing and packing waterlilies before sending them off to the market in an early morning in the Me Kong delta. Waterlilies are widely used for decoration and sometimes in traditional local food.

Thanks to Bored Panda, Mymodernmet, and of course the Siena International Photo Awards, 2020.

Baby Animals

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This is for the people who left comments saying they wish I would post wonders more often.  It’s so easy to find and see the wonders of baby animals.  If you aren’t into Ooohs and aahhs and chuckles and unbelievable cuteness, skip this post.

I can’t help it if Koala’s are so cute they get more than their share of pictures.

Here are a few animals that might not be familiar or you might be surprised to find that their babies can be sort of cute.

A baby eastern quoll

Tapir with babe

Pangolin

Southern pudu fawn. It is the world’s smallest deer and tends to be around a foot tall at the shoulder. When they’re born, they’re only 6 inches high, and weigh less than a pound.

Greater Bilby Baby

Armadillo

Ooops. Another koala snuck in.

Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana by Isak

by Aranka Janné in Cabarceno Natural Park, Spain.

helping baby elephant that fell into a ditch, by Mark Bowler

Thanks to: Lawrence, Kathleen, Mer, Louise, Sam, Babamail, flowart, George

Ooops!

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In the midst of preparing a new post on a completely different topic, I happened across these examples of design mistakes, construction errors, and just plain bad planning.  When I found myself laughing out loud I had to change course and share these.  WARNING: please don’t move on to the next one until you see the problem with the one you are looking at.  In my opinion, some of the funniest ones take a minute to see what is wrong.  And please leave a comment if you find yourself laughing out loud.  Say which one struck you as so funny.

THESE BALCONIES ARE ONLY FOR THE BIRDS.

THE LIONS SEEM DOOMED.

IN CASE YOU’RE STILL WONDERING

THEY REALLY DON’T LIKE CYCLISTS.

They’re either convinced the grass is actually water or very protective of their sidewalk.

LOOK CLOSELY

WELL, THIS IS DISAPPOINTING!

Someone’s going to have a very unpleasant experience with their hot dog

I have no idea what the system is here…

This is actually kind of genius, though I can think of many better solutions…

The cheapest seats in the house

CLOSE ENOUGH…

 Something has gone terribly wrong here!

This makes the commentator’s  job infinitely more difficult

There are going to be a lot of collisions at that turn

When the printer goes haywire.

They’ve made this into quite an obstacle course.

Watch your step. No, really. Every single step.

REALLY?

At least there’s a roof for extra protection.

THAT’S A REAL TIME SAVER.

THE SIXTH TIME IS THE CHARM.

z BEST CEILING FAN EVER

I love when my clients send me pictures of my work after I have left. Really shows how satisfied they are with the work.

Ever been walking down the stairs and found out that your phone needed a charge? I have come up with the solution! The best part is there is a built-in seat while you wait for your phone to finish charging.

Customer safety is always a top priority of mine. With no hesitation I always add a couple extra screws to make sure the plates don’t fall off. Electrocution is a very serious issue which I do not take lightly.

That atm is a little high.  Let’s move it down.

MUCH BETTER

Are there flying cars that I don’t know about?

A soap dispenser just in case giants use the restroom.

Close enough.  It will be fine.

First I have to thank someone named Violet T.  Most of the first many images and droll comments come from her Babamail post that I happened on. It got me giggling and searching for more “construction fails” as this genre is called.  I also have to thank: Sunnyskyz, Bored Panda, and Cheezburger.

Don’t forget to leave a comment if any of these made you laugh out loud. Thanks.

 

 

Tiny Art, Huge Art

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As often happens, someone sends me photographs they think I might like, and I get lost for hours, days and even weeks following the thread of a theme.  So this time it’s tiny art and huge art.

First Tiny

Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka builds miniature worlds with scenes of everyday life.  By combining common objects with an immense library of tiny plastic figurines, Tatsuya produces relatable scenes depicted from a small perspective. Since 2011 he has posted a new display every single day on his Instragram “Miniature calendar” project.  Recently he’s included a reminder of our Covid pandemic in his whimsical displays.

I love that London-based artist Slinkachu creates mini worlds right on the street and leaves them after he’s taken a photo. With just a bit of superglue on each foot, the tiny models are ultimately left to find new homes—or fend for themselves. Each close-up display below is followed by the scene in its larger context. It’s not always easy to spot .

I bet you can’t find the workers in this image, but they’re there.

Here are other images from Slinkachu.

Street artist David Zinn  creates cute, playful chalk creatures that have been turning up in Ann Arbor, Michigan for many years. He chooses locations that are either unimpressive or easily ignored (cracks, curbs, or pipe covers), and invents interesting ways to incorporate his imaginary friends into the landscape.  According to Zinn, “Knowing that the art will wash away in the rain makes it easier to enjoy the process of creating it. There is nothing that needs to be framed or sold or stored away after the drawing is done, and very little planning beforehand to make the art suitable as a permanent presence in the community.”

HUGE ART

Alas, I have no info about most of the artists who create these mammoth murals.  And I don’t understand how some of them can look so 3-dimentional. But I hope you enjoy the artistry, humor and imagination on display in these images.

Many thanks to Brenda for getting me started on both the tiny and the huge art. And to Jen C. and Colossal and Bored Panda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Ways to See Old Things

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Since so many of us are staying home much more than usual, we’re all looking at the same things day after day.  Here are images of familiar things seen in a new way.  I hope they inspire your imagination to see the unusual in the mundane.  Don’t miss the link to the video at the end.

A FedEx Boeing 757, without any cargo

 

The Blood Vessels Of A Hand.

Apparently A 9 Volt Battery Is 6 AAA Batteries Taped Together

How To Install Huge Power Line Towers

An Early Human Embryo On The Tip Of A Needle

A tortoise skeleton.

The Inside Of The Leaning Tower Of Pisa Is Empty

How Brick Streets Are Laid In The Netherlands

A Modern Battleship With No Water Around

The underside of a lily pad.

Inside pearls.

Inside a fireworks shell.

Looking Into A Theatre From Behind The Stage

Beautiful engineering  inside  a bank vault door.

The inside of a guitar.

A bubble mid-pop

Underneath a breaking wave

The sun shot in ultra-violet.

A snail drinking from a bubble

The king of the jungle in the rain.

Jupiter from the bottom (or the South Pole)

Cross sea.  A cross sea is a sea state with two wave systems traveling at oblique angles.

an eight-ton Orca jumping 20 feet out of the water

The pyramids from a Cairo street.

Towing an iceberg In Newfoundland. Icebergs are harvested for their water.

The border between the United States and Canada.

A Lenticular cloud over Mount Fuji, Japan

A bug on a bud in the morning.

n X-ray of a sting ray.

Venice canals from above

Find the person in the tree

Find the person

 

A leaf performing a process called guttation. The plant is expelling water due to a positive root pressure.

A new way to exercise on a treadmill.

FA84AF2F-24C6-432C-A4E1-D60C6ABACDBA

Thanks to: George, Lois, Carolyn, Dee

 

Vacations, 2020

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Since the whole world is restricted in movement right now with the Covid 19 pandemic, it seems like the perfect time to let our imagination and computer images take us away on a vacation.  We’ll start with spectacular versions of more traditional vacations.  Awesome nature, sometimes with housing we could only dream of getting through Airbnb. Or flying in a drone to get another perspective.  Then we’ll move to oases…because why not?  Online is definitely the easiest way to visit an oasis. Finally, if you are the type, you might enjoy picturing yourself accompanying some of the daring adventurers found in the last section.  I personally don’t like heights or risking my life for thrills, so I tend to think of some of these people as crazy.  Or maybe I’m just a coward. Either way the final section will take your breath away.

Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

Eltz Castle in Mayen-Koblenz, Germany, was taken by German @moodfella

Mayen-Thâu phạ , yen bai , Việt Nam

House on a Slovenian mountain.

Gougane Barra, County Cork, Ireland

Gokayama in Japan

Hof, Iceland

Croatia_Istra_KAMENJAK

Kyaw Win Hlaing, Myanmar

Cabin on Obersee Lake, Germany

Austria

I don’t know where this is, but I’d like to stay here.

Arnarstapi, Iceland

North Carolina Beach House

Moraine Lake, Canada

Turquoise Ice at Northern Lake Baikal, Russia

Katowice, Poland

Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia,

By Roger Nichol on flickr, North Somerset, England

Elliðaey Island, Iceland

Abandoned fishing village in the Shengsi Islands, China.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Rawanduz_Kurdistan_
Region

Bibury, England

Bavaria, Germany

Penne, France

mountain villages in China.

Mosque Nasir-ol-Molk – Iran

Kilchurn Castle, Scotland

Ice Canyon, Greenland.  Don’t miss the human.

Aspen Cathedral, Vail, Colorado, USA

Jodhpur, The Blue City or The Sun City, India

Coyote Buttes, Arizona, US

tree-top paradise set amid lush vegetation in Tulum, Mexico, captured by Canadian photographer @blakehobson

The Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas Kronstadt Saint Petersburg Russia

A floating fort in the Gulf of Finland snapped by Russian @nikybwd, who explained ‘Fort Alexander 1 is a naval fortress on an artificial island, near St Petersburg

Hamnøy in Norway

Hallstatt, Austria

Genoa, Italy

Gásadalur, Faroe Islands. are a North Atlantic archipelago located 320 kilometres (200 mi) north-northwest of Scotland, and about halfway between Norway and Iceland. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The islands have a total area of about 1,400 square kilometres (540 sq mi) with a population of 52,110 as of January 2020. Who knew?

Foroglio Waterfall can be seen from this quaint little town in Foroglio, Switzerland.

canadian rockies by Jimmy Dau

Now the Oases. 

Did you know there are oases on every continent?

by Jeffrey Chand

Libyan desert 04 Oasis by Image credit and Copyright, Dr Bashir Nwer

Morocco

Nahal David quiet oasis found near Bethlehem, Israel.

huachina-peru

Huacachina is a small oasis town in the Ica region southwest Peru.

Oasis on a Ranch in Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas, Nevada in America. The oasis is very large with an area of around 520 acre. It is located at the base of Wilson Cliffs.

Ziz. oasis, The Sahara desert is the world’s largest desert with only a small fertile part. Ziz oasis is in the Ziz valley of the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Umm al-Maa, Libya

Umm-al-Maa is a lake oasis in the Idehan Ubari Sand Sea, Libya. There are 16 more lakes in the surrounding dunes.

Tucked away in an offshoot of the Grand Canyon lies Havasupai—Arizona, USA

Oasis of En Gedi, Israel.

Nizwa desert oasis, Oman

Sanoran desert by Kit Schweitzer

By Ingeum

O.K. Imagine being any of the people pictured next. I can’t.

Walking high in the Dolomites”. The international high line festival at Monte Piana, 2,324m in the Italian Dolomites, This is a festival??
Photo by James Rushforth

Extreme skiing in Wyoming.

He’s taking a picture of a rock climber. 🙂 ???

Next time you think you’re roughing it when camping, think about these people.

Ice climbing a frozen waterfall.

Skywalking in the Alps.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, US

Hua Shan – Shaanxi Province, China

Mount Ai-Petri – Ukraine and Russia. In case you’re looking for a short cut.

On the via ferrata delle Bocchette Centrali in the Dolomiti di Brenta, Italy.  Good thing he’s wearing a hard hat.

Check the foot. I think it’s on fire. He’s really dedicated to getting that picture. Too bad we can’t see what it is.

I wonder how he got to this fine ledge.

 

 

Yikes!

 

If you’re going to do something crazy, at least do it at a great time of day

Jess Reilly and Mark Howe mountain biking across an arch near Moab, Utah.

Iceland. Don’t forget to find the humans.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

O.K. I see the railing and all the people exploring the “New Wonder” in China. Still, I can barely stand to look at the photo, let alone think about wanting to take that walk.

Thanks to: George, Sam, Wim, Anita, Mer, Lois, Lawrence, Lia, Gary,Debra

Envision Kindness

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For those who have followed me regularly over the years, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t added any new posts in over a year.  Too busy with other parts of life.  But I got so inspired by the winners of a contest entitled “Envision Kindness”  that I finally had to make a post. David and Jesse are an American father and son who founded this non-profit contest with the belief that “the spotlight of the world’s attention should be shined on the positive events that occur every day; not just the negative events that we see far too often. Positive pictures and stories have the power to inspire, to connect and to heal.”  David and Jesse don’t even use their full names on their website.  It’s about the photos.

Unfortunately I neglected to record the name of the person who originally introduced me to this photo competition.  So I thank whoever it was.  And I bet you will also wish you could thank them after you take a look at these images, my favorites.

by Ata Adnan

by Nimai Chandra Ghosh

by Robert Anton Apparent

by Lori Rutland

by Aleksandr Bezborodov

The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds perform for CH.I.L.D. Foundation, Photo by Doug Mayhew

by Mithail Afrige Chowdhury

by martin-buzora

by Partha Pratim

by Aung Myo Tun

by Cynthia Fusco

by Pui Tsui

by Yulia Hanyk

by Avijit Biswas

by Huy Nguyen Quoc

by Rajesh Dhar

by Klienne Eco

by Leyla Emektar

by Alain Schroeder

by Alicia Mayorca

by Anthony Into

by Antonio Aragon Renuncio

by Charlaine Gerber

by Fei Song

by Madushanka Keerthirathna Susewhewage Dhanushka

by Wu Tzung Lee

by Lydia Zubko

by Myo Min Kywe

by Leyla Emktar

by Loc Mai

by Aderemi Davies

by Edwin Loyola

by Eduardo Seastres

 

 

 

 

 

Humans: Quirky, Clever and Diverse

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Welcome to highlights of humans exhibiting our quirky, clever and diverse nature.  Each section will help you see humans and our world from a different perspective.

First we’ll start of with some humor as we observe human attempts at logistics.  The slideshow that originated these images is from the Czech Republic, but I couldn’t get any further info.  I wish I could thank the person who assembled these photographs because I’ve seen lots of collections about logistics and this was the best I’ve seen.  Also I can’t thank the person who sent me the link to the slideshow because it’s been waiting in my downloads file for years waiting for me to figure out how to save images off of power point.  🙂

The pictures are often not of great quality because they were taken spur-of-the-moment to capture a moving target.  But look past the quality and I guarantee you will marvel and/or get a chuckle out of at least one of them.

Make sure you notice the pail.

I’m pretty sure those are eggs in his baskets.

Could this be a school bike?   It’s yellow and the kids are in their school uniforms.

Please don’t miss the humor in this. It took me a second look.

Now we’ve got some intriguing statistics, mostly about the US.  I can’t vouch for precise accuracy but choose to believe they are close enough to help us think of things in a new and different way.

The Empire State building has its own zip code.

Kansas produces enough wheat each year to feed everyone in the world for about two weeks.

The entire Denver International Airport is twice the size of Manhattan.

The number of bourbon barrels in Kentucky outnumbers the state’s population by more than two million.

There’s a town in Washington with treetop bridges made specifically to help squirrels cross the street

The total length of Idaho’s ‘s rivers could stretch across the United States about 40 times.


It would take more than 400 years to spend a night in all of Las Vegas”s hotel rooms.

Only one-third of all $100 bills are actually inside the United States. Many are under mattresses all over the world because of money laundering.

In 1922, a man built a house and all his furniture entirely out of 100,000 newspapers. The structure still stands today in Rockport, Massachusetts.

South Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.

The Library of Congress contains approximately 838 miles of bookshelves—long enough to stretch from Houston to Chicago.

The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has its own quirky gift shop called Skeletons in the Closet.

There is enough water in Lake Superior to cover all of North and South America in one foot of liquid.

In 1872, Russia sold Alaska to the Unites States for about 2 cents per acre.

There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York City.

There is an island full of wild monkeys off the coast of South Carolina called Morgan Island, and it’s not open to humans.

“The World in Faces” is the remarkable project of Australia-based photographer Alexander Khimushin.  By photographing people of different nationalities and disappearing ethnic minorities in traditional clothing, his goal is to document the cultures that remain.  “I often take portraits of elderly people that are the last native speakers of their indigenous language or the last ones who make and wear traditional clothing. Many of the more than 10,000 ethnic groups currently living on this planet might not be around in a decade or two.”

I have found selecting favorites among his images to be nearly impossible.  If you are so inclined, I encourage you to look at more of them on his website,

Daasanach tribe girl in Ethiopia wearing an animal fur top and a package on her head.

a Wakhi woman of the Wakhan Corridor in northeastern Afghanistan.

Little Ixil, a Mayan girl in Guatemala is seen in full Mayan clothing.

An elderly Nyangatom tribe woman.  When girls from this tribe are born they receive a necklace from their father.  It is added to throughout their lives.

 

A Samoan boy from the Savaii Island wears a palm frond as a coat.

Afar woman. Afar region, North East Ethiopia

Bodi Tribe boy, Omo wareda, Ethiopia

Buryat young woman. Siberia

Djiboutian girl, Africa.

Kyrgyz Man, Sary Tash, Kyrgyzstan

Ladakhi woman, India

Meitei elder is getting ready to perform Jagoi in North-east Indian state of Manipur.

Chukchi girl. Siberia

Ladakhi young monk, Diskit Monastery, Ladakh, India.

Afghan girl in Wakhan Valley, Afghanistan

Evenki reindeer herder, Siberia.

Hamar Tribe woman Hamer Woreda, South West Ethiopia

Sakha Girl, Sakha Republic, Siberia

Tsemay Tribe girl. Key Afer, Ethiopia

Karo Tribe Woman

Tibetian man near Pangong Lake

Xhosa woman. Mgxotyeni, South Africa

Old Believer Russian woman, Tarbagatay, Buryatia, Siberia, Russia

Wakhi girl, Wakhan Valley, Afghanistan

Wakhi woman, Wakhan Valley, Afghanistan

 

Thanks to:  Jen, Anita, Wim

 

 

 

 

Sony Photo Winners, 2017, 2018

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The Sony World Photo competition hands out awards annually to 4 different categories of photographers; Professional (for a body of work), open (to any single image), youth (photographers aged 12-19), and student focus. National Awards are also presented to one photo from each of almost 200 participating countries.  Below are some of my favorites, picking and choosing between image categories for the 2017 and 2018 winners:  Architecture, Culture, Enhanced, Landscape & Nature, Motion, Portraiture, Still Life, Street Photography, Travel and Wildlife.

By Mauricia Lima, Brazil.
Indigenous children jump into the water as they play around the Tapajós river, in the Munduruku tribal area called Sawré Muybu.

Magical Sunrise, © Marcelo Portella, Brazil

 

Ballet, © Fredrik Lerneryd, Sweden.  Sometimes a photographer from one country wins for a photo taken in a different country.

 

© Lin Chen, China

By Tien Sang Kok, Malaysia National Award

Brendon Cremer, South Africa

By Mikhail Svetlov. Orthodox Easter service in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia

By Kyaw Win Hlaing of Myanmar.   Mount Bromo, active volcano in East Java, Indonesia

Paranyu Pithayarungsarit, Thailand

Alex Andriesi, Romania

Annela Samuel, Estonia

Cesar Augusto Gaitan Cortez, Ecuador

Cesar Augusto Gaitan Cortez, Ecuador

by Igor Zenin

Chin Boon Leng, Singapore National Award

Zeyar Htun, Myanmar National Award

Au Hin Man, Hong Kong National Award

Firos Syed, Qatar

Homare Hamada
of Japan captured the full trajectory launch of the Stork rocket by using long exposure.

By Jianguao Gong, China more than 1300 people practice Tai Chi.

By Leyla Emektar, Turkey, Agricultural worker.

By Ales Krivec, Slovenia
I was waiting eagerly for the first cold winter morning after the snowy day. Finally the conditions were just as I wanted them to be. Still lake, beautiful pink/purple morning tones, snow on the trees and some fog for mystic atmosphere.

© Josselin Cornou, France

By Peter Svoboda, Slovakia, Svetlo zhora
The picture “Light from above” was taken in September 2016 in Santa Maddalena, Dolomiten, Italy. Beautiful light and humidity stood behind the nice play of light and shadows that morning. I was waiting as the small church was illuminated by the very first rays of Sun. 

Khalid Alsabat, Saudi Arabia

Martin Stranka, Czech Republic

Mustafa Jindi, United Arab Empirates, in Abu Dhabi

Lester Koh, Singpore, one of Singapore’s oldest Public housing buildings.

Shabir Mian, Pakistan

Simona Nalepkove, Czech Republic

Tim Cornbill, United Kingdom

Kyaw Win Hlaing, Myanmar, This image was taken at Sadan Cave, Pahan township, Karin State in Myanmar.

Kyaw Win Hlaing, Myanmar National Award

Walking, © Suphakaln Wongcompune, Thailand

Thanks to Sam for getting me started on this.

 

 

 

Human Ingenuity: Chuckles and Wows

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I love contemplating and exploring the endless ways humans seem to get obsessed by a creative activity.   Sometimes it’s a humorous one-off thing (like building a snowman) and sometimes it’s years or a lifetime of developing and innovating one very specific art form.  Then of course, thanks to the internet, they can take a picture and upload it for our pleasure.  Here are examples of each that I’ve enjoyed and want to share.

Let’s start with Canadian humor.

Others having fun with snow

Now for some revenge parking:  ideas I know you’ve had but never got around to carrying out.

firemen do what it takes to get the hose to the fire.

FUN SIGNS, SOME ON PURPOSE, SOME NOT

NO EATING, NO SMOKING, NO UNICORNS ALLOWED.

Surreal World

by Christopher Jobson

By Stephen McMennam

By Stephen McMennam

By Zev Fiddleoak

Urban planners in Lidzbark Warminski, Poland just unveiled a new glow-in-the-dark bike lane.The path is made from small crystal-like particles of phosphor called ‘luminophores’ that charge during sunlight hours and can glow for up to 10 hours.

Spanish artist Javier Riera creates these temporary works by projecting geometric patterns onto the natural landscape. Using only the medium of projection, Riera does not make any permanent mark on the environment to create his stunning images.

In early 2015, paper artist Cristian Marianciuc challenged himself to make an origami crane every day for a year. Using a paper bird as a blank canvas, Marianciuc adds various colors and embellishments as a way to express himself and his day.  365 paper birds later, he loved the ancient art of paper folding so much that he decided to keep going.  Now, he’s amassed a flock of over 1,000 origami creations

 

Photographer Joseph Ford collaborates with friend and knitter Nina Dodd to create a project that blends models into their environments rather than having them stand out.

Australia-based artist Shona Wilson forms mandala-like pieces from objects such as seedpods, twigs, and bones as gestures of gratitude to her source of inspiration—nature.

Artist Chris Fox was tasked with repurposing two pairs of timber escalators that carried people at Sydney’s Wynyard Station for over 80 years.  His solution is Interloop, a twisting, accordion-like ribbon that is now suspended from the station ceiling, stitching together 244 wooden escalator treads.

Chinese artist Zheng Chunhui spent four years carving these incredibly intricate details and creating the world’s longest wooden sculpture, (40 feet or over 12 meters.)  It is based on a painting that depicts a historical holiday celebrating past ancestors and falls on the 104th day after the winter solstice.

Please notice the incredible details: individual tiles on the roof, fencing, a person sitting at a table.

Lewis Miller converts trash cans and statues around New York to overflowing bouquets of colorful flowers. In temporary installations dubbed “Flower Flashes” Miller utilizes a mixture of post-event flowers and fresh stock to create these stunning displays.

This video touched me deeply because it reminded me that all over this planet, while you and I are going about our daily lives, there are pockets of people whose lives are beautiful, inspiring and completely different.

 It’s an example of Incan people working together, using their ancient engineering techniques to build a suspension bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge only it’s hand-made out of woven grasses.  The Q’eswaanchaka bridge in Peru spans 118 feet and hangs 60 feet above a canyon’s rushing river. The women braid small, thin ropes, which are then braided again by the men into large support cables. Handwoven bridges have been part of the trail and roadway system of the Inca for over 500 years and were held in very high regard. The punishment for tampering with such a bridge was death.

The bridges’ sagging is addressed by destroying and rebuilding it in an annual ceremony—originally considered a social obligation under Inca rule, and now preserved as a way of honoring their history by the nearby community of Quehue, Peru. This bridge has been christened with a traditional Incan ceremonial bridge-blessing and is in extremely good condition.

 

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Thanks to:  Sam, George, Anita, Wim, John, Jackie and This Is Colossal.

Birds, 9

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It’s been awhile since the last bird post, and I’m pleased that there seem to be endless species of birds  and endless amazing photographers who capture the beauty or the moment that amuses.

Raggiana Bird of Paradise from Washington Post

Purple-Crested Turaco by Peter du Preez on Flickr via Fiorino

Quetza

Ostrich with chicks by Artbandito on flickr

How about we switch from beautiful birds to stunning photographers that manage to  capture the exact right moment.

By @Charlie Davidson

By mustanggordon on flickr

Pedestrians in the street after a flood in the UK

Please notice there are two birds in this picture. Amazing.

By Owen Deutsch

Totoro, the Owl, with his mushroom.

Now it’s time for some quirky-looking birds.

(c) Arthur Morris

Crested ducks

lilac breasted roller

The Cardinal Gynandromorph. This bird is real. I checked.   It exhibits both female and male sexual characteristics. As different sexes are differently coloured, each half of the bird is a different shade.

More photographic magic.

As an evening storm lights up the sky near Wood River, Nebraska, about 413,000 sandhill cranes arrive to roost in the shallows of the Platte River.  By Randy Olson via National Geographic.

From National Geographic by Zsolt Kudich

Close up of peacock feather.

If you want to spend the rest of the day looking at wondrous birds, go here.

Thanks to:   Sam, Wim, Jen H., John, Anita, George, Kathleen

Also to:  Yesemails, Flowartstation, and Babamail.

 

Human Ingenuity Medley, 11

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We’ve got clever, funny and quirky examples of human ingenuity followed by unique art and ending with drone images that show the complexity and beauty of patterns in nature and in human creativity.

Steven Mcmennamy constructs wildly imaginative images from two photos of seemingly unrelated objects he calls combophotos.

By Steven Macmurney

By Stephen McMennamy

By Stephen McMennamy

By Stephen McMennamy

By Stephen McMennamy

By Giuseppe Colarusso Photography

By Brooke DiDonato

Photomanipulations-By Giuseppe Colarusso

Improbability, by Giuseppe Colarusso

By giuseppe colarusso. I had look closely to see this one.

by Giuseppe Colarusso

By booke-didonato-zupi

While living for a month on an island in Maine, John Marshall gave himself a 30-day project  called Sunset Silhouette Selfies.  He had three rules:  1) He couldn’t have help. He used a ten-second timer, pressed the button and had to run into the shot.  2) He only used props that he made or found around his cabin.  3) His tools were nothing special. Mostly, he used cardboard from the island dump, a common kitchen knife and a cheap pair of scissors.  For more images go here.

By John Marshall

By Brooke DiDonato

By Faig Ahmed’s Glitchy

By Stephen McMennamy

Nevada solar panels. By Reuben Wu

Spiral staircase in China.

Artist Jennifer Maestre constructs sculputres using pencils and pencil shavings.

British-born artist James Doran-Webb creates life-sized driftwood horses. Every single piece of driftwood is handpicked with help from a team of craftsmen. Each piece takes from 1,000 to 3,000 hours to make.

Most of the following images are from the 2017 drone photo contest on dronstagram.

Ice formation by Florian

Photographer TJ Balon’s friend as he snowboarded through powder in Cordova, Alaska

Infinite Road to Transylvania by Calin Stan.

Gran Canaria Island, aerial photographer Karolis Janulis captured a shot of the colourful Playa de Amadores.

Camel tour snapped at sunset by honeymooner Todd Kennedy in Cable Beach, Australia.

Demark’s Kalbyris Forest by Michael Bernholdt.

Clube nautico araraquara by Charbe

An island dedicated entirely to a lighthouse in Alexandria Bay, New York.  By JustenSoule.

A swampy area of Cenas Tirelis near Riga, Latvia. By Capra Vecinului

Walled town Monteriggioni in Tuscany, Italy.  By helisnowy

 

Dawn on Mercury Tower by alexeygoDawn on Mercury Tower by alexeygo.

Provence, summer trim by jcourtial

Waterlily by helios1412

Here are a couple images created by the photographer for his drone.

Ugo le marin by rga

End of the line by Martin Sanchez

Thanks to:  Jen H., Anita, John, Wim, Lia

FlowArtStation and Dronestagram

Remarkably Determined Trees

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This post will either excite you or you will go ho-hum because you’ve already seen it–maybe more than once.  I am breaking a self-imposed rule:  If I receive two or three emails with the same images I don’t use any of them, no matter how wonderful. I assume too many of my followers have probably already seen them.  Besides, I generally curate most images on my posts myself.  Still….these fit so perfectly with two other posts showcasing trees, that I decided to give them a try.  If you’ve seen these before, please let me know and I’ll be sure not to do this again.  A special thanks to the three people who forward me so many inspirational suggestions including this week’s trees:  George, John and Sam.  These images were originally posted on Bored Panda by Viktorija G.   If you haven’t seen them, I’m sure you will savor these remarkably determined trees.

A tree Growing Through a Speed Limit Sign

A tree falls over and grows four more trees

Thiss tree’s roots extend across a gap to the mainland to reach needed nutrients.

A Tree’s Root Spill Over The Sidewalk

Skates left hanging on a tree found years later.

This Tree Still Has Its Leaves Because Of The Light Shining On It. By  Šarūnė Mac

 

This palm tree fell over and then grew right back up.

Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia

The wood on this chair is determined to still be a tree.

Someone added a little humor to this determined tree.

The Only Tree That Survived The Tsunami In Japan Between 70,000 Trees. Today Protected And Restored.

Coming back from a forest fire.

This tree grew out of the stump of another tree. Then the stump rotted away.

For more tree posts, go here and  here.

 

Human Ingenuity Medley, 10

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We’ve got examples of humans displaying their ingenuity with benches, balloons, lights and  marshmallows.  We’ve got a blind man who produces striking paintings by feeling the textures with his fingers.  And of course we’ve got humans displaying  quirky and amusing creativity. And at least one case of a human who could use a little more ingenuity.

After discombobulation comes….

By Robert Jahns, aka nois7 on Instagram

By Ed Barna

Window Washers At A Childrens Hospital

Father/son vehicles

I wonder if it works.

By Jungho Lee

By Jungho Lee

In 2001, John Bramblitt lost his eyesight after an epileptic episode.  By using textured paint, John can tell where he painted and what, allowing him to virtually “see” the painting.

 

Photographer Charles Pétillon photographs arranged configurations of white balloons in a variety of environments.

Artist Thomas Jackson suspends swarms of objects mid-air for His “Emergent Behavior” Series.

Marshmellows

Cups

Straws

 

Take out containers

Tutus

Rohan Sharad Dahotre loves to doodle on animal pics.

By using carefully placed programmable LED lights attached to kayak paddles, instruments and other objects Ontario-based photographer Stephen Orlando translates movement into photographic light paintings.  The LED lights and a long exposure allow Orlando to track these movements through space, following arms and bows with light trails that extend out from the body and instrument.  The images are not altered with Photoshop.

Thanks to:  Brenda, Wim, George, Jen H., John, Sam,  Anita

And to:  This is Colossal,  DesignBloom and FlowArtStation

Amusing Animals

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We start with the winners of the First Annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards found on FlowArtStation.

By Rosario L Cordoba

By George Balan

By Markus Pavlowsky

By Caroline Tout

By @Adam Parsons

By William Richardson

By Perdita Petzl

By Rob Kroenert

By Charles Kinsey

By Tony Murtagh

By james sharp

By Brigitta Moser

By Alex Jevon

By Austin Thomas

By Philip Marazzi

By marc-mol2

By Artyom Krivosheev

By Mohammed Alnaser.

By @Anup Deodhar

By Alison Buttigieg4

By Mary Swaby

By Oliver Dreike.

By Nicolas de Vaulx

By Hahish Inamdar

By Julie Hunt

By Edward Kopeschny

By Henrik Spranz

 

By Murray Mcculloch

Now on to random amusing animal images:

Perfect timing.

Slow Loris

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Many thanks to Jennifer H and John for helping me find images from the First Annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards and to  FlowArtStation.

Also thanks to:  George, Sam, John, Lawrence, and to Yesemail, and babamail

 

 

 

Weird Weather, 3

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If you’ve been experiencing your own local weird weather like those of us in Northern California (wettest winter in memory including flooding after years of severe drought) maybe it will help to take a look at some genuinely bizarre weather made beautiful by talented photographers.  Some of the images were found with descriptions of the weather event.  I confess I’ve included them in the hopes that some readers will benefit even though I often don’t understand what they are talking about.  Just don’t let the descriptions detract from the stunning images.

Aww, there go the spring blossoms. Still it’s stunning.

 

Ooops, where’s the tow truck?

Ecuador Airlines pilot Santiago Borja in a Boeing 767-cockpit at the precise moment of a lightning flash, capturing a thunderstorm forming above the Pacific Ocean just south of Panama.

A water spout in Genoa , Italy.

A cloud illuminated by lightening.

A huge dust storm that hit Western Australia in early 2013.

Downdraft of precipitation from a young cumulonimbus cloud.
The initial downrush happening as the rest of cell is still forming and building.

Sunset on dissipating thunderstorms.
Could have two cells rotating in opposite directions, rare,
But meteorologically possible, like two egg beaters.

Mammatus, also known as mammatocumulus (meaning “mammary cloud”),
is a meteorological term applied to a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud. Mammatus “clouds boiling upside down”, on top of a flanking down draft.

Another great mammatus – extremely unstable air.

A tornado funnel near the ground. Probably already on the ground, but not enough moisture or debris/dirt to see it on the ground. Surface dirt starting the kick up.

Single cell super cell thunderstorm with mammatus.

Single cell thunderstorm with cloud to ground and cloud to cloud lightning,
Some being imbedded inside the cells.

Somewhat disorganized or dissipating thunderstorm.
Most of it already downward collapsed with the rain shield being dominant.

Sun setting behind cumulus clouds.

Tower cumulus building into a thunderstorm.

Cloud to ground lightning in the rain shield in dissipating thunderstorms.

Leading edge of a flanking downdraft of a thunderstorm.

Lots of cloud to ground lightning

Lowering wall cloud from mature thunderstorm.

Massive single cell severe tornadic thunderstorm.

Cloud to cloud and cloud to ground lightning.

Volcanic eruption creating a circular outflow boundary.

Circular outflow boundaries with storm cell rotation.

Photography by Sean Havey, from National Geographic

From National Geographic

Tornadic vortex with lightning, multi-layer outflow boundaries.

Storm over Saskatchewan, Canada.

Snow roller.

 

If you want more weird weather, go here, or here, or here.

Thanks to:  George, John, Anita, Carolyn, Merry, Wim, Sam

and to yesemail.

 

Kid Wonders, 2

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Kids are naturally cute and funny.  Don’t know why it’s so hard to find images that aren’t entirely posed.  Here are some more candid pictures successfully gleaned with a little help from friends.

Both are learning.

big eyes

By Elena Karneeva

By Dan Zen on flickr

If you missed Kid Wonders 1, go here.

Thanks to:  Anita, John, George, Jill

Siena International Photo Awards

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Thanks to the Siena International Photo Awards contest for reminding us that no matter how many images we have appreciated, there are still boundless examples of culture and nature to be captured by talented photographers and shared for our amazement and enjoyment.  Only in its second year, SIPA has already become an important staple of the international photography community with entries by photographers from over 100 countries.  We are fortunate to have explanations for most of the images.

A strawberry-picker walks between colourful greenhouses near Nazilli, in the Aydın province of Turkey. By Leyla Emektar

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Japan By pascal Mannaerts

Floating market, Malaysia . Water transportation plays an important role in everyday life in South Borneo. Photo by Antonius Andre Tjiu

A Bahraini Muslim woman carrying her son while taking part in a funeral in Sitra Village, South Manama on March 22, 2011. Photo by Isa Ebrahim

By Pascal Mannaerts

A woman in the small fishing village of Phan Rang in southern Vietnam is making a traditional fishing net. Handmade fishing nets are typically manufactured by women while the men are responsible for catching fish. By Danny Yen Sin Wong

Eruption of Mt. Etna By Giuseppe Mario Famiani, Italy

During a Dharma assembly in the monastery of Labrang Lamasery, due to the heavy snow, all the monks’ robes were covered with a thick layer of snow. Photo by Jian Huang

Chinese fishermen on the Ou river close to the city of Lishui – whose name means Beautiful Water.    By Vladimir Proshin

On the sand dunes of Mui Ne, in South Vietnam, three girls are walking along the slope wearing their typical cone hats and carrying their scales.  Photo by anny Yen Sin Wong

Shwamibagh temple, Bangladesh, The Hindu community celebrating the three-day Rakher Upabas festival. Devotees offer prayers after lighting earthen lamps and fast until the lamps have burned out. Photo by Noor Ahmed Gelal

Coming to get salt, by Jørgen Johanson. The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the hottest, the lowest and the most inhospitable places on earth. Asale lake is 116 metres below sea level. The Afar people extract salt using camels for transport.

At the Santa Catalina monastery in Arequipa, Peru, cloistered novices play volleyball. They pray nine times a day and live their lives in silence but, during this short break, they spend time together in the garden. By Melissa Farlow

When the ponds are drained in the Barycz Valley, Poland thousands of birds gather to eat fish. First came the first egrets and gulls. When an eagle appeared all the gulls flew off while the egrets stood motionless creating this striking image. By Mateusz Piesiak in Poland.

Aerial perspective of the red chilli harvest season in Bayingolin Mongol prefecture, Xinjiang, China, when farmers pick and leave them to dry in the sun. Photo by Hanbin Wang.

By Jiming Lv in China

While going to the beach in Basiskele, Kocaeli Turkey to take photos, the shadow of some people in a cafe, caught my attention. I decided to wait for the sunset in order to emphasize the shadow effect. After a few shots, someone suddenly looked out a window providing another interesting frame. By Leyla Emektar

Red mist in Alba. An autumnal glimpse of vineyards near Alba in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, Italy. Photo by Valentina Galvagno

Sprinkle Net. Photo by Fuyang Zhou

Ripples in tea, China. Harvest time at a high-quality, ecological tea plantation in Jinlu village in China’s Zhejiang province. Photo by Hong Ding

By The Eng Loe Djatinegoro of Indonesia

At prayer in Bagan, Myanmar, by Lim Chee Keong

“Beehive” Sunbathers in Sellin, Rügen Island, Germany, by Massimo della Latta

These saline shallows in northern Kenya are populated by millions of flamingos visible to the careful viewer. By Franco Cappellari.

Another view. By Jay Roode, Zambia

By Yousef Masoud, Saudi Arabia

This project carried out by locals is for aging wine directly in the ground which is rich in minerals.


Optical illusion floor, Image by Mauro Cenci of Italy

Orangutang in Bali, Indonesia uses an umbrella, by Andrew Suryono

By Massimiliano Broggi, Italy

Thanks to Siena International Photo Awards.  Also to Bored Panda and Wim for getting me started on this post.

Animal Medley

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We’ve got humor, weirdness, newness, and cuteness.  What else could you want?  And please be sure to read the story of the wolf pack at the end.  I found it deeply touching.  Alas, alert readers have informed me the explanation of the wolf pack photo is incorrect.  See below if you’re interested.

animals-via-sam

Naughty dog

Over-zealous dog

Over-zealous dog

Over-competitive dogs

Over-competitive dogs

Over-comptitive cat

Over-comptitive cat

animals-via-johnanimals-john-2animals-via-sam-2

Cows have best friends, known for being highly sociable.

Cows have best friends, and are known for being highly sociable.

animals-bird-via-geoanimals-2-2animals-3-2animals-dog-and-catanimals-dog-sleeping-kathleen animals-via-george-2mixed-species-via-george-2animals-via-john-3animals-via-kathleen-2animals-via-drb

animals-via-george-flowersanimals-via-george-2animals-george-4animals-george-2animals-george-3animals-mouseanimal-frognat-geoanimal-frog-on-boatanimals-via-murray-2

Geckos

Geckos

animals-froganimals-5

Purple flourescent harlequin frog

Purple flourescent harlequin frog

Mary River turtle, Australia. By Chris Van Wyk on flickr

Mary River turtle, Australia. By Chris Van Wyk on flickr

animals-mary-river-turtle-in-australia-by-chris-van-wyk-on-flickr

By Dawn Quadling

By Dawn Quadling

animals-via-drb-2

animals-via-george

Spiny flower mantis

Spiny flower mantis by Yvonne Spane

animals-george-5

Another questionable animal, suggestions welcome.

Another questionable animal, suggestions welcome.

animals-via-george

This is real. I checked.

animals-deer

Not sure what this is. Suggestions or answers welcomed.

Not sure what this is. Suggestions or answers welcomed.

animals-via-forget

Wild dog pup

Wild dog pup

Bat-eared Fox, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa by Isak Pretorius.

Bat-eared Fox, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa by Isak Pretorius.

Red Colobus monkey, Zanzibar in Africa

Red Colobus monkey, Zanzibar in Africa by Isak Pretorius

animals-via-pintanimals-weirdanimals-11animals-2animals-nose

The olinguito is the first carnivore species to be discovered in the Western Hemisphere in 35 years.

The Olinguito is the first carnivore species to be discovered in the Western Hemisphere in 35 years.

This is the barely-seen ili pika, a shy mountain animal from China, who was recently spotted for the first time in 20 years.

This is the barely-seen ili pika, a shy mountain animal from China, who was recently spotted for the first time in 20 years.

The maned wolf is the tallest of all wild canids Its long legs are an adaption to the tall grasslands found in its native habitat in South America.

The maned wolf is the tallest of all wild canids Its long legs are an adaption to the tall grasslands found in its native habitat in South America.

The racoon dog from East Asia is named after its resemblance to the racoon, but they are not related. They are very good climbers and often climb trees.

The racoon dog from East Asia is named after its resemblance to the racoon, but they are not related. They are very good climbers and often climb trees.

 

The pink fairy armadillo is just 3.5-4.5 inches in length (excluding the tail)

The pink fairy armadillo is just 3.5-4.5 inches in length (excluding the tail)

Gerenuk in Somali means Giraffe-necked. From E. Africa, the neck and ability to stand on their long legs allows this antelope to reach into trees.

Gerenuk in Somali means Giraffe-necked. From E. Africa, the neck and ability to stand on their long legs allows this antelope to reach into trees.

Zebra Dukier

Zebra Dukier

Fossa. This cat-like carnivorous mammal is from Madagascar.

Fossa. This cat-like carnivorous mammal is from Madagascar.

Lions in the rain.

Lions in the rain.

lions

lions

animals-bears-via-drb-2animals-via-george

Tempted by a fig tree, a Borneun Orangutan climbs 100 feet. With males weighing as much as 200 pounds, orangutans are the world's largest tree-dwelling animal.

Tempted by a fig tree, a Borneun Orangutan climbs 100 feet. With males weighing as much as 200 pounds, orangutans are the world’s largest tree-dwelling animal.

By Debbie Dicarlo on flickr

By Debbie Dicarlo on flickr

animals-via-lawrence-2

A wolf pack: the first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack. If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack. In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed. Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the center are the rest of the pack members, then the 5 strongest following. Last is alone, the alpha. He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction. He sees all of the pack. The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, watch each other." This remarkable image was captured by Cesare Brai.

A wolf pack: the first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack.
If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack.
In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed.
Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the center are the rest of the pack members,
then the 5 strongest following. Last and alone, the alpha. He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction.
He sees all of the pack.
The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, watch each other.” This remarkable image was captured by Cesare Brai.

According to Snopes and thanks to readers, the above description is not accurate.  “This photograph is “real” in the sense that it shows a pack of wolves in Wood Buffalo National Park, but the pack is not being led by the three oldest members and trailed by an “alpha” wolf, as implied by a viral Facebook post. Instead, one of the stronger animals leads the group in order to create a path through the snow for them.”  If you’re interested in more details including info about what “alpha” actually entails, go here.

Thanks to:  Sam, Jen C., Jen H., John, George, Kathleen, Murray, Neil, Merry, Wim, Anita, Lawrence

Also to:  Flickr finds on Colossal.

 

Striking Street Art and Funny Humans

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We’ve got some great after and before pictures that helped me believe these images were 3-d masterpieces rather than actual street scenes.  Then some bathroom floors.  Finally random amusing examples of human ingenuity you don’t want to miss.

juliette et les esprits, Montpellier, France

juliette et les esprits, Montpellier, France

"Renaissance" in Le Puy en Velay, France. By Patrick Commecy

“Renaissance” in Le Puy en Velay, France. By Patrick Commecy

Brives, Charensac, France

Brives, Charensac, France

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Berlin, Germany By Nika Kramer

Berlin, Germany By Nika Kramer

By Neopaint

Budapest, Hungary By Neopaint

An entire town painted over, Palmitas, Mexico

An entire town painted over, Palmitas, Mexico

Aurec sur Loire, France

Aurec sur Loire, France

Racoon Mural made of trash and found objects. Lisbon, Portugal

Racoon Mural made of trash and found objects. Lisbon, Portugal

human-ingen-via-sam-floorshuman-ingen-via-sam-floor-2human-ingen-sam-3human-ingen-via-john-2human-ingen-via-georgehuman-ingen-5human-ingen-anita-4human-ingen-anita-2

Wholesome breakfast: Yogurt, a peach and an apple.

Wholesome breakfast: Yogurt, a peach and an apple.

human-ingen-via-kathhuman-ingen-via-flickr-finds-by-naz-hamidhuman-ingen-2-via-lawrencehuman-ingen-5human-ingen-via-lawrence-loaftershuman-ingen-via-lawrencehuman-ingen-via-johnhuman-ingen-4Thanks to:  Sam, Mary, John, Anita, Kathleen, Lawrence.  And to:  Babamail and Bored Panda.

Earth and Mars from Satellites

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ALL THE SATELLITES ORBITING EARTH

sat-human-ingen-all-satellites-orbiting-the-earth-right-now-via-lawrenceAbout a thousand satellites are currently operational and thousands of unused satellites and satellite fragments orbit the Earth as space debris.  Since the Russians launched Sputnik in 1957, more than 40 countries have used the satellite launching capabilities of ten nations. Common uses for satellites include military and civilian Earth observation satellites, communications satellites, navigation satellites, weather satellites, and research satellites.

The following remarkable photographs from orbiting satellites capture ways people have transformed the face of Earth, for better or worse.  Benjamin Grant catalogs satellite images on his Instagram account called Daily Overview.  Grant uses imagery taken from DigitalGlobe, a collection of Earth imaging satellites that provide data to services like Google Earth.  Some of the images have been enlarged to view more detail.

Gemasolar Thermosolar Plant in Seville, Spain. The solar concentrator contains 2,650 mirrors that focus the sun’s thermal energy to heat molten salt flowing through a 140-metre-tall (460-foot) central tower. The molten salt then circulates from the tower to a storage tank, where it is used to produce steam and generate electricity.

Gemasolar Thermosolar Plant in Seville, Spain. The solar concentrator contains 2,650 mirrors that focus the sun’s thermal energy to heat molten salt flowing through a 140-metre-tall (460-foot) central tower. The molten salt then circulates from the tower to a storage tank, where it is used to produce steam and generate electricity.

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy

Olive tree groves covering the fills of Cordoba, Spain

Olive tree groves covering the fills of Cordoba, Spain

Hagadera, seen here on the right, is the largest section of the Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya and is home to 100,000 refugees. To cope with the growing number of displaced Somalis arriving at Dadaab, the UN has begun moving people into a new area called the LFO extension, seen on the left. Dadaab is the largest refugee camp in the world with an estimated total population of 400,000.

Hagadera, seen here on the right, is the largest section of the Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya and is home to 100,000 refugees. To cope with the growing number of displaced Somalis arriving at Dadaab, the UN has begun moving people into a new area called the LFO extension, seen on the left. Dadaab is the largest refugee camp in the world with an estimated total population of 400,000.

Sun Lakes, Arizona, USA is a planned community of approximately 14,000 residents, most of whom are senior citizens.

Sun Lakes, Arizona, USA is a planned community of approximately 14,000 residents, most of whom are senior citizens.

Puente de vallecas, Madrid, Spain

Puente de vallecas, Madrid, Spain

Hạ Long Bay, located in the Quảng Ninh Province of Vietnam, is a stunningly beautiful destination. Here, towering limestone pillars and tiny islands topped by a rich, green forest rise from the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Hạ Long Bay, located in the Quảng Ninh Province of Vietnam, is a stunningly beautiful destination. Here, towering limestone pillars and tiny islands topped by a rich, green forest rise from the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Tailings are the waste and by-products generated by mining operations. The tailings seen here were pumped into the Gribbens Basin, fron iron ore mines in Michigan, USA. Once the materials are pumped into the pond, they’re mixed with water to create a sloppy form of mud known as slurry. For a sense of scale, this Overview shows approximately 2.5 square kilometres (1 square mile) of the basin.

Tailings are the waste and by-products generated by mining operations. The tailings seen here were pumped into the Gribbens Basin, fron iron ore mines in Michigan, USA. Once the materials are pumped into the pond, they’re mixed with water to create a sloppy form of mud known as slurry. For a sense of scale, this Overview shows approximately 2.5 square kilometres (1 square mile) of the basin.

Goodland, Kansas, USA. The circles seen here are created when lines of sprinklers, powered by electric motors, rotate 360 degrees to evenly irrigate crops.

Goodland, Kansas, USA. The circles seen here are created when lines of sprinklers, powered by electric motors, rotate 360 degrees to evenly irrigate crops.

Rice paddies, constructed in steps, cover the mountainsides of Yuanyang County, China. Cultivated by the Hani people for the last 1300 years, the slope of the terraces varies from 15 to 75 degrees with some having as many as 3,000 steps.

Rice paddies, constructed in steps, cover the mountainsides of Yuanyang County, China. Cultivated by the Hani people for the last 1300 years, the slope of the terraces varies from 15 to 75 degrees with some having as many as 3,000 steps.

The largest aircraft storage and preservation facility in the world is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, USA. The boneyard contains more than 4,400 retired American military and government aircrafts.

The largest aircraft storage and preservation facility in the world is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, USA. The boneyard contains more than 4,400 retired American military and government aircrafts.

Shipping containers are stacked at the Port Newark Container Terminal in Newark, New Jersey, USA. The massive facility handles over 600,000 shipping containers every year and has begun expansion projects that will increase annual capacity to 1.1 million containers by 2030.

Shipping containers are stacked at the Port Newark Container Terminal in Newark, New Jersey, USA. The massive facility handles over 600,000 shipping containers every year and has begun expansion projects that will increase annual capacity to 1.1 million containers by 2030.

The Norfolk Southern Railway operates 21,300 miles of track in 22 states, primarily in the Southeastern US. Inman Yard in Atlanta, Georgia, pictured here, is one of the major railyards that houses a portion of the operation’s 3,648 locomotives and 79,082 freight cars.

The Norfolk Southern Railway operates 21,300 miles of track in 22 states, primarily in the Southeastern US. Inman Yard in Atlanta, Georgia, pictured here, is one of the major railyards that houses a portion of the operation’s 3,648 locomotives and 79,082 freight cars.

Tulip fields in Lisse, The Netherlands

Tulip fields in Lisse, The Netherlands

Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world (first it was Hindu, then Buddhist). Constructed in the twelfth century, the 820,000 square meter (8.8 million square feet) site features a moat and forest that surround a massive temple at its center.

Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world (first it was Hindu, then Buddhist). Constructed in the twelfth century, the 820,000 square meter (8.8 million square feet) site features a moat and forest that surround a massive temple at its center.

Nishinoshima is a volcanic island located 940 kilometers (584 miles) south of Tokyo, Japan. Starting in November 2013, the volcano began to erupt and continued to do so until August 2015. Over the course of the eruption, the area of the island grew in size from 0.06 square kilometers (0.02 square miles) to 2·3 square kilometers (0·89 square miles).

Nishinoshima is a volcanic island located 940 kilometers (584 miles) south of Tokyo, Japan. Starting in November 2013, the volcano began to erupt and continued to do so until August 2015. Over the course of the eruption, the area of the island grew in size from 0.06 square kilometers (0.02 square miles) to 2·3 square kilometers (0·89 square miles).

The coal terminal at the Port of Qinhuangdao in China is the largest coal shipping facility in the country. From here, approximately 210 million tons of coal are transported to coal-burning power plants throughout southern China every year.

The coal terminal at the Port of Qinhuangdao in China is the largest coal shipping facility in the country. From here, approximately 210 million tons of coal are transported to coal-burning power plants throughout southern China every year.

Dendritic drainage systems are seen around the Shadegan Lagoon by Musa Bay in Iran. The word ‘dendritic’ refers to the pools’ resemblance to the branches of a tree, and this pattern develops when streams move across relatively flat and uniform rocks, or over a surface that resists erosion.

Dendritic drainage systems are seen around the Shadegan Lagoon by Musa Bay in Iran. The word ‘dendritic’ refers to the pools’ resemblance to the branches of a tree, and this pattern develops when streams move across relatively flat and uniform rocks, or over a surface that resists erosion.

The villas of marabe-al-dhafra in abu-dhabi-United Arab Emirates-are home to approximately 2000 people.

The villas of marabe-al-dhafra in abu-dhabi-United Arab Emirates-are home to approximately 2000 people.

Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Arlit uranium mine is located in Arlit, Niger. French nuclear power generation, as well as the French nuclear weapons program, are both dependent on the uranium that is extracted from this mine in the former French colony – more than 3,400 tons per year.

The Arlit uranium mine is located in Arlit, Niger. French nuclear power generation, as well as the French nuclear weapons program, are both dependent on the uranium that is extracted from this mine in the former French colony – more than 3,400 tons per year.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the tallest peak in Japan, rising 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). As seen in this Overview, Fuji has an extremely symmetrical cone, which is snow capped several months of the year.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the tallest peak in Japan, rising 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). As seen in this Overview, Fuji has an extremely symmetrical cone, which is snow capped several months of the year.

The great wall of China, northern China

The great wall of China, northern China

Central Park, New York City, New York

Central Park, New York City, New York

Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA

Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA

The White House, home of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C.

The White House, home of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C.

The medina quarter in Marrakesh, Morocco is characterized by its winding, maze-like streets. Because the intricately connected honeycomb of alleyways narrows to less than a meter wide (~ 3 feet) at certain spots, the area is generally free from car traffic.

The medina quarter in Marrakesh, Morocco is characterized by its winding, maze-like streets. Because the intricately connected honeycomb of alleyways narrows to less than a meter wide (~ 3 feet) at certain spots, the area is generally free from car traffic.

Our Lady of Almudena cemetery, Madrid, Spain

Our Lady of Almudena cemetery, Madrid, Spain

Brondby Haveby, Bronby Municipality, Denmark

Brondby Haveby, Brondby Municipality, Denmark

Venture Out RV resort, Mesa, Arizona, USA

Venture Out RV resort, Mesa, Arizona, USA

Boca Raton, Florida, USA

Boca Raton, Florida, USA

Bourtange is a village with a population of 430 in the municipality of Vlagtwedde in the Netherlands. The star fort was built in 1593 during the Eighty Years’ War when William I of Orange wanted to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen. Bourtange was restored to its mid-18th-century state in 1960 and is currently used as an open-air museum.

Bourtange is a village with a population of 430 in the municipality of Vlagtwedde in the Netherlands. The star fort was built in 1593 during the Eighty Years’ War when William I of Orange wanted to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen. Bourtange was restored to its mid-18th-century state in 1960 and is currently used as an open-air museum.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Durrat al Bahrain will consist of 15 connected artificial islands including six atolls, five fish-shaped and two crescent-shaped. Construction costs are estimated at $6 billion.

Durrat al Bahrain will consist of 15 connected artificial islands including six atolls, five fish-shaped and two crescent-shaped. Construction costs are estimated at $6 billion.

Residential development, Killeen, Texas, USA

Residential development, Killeen, Texas, USA

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan located on the edge of the Namib Desert in Namibia. These reddish sand dunes of the desert, seen in the top half of this Overview, are among the tallest in the world, with many rising more than 656 feet (200 meters.)

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan located on the edge of the Namib Desert in Namibia. These reddish sand dunes of the desert, seen in the top half of this Overview, are among the tallest in the world, with many rising more than 656 feet (200 meters.)

Glacial melting and flooding occurs every year by the Skafta River in Iceland. As the water travels down towards the North Atlantic Ocean, incredible patterns are created on the hillsides. Rising lava, steam vents, or newly opened hot springs can all cause this rapid ice melt, leading to a sizable release of water that picks up sediment as it flows down from the glaciers.

Glacial melting and flooding occurs every year by the Skafta River in Iceland. As the water travels down towards the North Atlantic Ocean, incredible patterns are created on the hillsides. Rising lava, steam vents, or newly opened hot springs can all cause this rapid ice melt, leading to a sizable release of water that picks up sediment as it flows down from the glaciers.

clearcutting operations in the Amazon rainforest of Para Brazil branch out from one of the state's central roads.

Clearcutting operations in the Amazon rainforest of Para Brazil branch out from one of the state’s central roads.

Clearcutting in the El Dorado National Forest, Georgetown, California, USA

Clearcutting in the El Dorado National Forest, Georgetown, California, USA

Plasticulture refers to the practice of using plastic materials in agricultural applications. This is visible in the plains and valleys of Almeria, Spain where nearly 20,000 hectares (about 50,000 acres) are covered by these greenhouse structures.

Plasticulture refers to the practice of using plastic materials in agricultural applications. This is visible in the plains and valleys of Almeria, Spain where nearly 20,000 hectares (about 50,000 acres) are covered by these greenhouse structures.

 

Los Caracoles Pass, or The Snails Pass, is a twisting mountain road located in a remote section of the Andes Mountains on the Chilean side of the border with Argentina. The path climbs to an elevation of 10,419 feet, has no roadside safety barriers, and is frequented by large trucks.

Los Caracoles Pass, or The Snails Pass, is a twisting mountain road located in a remote section of the Andes Mountains on the Chilean side of the border with Argentina. The path climbs to an elevation of 10,419 feet, has no roadside safety barriers, and is frequented by large trucks.

Evaporation ponds are visible at the potash mine in Moab, Utah, USA

Evaporation ponds are visible at the potash mine in Moab, Utah, USA

The salt evaporation ponds seen here cover roughly 10 square miles (26 square km) in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Salt is extracted from the water here through a lengthy process. First, water from the bay is channeled into massive basins where it begins a transformation into brines. Over five years, the brines evaporate, concentrate, and travel several miles before they are collected as pure salt crystals. The massive ponds get their vibrant color from a particular species of algae (Dunaliella) that thrives in extremely salty water and produces a red pigment.

The salt evaporation ponds seen here cover roughly 10 square miles (26 square km) in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Salt is extracted from the water here through a lengthy process. First, water from the bay is channeled into massive basins where it begins a transformation into brines. Over five years, the brines evaporate, concentrate, and travel several miles before they are collected as pure salt crystals. The massive ponds get their vibrant color from a particular species of algae (Dunaliella) that thrives in extremely salty water and produces a red pigment.

New Bullards Bar reservoir, Yuba County, California, USA

New Bullards Bar reservoir, Yuba County, California, USA

Burning Man is a week-long, annual event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, USA. Each year a community of more than 65,000 participants is erected from nothing with one guiding principle being “leave no trace” as it ends. The event is described as an experiment in community, art, self-expression, and radical self-reliance. This image was taken during the event, in August 2014.

Burning Man is a week-long, annual event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, USA. Each year a community of more than 65,000 participants is erected from nothing with one guiding principle being “leave no trace” as it ends. The event is described as an experiment in community, art, self-expression, and radical self-reliance. This image was taken during the event, in August 2014.

MARS SATELLITE IMAGES

True to its purpose, the big NASA spacecraft that began orbiting Mars a decade ago has delivered huge advances in knowledge about the Red Planet. NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has revealed in unprecedented detail a planet that held diverse wet environments billions of years ago and remains dynamic today.

True to its purpose, the big NASA spacecraft that began orbiting Mars a decade ago has delivered huge advances in knowledge about the Red Planet. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has revealed in unprecedented detail a planet that held diverse wet environments billions of years ago and remains dynamic today.

 

The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter often takes images of Martian sand dunes to study the mobile soils. These images provide information about erosion and movement of surface material, about wind and weather patterns, even about the soil grains and grain sizes.

The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter often takes images of Martian sand dunes to study the mobile soils. These images provide information about erosion and movement of surface material, about wind and weather patterns, even about the soil grains and grain sizes.

 

This image of Solis Planum — a huge mound south of the Mars canyon system Valles Marineris - was acquired by the HiRISE camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on Aug. 16, 2015, at 2:47 p.m. local Mars time.

This image of Solis Planum — a huge mound south of the Mars canyon system Valles Marineris – was acquired by the HiRISE camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on Aug. 16, 2015, at 2:47 p.m. local Mars time.

The Nili-Fossae region located on the northwest rim of Isid impact basin is one of regions of Mars.

The Nili-Fossae region located on the northwest rim of Isid impact basin is one of regions of Mars.

the seasonal cap of carbon dioxide icehas eroded many beautiful terrains as it sublimates-goes directly from ice to vapor-every spring.

The seasonal cap of carbon dioxide ice has eroded many beautiful terrains as it sublimates-goes directly from ice to vapor-every spring.

Thanks to Lawrence for getting me started on this topic, Bored Panda, NASA and especially to Benjamin Grant and the Daily Overview..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature

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The lava lake of the continuously active volcano Erta-Ale, Ethiopia

The lava lake of the continuously active volcano Erta-Ale, Ethiopia

nature-hawaii-via-george

The color coming out of this lava crack has nothing to do with lava or fire. It's actually flowers called red hot poker-or-torch-lily

The color coming out of this lava crack has nothing to do with lava or fire. It’s actually flowers called red hot poker or torch lily.

An eruption creates a mountain of ash and smoke over Calbuco Volcano near Puerto Varas, Chile. Photograph and caption by Cote Baeza

An eruption creates a mountain of ash and smoke over Calbuco Volcano near Puerto Varas, Chile. Photograph and caption by Cote Baeza via National Geographic

Russian Alexey Trofimov captured this image of cracks hundreds of yards long in the ice of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake in Siberia.

Russian Alexey Trofimov captured this image of cracks hundreds of yards long in the ice of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake in Siberia.

These beach boulders are located at Moeraki, New Zealand and occur naturally.

These beach boulders are located at Moeraki, New Zealand and occur naturally.

Cold and windy winter weather of the midwestern US has transformed frozen sand on the shore of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, MI into a sea of tiny wind-sculpted towers. By Joshua Nowicki.

Cold and windy winter weather of the midwestern US has transformed frozen sand on the shore of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, MI into a sea of tiny wind-sculpted towers. By Joshua Nowicki.

aaa

Balancing Rock on Long Island at Digby Neck, Nova Scotia, Canada. Image by Joan Anderson on flickr. Standing for thousands of years balancing rock defies erosion. It's about 30 feet or 9 meters in height.

Balancing Rock on Long Island at Digby Neck, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Image by Joan Anderson on flickr.  Standing for thousands of years balancing rock defies erosion. It’s about 30 feet or 9 meters in height.

A snow donut is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made. They're very rarely seen because the number of weather conditions that need to be just right for them to form - including wind, temperature, snow, ice, and moisture.

A snow donut is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made. They’re very rarely seen because of the number of weather conditions that need to be just right for them to form – including wind, temperature, snow, ice, and moisture.

nature-via-murray-2

Tumbleweeds are actually invasive plants from Russia and are causing a lot of problems. The image is from California. Photograph by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel.

Tumbleweeds are actually invasive plants from Russia and are causing a lot of problems. The image is from California. Photograph by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel.

nature-aa

A very determined tree.

A very determined tree.

A determined flower.

A determined dandelion.

A human determined to have his cigarette.

A human determined to have his cigarette.

This tropical plant has very large floating leaves up to 3 meters or one yard in diameter and it is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon river basin.

This tropical plant has very large floating leaves up to 3 meters or almost 10 feet in diameter and it is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon river basin.

Rhodochrosite, mineral also known-as the rose of the inca.

Rhodochrosite, mineral also known-as the rose of the inca.

Dr. Gary Greenberg invented the high-definition 3D microscopes that he uses to take pictures of sand magnified 300 times it’s size.

Dr. Gary Greenberg invented the high-definition 3D microscopes that he uses to take pictures of sand magnified 300 times it’s size.

more sand

more sand

A speck of dust is half way between a quark and the earth.

Spiral aurora borealis

Spiral aurora borealis

Asperatus clouds were only classified in 2009. as a result we know little about them other than that they look amazing.

Asperatus clouds were only classified in 2009. as a result we know little about them other than that they look amazing.

nature-vine-gif-via-murray

Time lapse of a vine growing.

A geyser right before eruption

A geyser right before eruption

Brinicles form beneath ice when a flow of saline water is introduced. It's like an underwater icicle.

Brinicles form beneath ice when a flow of saline water is introduced. It’s like an underwater icicle.

This unedited image was taken with a tripod mounted in the Pacific Ocean during a winter sunset in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Taken at the moment a rock was thrown into the water by Rob Leslie via National Geographic.

This unedited image was taken with a tripod mounted in the Pacific Ocean during a winter sunset in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Taken at the moment a rock was thrown into the water by Rob Leslie via National Geographic.

Catatumbo lightning occurs only over the mouth of the Catatumbo River where it empties into Lake Maracaibo in Venezuala, 140 to 260 nights a year, 10 hours per day and up to 280 times per hour.

Catatumbo lightning occurs only over the mouth of the Catatumbo River where it empties into Lake Maracaibo in Venezuala, 140 to 260 nights a year, 10 hours per day and up to 280 times per hour.

Julieanne Kost spent several days floating between icebergs around Black Head, Cuverville Island, and Pleneau Bay in Antarctica, on a small boat in order to experience ice at eye level.

Julieanne Kost spent several days floating between icebergs around Black Head, Cuverville Island, and Pleneau Bay in Antarctica, on a small boat in order to experience ice at eye level.

nature-julieanne-kostnature-julieanne-kost-previously-spent-several-days-weaving-in-between-icebergs-via-colossolnature-julieanne-kost-previously-spent-several-days-weaving-in-between-icebergs-around-black-head-cuverville-island-and-pleneau-bay-via-colossolThe Valley of the Moon in Argentina is a 223 square mile park that is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The area once held lush lands and plenty of water but that is now classified as full desert. It is here that the world’s oldest dinosaur fossils were found while wind and water erosion over millions of years have also given way to stunning formations including fossilized ferns and petrified tree trunks.

FLO C14

By Florian von der Fecht

By Jose Ferreyra

By Jose Ferreyra

valley-of-the-moon-3valley-4valley-2valleyofthemoonnature-via-geo

An infrared photo of a garden. This is how a bee sees, via National Geographic

An infrared photo of a garden. This is how a bee sees, via National Geographic

nature-via-geo

In this “happy face”, the two eyes are actually very bright galaxies and the misleading smile lines are actually arcs caused by an effect known as strong gravitational lensing. Taken by the Hubble telescope and published by NASA.

In this “happy face”, the two eyes are actually very bright galaxies and the misleading smile lines are actually arcs caused by an effect known as strong gravitational lensing. Taken by the Hubble telescope and published by NASA.

Thanks to: Wim, George, John, Murray, Patty (aka Patricia) and National Geographic.

Baby Animals and Families, Mostly Wild

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If you’re allergic to cuteness you should definitely skip this post.  If you’re neutral then you will surely find something that touches or amuses you.  Maybe the baby platypus or aardvark.  For the rest of us, feast your eyes and heart on all these wonders.

Sloth by Sam Trull

Sloth by Sam Trull

According to National Geographic, the first scientists to examine a duck-billed platypus believed they were the victims of a hoax.  The animal is a hodgepodge of the duck (bill and webbed feet) beaver (tail) and otter (body and fur.)  Males have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use them to deliver a strong, venomous blow to any foe.  But the babies are cute.

animals, baby platapusanimal babies via meranimals, turtles animals, via pint 2

A baby dik dik

A baby dik dik

A wet baby fox

A wet baby fox

aninmals, newborn seal

Slow loris

Slow loris

Red Panda

Red Panda

animals, via Neilparents,

by Debbie Dicarlo on flickr

by Debbie Dicarlo on flickr

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs

animals, goats from our beautiful world and universeanimals, via pint 3animals, puppy

Not quite sure what this family is. Answers welcome.

Prairie dogs

animals, tiger by the tail

Even baby rhinos are cute.

Even baby rhinos are cute.

animals, lion and babeanimals, john 2

According to Good News Network, Australian wildlife rehabilitator Gillian Abbot rescued this baby kangaroo when it was two months old and raised the orphan, giving it a teddy bear to cuddle with.  Now almost fully grown, Doodlebug, as he was named, is making what animal-rescue folks call a “soft return” to the wild.  He comes and goes as he pleases, and every time the eastern gray kangaroo returns to his homestead, he empties the food bowl and hugs his teddy that they keep dangling at the perfect height– just like old times.

animals, Kangaroo-Hug-teddy-Gillian-Abbott-released via g.n.n. see word

A group of giraffes is called a tower.

A group of giraffes is called a tower.

Baby aardvark

Baby aardvark

Baby otters

Baby otters

mixed species, monkeysanimals, tigeranimals, tigers

South Georgia, anarctica penguins by Ondrej Zaruba

South Georgia, Anarctica penguins by Ondrej Zaruba

Another one unsure what it is.

Another one unsure what it is.

animals babes, meranimals babies, meranimals, kittensKoala bear Lizzy was hit by a car and taken to an Australian zoo hospital. Her 6-month-old boy screamed when they tried to remove him from his mother. He continued to hold on even during surgery for a collapsed lung and Mom is currently recovering with him by her side.

aaa, koala 2aaa, koala lizzyaaa, koala 3animal babes, 2animal families via George

By Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography

By Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography

Tired bunny

Tired bunny

Tired bear cub. Photo by Igor Shpilenok

Tired bear cub. Photo by Igor Shpilenok

Again, not sure what this is.

Ant eaters

Another mystery animal.

Caracal

animals, baby pig

By manzaralar

By manzaralar

animals, kittenanimals, mouse (2)

By Sam Trull

By Sam Trull

Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana by Isak

Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana by Isak Pretorius

Raccoons help each other climb

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Polar bear family

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Animals who think they are puppies

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If you want to explore more of the animal category on this site, go here.

Thanks to:  Merry, Anita, John, Wim, Neil, Louise, George, Joan

and to:  Good New Network, Dark Roasted Blend, National Geographic

Also thanks to Elaine, Joan, Marlene, Patricia, JoAnne who helped identify animals I wasn’t sure of.

Human Ingenuity Medley, 9

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By Ksenia Tsykunova on flickr

By Ksenia Tsykunova on flickr

By Lou Rouge on flickr

By Lou Rouge on flickr

Daily commute, then and now

human ingen via geo, the daily commute, then and nowhuman ingen, via Sam These trees are trimmed to appear in a straight line.

By Patricia Monfort Garcia on flickr

By Patricia Monfort Garcia on flickr

human ingen via sam,3.human ingen via samCleveland-based sculptor Carl Jara’s work skips the turrets, mermaids, or fish of most sand castles.   His intention to create things you wouldn’t normally see in a sandcastle competition has allowed him to earn nine World Championship medals for his sand sculptures.

sand 3sand 7sand 8

Check the words on the end of each segment.

Check the words on the end of each segment.

unnamedsand 5sand via geo

Look carefully. At least 4 layers of the sculpture.

Look carefully. At least 4 layers of the sculpture.

Minneapolis artist Brock Davis thrives with the Net as his gallery.  You can enjoy his clever, humorous, skewed view of the world’s ordinary objects by following him on Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, behance, facebook and other sites.  His website,  itistheworldthatmadeyousmall.com/ is currently being updated.

brock-davis_2brock-davis_19brock-davis_6

Burning building

Burning building

Rice Krispyhenge

Rice Krispyhenge

brock-davis_5b

human, High heel, brock davis

brock 2

Cherry bomb

Cherry bomb

The hungry sofa

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/2bNdptA” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/1VvBghHjmPo?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=1VvBghHjmPo&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep9770″ /]

 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find attribution for these sculptures that threaten to defy gravity.

aa, human via Sam, balance 2

You wouldn’t catch me standing there.

aa, human via Sam, balance

aa human, Monte-Meubles, L’ultime Déménagement

aa, human via Samaa, human samaa, human, balanceaa, human, balance 2Commercial photographer Sam Kaplan‘s latest project, Unwrapped, transforms sticks of chewing gum into monumental structures, stacking the sticky treat in shapes that imitate architectural forms. Hundreds of pieces of gum criss cross and stand upwards to create pyramids, columns, and arches—held tightly together with support from super glue.

human, colossal, Commercial human, gum via colossal, photographer Sam Kaplan‘s latest project,human, gumhuman, gum, 4human, gum, 3Photographer Daniel Kukla photographed square mirrors propped on easels in locations around Joshua Tree National Park in California to catch the reflection of the horizon behind him. The resulting images create the effect of looking at paintings sitting in the middle of the desert.

HUMAN ingen, Photographer Daniel Kuklahuman ingen, Photographer Daniel Kukla 2human ingen, Photographer Daniel Kukla 3

Home decorating by and for men.

human ingen, men decorate via Samhuman ingen, men via samhuman ingen, men, sam 3human ingen, men via sam, 2human ingen, sam“Things Organized Neatly, a catalog of objects compulsively organized just so” is curated by Austin Radcliffe on tumblr

"Things Organized Neatly, a catalog of objects compulsively organized just so" is curated by Austin Radcliffe on tumblr

By Adam Hillman

By Adam Hillman

USS Coral Sea’s air department Sailors, wearing the distinctive color jerseys that identify their carrier jobs,

USS Coral Sea’s air department Sailors, wearing the distinctive color jerseys that identify their carrier jobs.

hu;man, ThingsOrganizedNeatly, Run by blogger and curator Austin Radcliffe, Things Organized NeatlyIndonesian sculptor Ichwan Noor takes the iconic components of vintage VW vehicles and warps them into perfect spheres and cubes.

Photo © Sharon Pittaway

Photo © Sharon Pittaway

drone, bug

Beetle box

Beetle box

This wolf is made entirely from pipe cleaners.

This wolf is made entirely from pipe cleaners.

By Livia Marin

By Livia Marin

Halifax waterfront by Dean Bouchard on flickr

Halifax waterfront by Dean Bouchard on flickr

Photographer Will Strathmann in Krabi, Thailand, captured the effects of bioluminescent phytoplankton in the nearby Andaman Sea. A small group of swimmers was causing the microscopic organisms to light up by agitating the water around them.

Photographer Will Strathmann in Krabi, Thailand, captured the effects of bioluminescent phytoplankton in the nearby Andaman Sea. A small group of swimmers was causing the microscopic organisms to light up by agitating the water around them.

human ingen via john, marilyn

Marilyn

For more human ingenuity medley, go here.

Special thanks to Colossal for many examples of human ingenuity, and to “flickr finds” by Christopher Jobson on Colossal.

Also thanks to:  Sam, John, George, Jen C.

 

Spectacular Vacation Destinations, 7

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How would you like to stay at a hotel that is a huge cruise ship, on dry land, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean in South Korea?  Or have a meal at a Philippine restaurant at the bottom of a water fall with your feet resting in the water?  Or watch a movie from a floating cinema in Thailand?  We’ve got all this, plus places of beautiful or exotic nature and human ingenuity.

Huacachina Oasis - Peru

Huacachina Oasis – Peru

vaca,

Reichsburg Castle Cochem, Germany

Reichsburg Castle Cochem, Germany

Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle, australia

When most people think of Greece, they think of the Acropolis in Athens or maybe the Temple of Delphi. Those places are certainly great, but for me, when I think of Greece I now think of Meteora. The Greek Orthodox monasteries in the region are all jaw-dropping. You canít help but wonder how the world the monasteries were built, let alone how someone was able to climb up on to the rocks to begin with. Meteora is a must-see for people visiting Greece and want to get out of Athens.

Varlaam Monostary, Meteoron, Greece. Photo by Gary Arndt via National Geographic.

Labassin Waterfall Restaurant - Philippines

Labassin Waterfall Restaurant – Philippines

Abandoned medieval village – Craco, Italy

Abandoned medieval village – Craco, Italy

Cemetery - Romania

Cemetery – Romania

vaca, The Gardens of Marqueyssac - France

The Gardens of Marqueyssac – France

Alaska Range, Denali Wilderness In Alaska by Tim Iken

Alaska Range, Denali Wilderness In Alaska by Tim Iken

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan, Myanmar

Dame in Mont-Devant-Sassey, Lorraine, France

Dame in Mont-Devant-Sassey, Lorraine, France

vaca, Alupka, Russia

Alupka, Russia

Greenbrier County, West Virginia, USA

Greenbrier County, West Virginia, USA

Scotney Castle, Kent, UK

Scotney Castle, Kent, UK

Mongolia

Mongolia

Koblenz, Germany

Koblenz, Germany

Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, Slovenia

Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, Slovenia

Pannonian plains, Slovenia

Pannonian plains, Slovenia

Heart-shaped road, Slovenia

Heart-shaped road, Slovenia

Postojna Cave, Slovenia

Postojna Cave, Slovenia

Štanjel, Slovenia

Štanjel, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia

This cruise ship is actually a hotel in South Korea.

This cruise ship is actually a hotel in South Korea.

The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun - Thailand

The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun – Thailand

Falls at Litlanesfoss, Iceland

Falls at Litlanesfoss, Iceland

Farm, Swiss Alps

Farm, Swiss Alps

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Natron, Tanzania. As water evaporates during the very hot and dry season, salinity levels increase to the point that salt-loving microorganisms begin to thrive. The red pigment in the organisms produces the deep reds of the open water of the lake and the orange colors of the shallow parts of the lake.

Lake Natron, Tanzania. As water evaporates during the very hot and dry season, salinity levels increase to the point that salt-loving microorganisms begin to thrive. The red pigment in the organisms produces the deep reds of the open water of the lake and the orange colors of the shallow parts of the lake.

Floating Cinema in Thailand.

Rafting in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Rafting in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Inhabited Volcanic Island of Aogashima, Japan

The Inhabited Volcanic Island of Aogashima, Japan

The Leshan Giant Buddha - Cliffs of Mount Lingyun. Sichuan, China

The Leshan Giant Buddha – Cliffs of Mount Lingyun. Sichuan, China

Discoteca Cova d`en Xoroi, Menorca, Spain

Discoteca Cova d`en Xoroi, Menorca, Spain

Home Entrance in the City of Baska on the Isle of Krk in Croatia. By Frankipanki on Flickr

Home Entrance in the City of Baska on the Isle of Krk in Croatia. By Frankipanki on Flickr

The Peacock Room Castello di Sammezzano in Reggello, Tuscany, Italy

The Peacock Room Castello di Sammezzano in Reggello, Tuscany, Italy

Salt mine, Russia

Salt mine, Russia

Park Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

Park Gardens by the Bay – Singapore

Small town of Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Small town of Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Montreal Botanical Garden - Canada

Montreal Botanical Garden – Canada

Kuchlbauer Tower - Bavaria, Germany

Kuchlbauer Tower – Bavaria, Germany

Okoshiki Coast, Japan by Sunao Chiba via National Geographic

Okoshiki Coast, Japan by Sunao Chiba via National Geographic

The Alcazar of Segovia, Spain

The Alcazar of Segovia, Spain

Vietnam

Vietnam

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Mussoorie, Dehradun, India

Mussoorie, Dehradun, India

Fall Colors, Ouachita National Forest , Arkansas, USA by Laura Vu

Fall Colors, Ouachita National Forest , Arkansas, USA by Laura Vu

Another spectacular image of lavender in Provence, France

Another spectacular image of lavender in Provence, France

Monistrol de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain by Jordi Brió on flickr

Monistrol de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain by Jordi Brió on flickr

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. Photograph by Daniel Ernst

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. Photograph by Daniel Ernst

Santa Maria dell'Isola - Italy

Santa Maria dell’Isola – Italy

Jodhpur, The Blue City or The Sun City, India

Jodhpur, The Blue City or The Sun City, India

For more vacation posts go here.

Thanks to:  John, Merry, Lia, Wim, Bonnie, Gary, George

and on pinterest to Sampry

Mixed Species, 11

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Don’t miss the fascinating video at the end of elephants at the Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia.

Ooops, these species are mixed up.

Ooops, these species are mixed up.

mixed via johnmixed species via john 3 (3)mixed species, via jill 2animals, mixed species boatimage008image009image010image011mixed sp 3mixed sp via jen h.2

Infant black rhino. Armed soldiers guard every black rhino to protect them from poachers. The animals see the soldiers as members of their families.

Infant black rhino. Armed soldiers guard every black rhino to protect them from poachers. The animals see the soldiers as members of their families.

mixed species 2 (2)mixed species 3 (2)mixed species 3mixed species 4 and credite fun picsmixed species 5mixed species 14 (2)mixed species 10mixed species 9mixed species 14mixed species 17

by Gabriel Catalin

by Gabriel Catalin

mixed species 15 mixed species, 7aa mixed 4 aa, mixed 2 aa mixed 5

mixed species 16

aa, mixed

From Lawrence at Kootenay reflections.com

mixed sp via jen h.mixed species testmixed species via john (2)mixed species via john 3 (2)mixed species via John 3mixed species ginnny 2mixed species via john 2mixed species via Johnmixed species via Mer mixed species via n.g. and John, yellow jellies, see word mixed species via Sam maybemixed species via sam mixed species, 3, jill mixed species, 3 mixed species, 6mixed species, 16 mixed species, by Ben Terode mixed species, chamel and butterflymixed sp via jill mixed species, gif, parrot and atm mixed species, john mixed species, Mer mixed species via george (2) mixed species via jillmixed species, 7 (2)mixed species, 13 mixed species, ginnymixed species, jill 5 mixedc species, cat and moose

The director of the Belgrade Zoo tries to convince Sammy the chimpanzee to return home after he escaped, 1988.

The director of the Belgrade Zoo tries to convince Sammy the chimpanzee to return home after he escaped, 1988.

mixed species via george mixed species, via Michael O'Dea, then he plays with kids and runs around.

I'm not sure if these are the same species or not.

I’m not sure if these are the same species or not.

Police dogs in line for lunch.

Police dogs in line for lunch.

animals, nat'l geog image004mixed species gif, ginny

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/29wFvDW” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/oDJEOzV6H7M?fs=1&start=20″ vars=”ytid=oDJEOzV6H7M&width=584&height=584&start=20&stop=180&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep9211″ /]

 

In case you’re new to this site and want to see many more examples of unusual or amusing animal species combinations, go here.

Thanks to:   John, Jill, Jen C., Jen H., Merry, Ginny, Anita, George, Michael O’D, Sam an Funpic

 

Amazing bridges, quirky humans and mind games

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First a note to subscribers:  If you recently tried clicking on wonders and found yourself  being re-directed to another site, please know that the issue has been resolved.  Thanks for your patience.

This human ingenuity medley has something for everyone  We’ve got bridges that rise, that submerge, that fold up, that swing up and down and one that lifts the boats.  Then a scattering of amusing human moments and some mind-bending images to wake you up.

First a bridge that lifts

bridge, vertical liftbridge via jimThis bridge in Bordeaux France is Europe’s longest vertical lift bridge, with four traffic lanes and an outboard sidewalk and bicycle lane. The span can lift to a height of 50 meters (164 feet).

Note it lifts with cars on it.

Note it lifts with cars on it.

SUBMERSIBLE BRIDGES IN THE CORINTH CANAL, GREECE

Submersible Bridges, Corinth Canal, GreeceThe Corinth Canal was built between 1881 and 1893 to save ships a 700 km (435mile) journey because they no longer needed to go around the Peloponnesian peninsula.  It’s very narrow and can only accommodate one ship at a time. The submersible bridges were built in 1988 and their decks are lowered 8 meters (26ft) below the water, allowing for tall shipping vessels to use the canal.

It's under the water.

It’s under the water.

Deep enough for boats to get through.

Deep enough for boats to get through.

Kiel Germany’s Horn River features a folding bridge, in three-segments. The innovative bridge folds into an “N” shape. The bridge is nicknamed Klappt-Nix-Brücke, meaning Fold-not Bridge because initially it experienced many malfunctions.

bridge, Hörn Bridge, Germany

bridge, Hörn Bridge, Germany 2bridge, Hörn Bridge, Germany 3bridge, Vizcaya Bridge, Spain, 2

The Vizcaya Bridge in Biscay, Spain connects the two towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas over the Ibaizabal River. The locals refer to the bridge as Puente Colgante, meaning suspension bridge, even though it is a transporter bridge, with a different structure. This bridge also happens to be the world’s oldest transporter bridge, as it was built in 1893. Its gondola can transport six cars, as well as passengers and cyclists.

bridge, 3 Vizcaya Bridge, Spainbridge, Vizcaya Bridge, Spainbridge, River Hull Footbridge, UK 3The River Hull footbridge in Yorkshire, UK rotates while pedestrians are still on it. The bridge takes two minutes to open or close for water traffic and offers pedestrians a unique experience of the city. At night, the bridge’s lights turn on and off while the bridge moves, making a light show.

bridge, River Hull Footbridge, UK 2bridge, River Hull Footbridge, UK 4bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK 2The Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the UK has a deck for pedestrians and cyclists, and a supporting arch. The bridge rotates as a single structure, with the arch lowering and the deck rising, counterbalancing each other, forming a pathway for water traffic.

bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK 3bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK winking eyebridge, Foryd Harbor Bridge, UK 2The Foryd Harbor pedestrian bridge in Rhyl, Wales, UK operates a bit like a sailing boat with a mast, rigging system, cables and pulley mechanism.

aaaaBridge, Foryd Harbor Bridge, UKbridge, El Ferdan Railway Bridge, Egypt 3Egypt’s El Ferdan Railway Bridge, rests over the Suez Canal and connects the Sinai Peninsula with mainland Egypt. This bridge is 335m (1,100 feet) and is the world’s longest swing bridge. It takes 30 minutes to open or close. It remains open for water traffic and is only closed when the train needs to cross the canal.

bridge, El Ferdan Railway Bridge, Egyptbridge, El Ferdan Railway Bridge, Egypt 2human ingen via sam foy find out moreThe Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world and connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Opened in 2002, it lifts (or lowers) boats 24 meters enabling the vessels (mostly recreational) to travel all the way from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Image by Kieran Baxter

Image by Kieran Baxter

aaa human ingen, bridge gifhuman ingen,funnyhuman ingen, funny 3human ingen, chinahuman ingen, funny 5human ingen, funny 4human ingen, funny wimhuman ingen funny 2human ingen, wim 2 besthuman ingen funny via wimhuman ingen via johnPerfect Timing

human ingen via jillhuman ingen, timedhuman ingen, perfectly timed, via johnhuman ingen, timing 4human ingen, timing 5human ingen, timing john 3 aa, timing

The photographer fell off a chair when he was taking the shot and ended up with a masterpiece.

The photographer fell off a chair when he was taking the shot and ended up with a masterpiece.

Sept 3, 1967, 5pm, Sweden changed from driving on the left side to driving on the right. This was the result

Sept 3, 1967, 5pm, Sweden changed from driving on the left side to driving on the right. This was the result

Unpacking the Head of the Statue of Liberty. Delivered June 17, 1885.

Unpacking the Head of the Statue of Liberty. Delivered June 17, 1885.

Annette Kellerman promoted women's right to wear a fitted one-piece suit, 1907. She was arrested for indecency.

Annette Kellerman promoted women’s right to wear a fitted one-piece suit, 1907. She was arrested for indecency.

A typical rainy day in Chicago, Illinois, USA

A typical rainy day in Chicago, Illinois, USA

To get your mind warmed up:

human ingen, via georgehuman ingen 3human ingen 2

Two deer

Two deer

Five people

Five people

Seven horses.

Seven horses.

human ingen, 5

Once you find the baby, it's so easy to see.

Once you find the baby, it’s so easy to see.

human ingen, 7For more cool bridges on this site you can go here.  This post has mostly bridges.  If you’re relatively new to this site, you may have missed these stunning living bridges.

Thanks to Jim for most of the bridges on this page.  Also to: Sam, Jill, John, Anita, Wim, George

 

Sea Creatures, 3

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Beyond my wildest imagination, here are some of the incredible creatures that can be found under the sea. These sea creatures come in a stunning variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures. Just what you might find if you were the world’s best photographer, diving deep under every sea on the planet, north to south, east to west, tropical to frigid waters.

Xenophora, a marine snail commonly known as the carrier shell, attaches shells, rocks, and other debris from its environment.

This is a snail!  Xenophora, a marine snail commonly known as the carrier shell, attaches shells, rocks, and other debris from its environment.

 

Yellow-tailed snapper by Tommy Schultz

Yellow-tailed snapper by Tommy Schultz

Yellow jelly

Yellow jelly

Sea urchin by christian loader on flickr

Sea urchin by christian loader on flickr

sea, Under the sea heart

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) at South Reef on Racha Noi near Phuket in Thailand

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) at South Reef on Racha Noi near Phuket in Thailand

tubeworm - By Ross Gudgeon (Gudge's Photos)

tubeworm – By Ross Gudgeon (Gudge’s Photos)

Check out the variety of these reds.

Strawberry #Crab (Pelia mutica)

Strawberry #Crab (Pelia mutica)

Starfish

Starfish

Starburst Jellyfish

Starburst Jellyfish

by Mark Laita

by Mark Laita

Red Sea anemone by Brandon Cole

Red Sea anemone by Brandon Cole

Feather starfish

Feather starfish

Stapelianthus madagascariensis by Chris Moore

Stapelianthus madagascariensis by Chris Moore

 

A rare stalked jellyfish. (a.k.a staurozoan)

A rare stalked jellyfish. (a.k.a staurozoan)

An Acan coral.

An Acan coral.

Now the blues shades:

Anemone and Lucas shrimp - Sea of Cortez

Anemone and Lucas shrimp – Sea of Cortez

anemone

anemone

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence

Blue & yellow crinoid (feather star)

Blue & yellow crinoid (feather star) by Richard Merritt FRPS on flickr

Blue tuxedo sea urchin

Blue tuxedo sea urchin by Nick Hope at Bubblevision.com

Blue Squamosa clams are among the rarest invertebrates.

Blue Squamosa clams are among the rarest invertebrates, by reef builders.

Turquoise Feather Duster Worms

Turquoise Feather Duster Worms

Tulip Jellyfish

Tulip Jellyfish

Deep Sea Flower

Deep Sea Flower

Blue Discosoma (mushroom coral)

Blue Discosoma (mushroom coral)

bubble coral

bubble coral

Tunicate by mandarinfish by Linda Kline on flickr

Tunicate by mandarinfish by Linda Kline on flickr

Turquoise starfish

Turquoise starfish

Pegea confoederata is a thaliacé measuring up to 12 cm long. It occurs in two forms, solo or as aggregates of several dozen individuals.

Pegea confoederata is a thaliacé measuring up to 12 cm long. It occurs in two forms, solo or as aggregates of several dozen individuals.  By Kevin Lee

 

Albino Turtle being released.

Albino Turtle being released.

Deep sea angler fish caught at 500 meters (1800 feet)

Deep sea angler fish caught at 500 meters (1800 feet) by Sarah Gotheil.

How could this guy be real? By Daniel Selmeczi from Hungary

How could this guy be real? By Daniel Selmeczi from Hungary

A Hairy frogfish, Lembeh, INDONESIA

A Hairy frogfish, Lembeh, INDONESIA also by Daniel Selmeczi

red hand fish

red hand fish by OceanwiseImages.com

Cirrate octopod - or Dumbo Octopus -

Cirrate octopod – or Dumbo Octopus –

Sea Sponge Looks Like an Underwater Cookie Monster

Sea Sponge Looks Like an Underwater Cookie Monster

Squat Lobster

Squat Lobster, It’s real.  I checked.

Golden Puffer fish Puffed up

Golden Puffer fish Puffed up

Yellowhead Jawfish with eggs - by Kevin Bryant

Yellowhead Jawfish with eggs – by Kevin Bryant

Tiny baby octopus

Tiny baby octopus

Seahorse on sea pen

Seahorse on sea pen

Sea horses

Sea horses

Banded Spiny Lobster by Florent Charpin

Banded Spiny Lobster by Florent Charpin

 

Sea anenome with a clownfish hiding.

Sea anenome with a clownfish hiding.

Now for variety in one species:  Sea Slugs or Nudibranches

by PaparazSea ♑

by PaparazSea ♑

Polka dot nudibranch . Jorunna funebris. the black spots are actually bristles sticking out of body.

Polka dot nudibranch . Jorunna funebris. the black spots are actually bristles sticking out of body.

 

Sea Jewels via Dreamy Nature

Sea Jewels via Dreamy Nature

sea, nudibranch by Guillem Mas on Flickr

By Guillem Mas on Flickr

sea, sea slug 4

sea, nudibranch or sea slug, by Rafael Cosme Daza on Flickr

By Rafael Cosme Daza on Flickr

sea, nudibranch or sea slug

By Oceanart

By Oceanart

sea, sea slug 3

Egg coil of the Spanish Dancer, nudibranch, by bodiver

Egg coil of the Spanish Dancer, nudibranch, by bodiver

Donut sea slug from Bali, Indonesia, by Alexander Mustard

Donut sea slug from Bali, Indonesia, by Alexander Mustard

Now for the jelly fish

sea, deep-water jellyfish, which have been found off the coast of Antarctica and Alaska. via sampry

By Liquid Image on flickr

By Liquid Image on flickr

sea, jelly, 2

By Francis Leguen

sea, jellyfish

Berenice, Red Sea, Egypt. by Stella Styles

Berenice, Red Sea, Egypt. by Stella Styles

sea, jelly via pintsea, jelly 2

By vanveelen on Flickr

By vanveelen on Flickr

Flower Hat Jellyfish

Flower Hat Jellyfish

sea, via john

Moon Sea Jellies

Moon Sea Jellies

Madagascar sea urchin

Madagascar sea urchin

Coral

Coral

Male Signal Blenny, displaying. Why isn't this called a devil fish?

Male Signal Blenny, displaying. Why isn’t this called a devil fish?

Comet and Panther Groupers

Comet and Panther Groupers

Sky Hawk Halfmoon

Sky Hawk Halfmoon

Cuban snail

Cuban snail

Fractal spirals in nature - Harpa Cabritti shell

Fractal spirals in nature – Harpa Cabritti shell

sea, shellThis is just a sample of sea wonders.  For more, go here, or try this.  Or you can see just sea slugs here, or just sea horses here, or star fish here.

Thanks to:  Merry, John, Joyce and to Sampry on pinterest.

Exquisite Animal Images

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We’ve got adorable babies and unusual-looking creatures coming soon on another post, but first these animal pictures where the eye and artistry of the photographer is what makes the image exquisite.

We end with another video by masterful Louis Schwartzberg, this one about Pollinators.  Don’t miss the hummingbird flying backwards and up side down and the baby bat clinging to it’s mom about 2 and a half minutes in.

Photograph by Chris Johns, 2001 from National Geographic

Photograph by Chris Johns, 2001 from National Geographic

animals, via murray

by Amanda Nicholls

by Amanda Nicholls

Red foxes racing on a snowy hill in Biei, a town in Hokkaido, Japan by Hiroki Inoue

Red foxes racing on a snowy hill in Biei, a town in Hokkaido, Japan by Hiroki Inoue

animals, bunnyanimals, fawns playanimals, via john (2)

animals, via john (3)

Manzaralar

animals, cats via john

A herd of sheep pass through a gate.

A herd of sheep pass through a gate.

aaa, testanimals, 2 (3)animals, 5 (2)animals, via john, in Texasanimals, 7 (2)

When a cheetah runs, it quickly rotates its tail to cancel rotational inertia and minimize torque.

When a cheetah runs, it quickly rotates its tail to cancel rotational inertia and minimize torque (not sure what that means but I see it.)

Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography.

Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography.

animals, via john 3aa2animal, elephantanimals, albino mooseanimals, by Караван maybe

Patagonia, Chile by Jesse Estes on Flickr

Patagonia, Chile by Jesse Estes on Flickr

animals 4, snake beautyanimals, chameleonanimals, horses

by YANK from France. Nikon photo contest

by YANK from France. Nikon photo contest

animal, exqui imageanimals, elephant eye [embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1OpHk9k” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/MQiszdkOwuU?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=MQiszdkOwuU&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep8598″ /]

Thanks to:  Murray, John, Anita, Neil, National Geographic, and the Nikon photo contest.

 

Exquisite Images, 5

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These gorgeous pictures are about both the artistry of the photographer and the content of the image.  And it’s more than frustrating that for so many of them, I don’t know who the photographer is.  Still, they are too wonderful not to share.

Please don’t skip the amusing video near the end:  NATURE   You might have to watch it twice because you don’t want to miss the footnote-like words floating like the warning on a typical ad.  A slightly longer video of seven minutes by master photographer Louie Schwartzberg is worth the time.  Given as a TED talk, he demonstrates speeding up nature with time lapse photography, slowing it down with high speed cameras, peering into the minute with electron microscopes so powerful you can see DNA and even carbon atoms.  Enjoy.

This striking image of a man feeding swans contrasting snow and water, man and swans was taken in Krakow, Poland. The black and white effect provides a perfect balance. By Christopher Jobson.

This striking image contrasting snow and water, man and swans was taken in Krakow, Poland. The black and white effect provides a perfect balance. By Christopher Jobson.

exqui image via Terriexqui image, via murray

By Rick Parchen

By Rick Parchen

By Debs1968

By Debs1968

exqui image via ocslexqui ima, AN AIRPLANE CROSSES THE MOON, maybe, vai car.

Cranes at Hula Valley nature reserve, Israel by Gal Gross

Cranes at Hula Valley nature reserve, Israel by Gal Gross

Chicago skyline

Chicago skyline

The Chicago skyline from Indiana.

The Chicago skyline from Indiana.

exqui images, by Magic something escapes on image.

By Kah Kit Yoong

exqui images via george

A submarine surfaces through arctic ice.

A submarine surfaces through arctic ice.

exqui image, via bored panda

Dead Vlei, Namibia: withered trees hundreds of years old anchored in a white-clay pan, standing in striking contrast to an intensely colored, towering sand dune - by Carsten Kruger

Dead Vlei, Namibia: withered trees hundreds of years old anchored in a white-clay pan, standing in striking contrast to an intensely colored, towering sand dune – by Carsten Kruger

Claustral Canyon- Australia

Claustral Canyon- Australia

Loch Ness, Scotland by Jan Michael Hosan / fotogloria / LUZ

Loch Ness, Scotland by Jan Michael Hosan / fotogloria / LUZ

Namibia by Marco T.

Namibia by Marco T.

exqui image via Murray

Li river, Chinaexqui image, via nat geo

Musicians Arriving at the Bullring, Quito, Ecuador, by Raul Amaru Linares

Musicians Arriving at the Bullring, Quito, Ecuador, by Raul Amaru Linares

Cherry blossom tree at the Fuji volcano

Cherry blossom tree at the Fuji volcano

Evolution of the New York skyline.

Evolution of the New York skyline.

Borrowdale Valley, Lake District, UK by Verity Milligan

Borrowdale Valley, Lake District, UK by Verity Milligan

Lake District, UK by Verity Milligan

Lake District, UK by Verity Milligan

Lake District, Verity MIlligan

Lake District, Verity Milligan

Ullswater, Lake District, UK, Verity Milligan

Ullswater, Lake District, UK, Verity Milligan

exqui images, via john 2exqui images, via car.nature via john 13

Aerial photograph. String bogs and coniferous forests in autumn in the Muddus National Park. Lapland, Sweden by Orsolya Haarberg.

Aerial photograph. String bogs and coniferous forests in autumn in the Muddus National Park. Lapland, Sweden by Orsolya Haarberg.

Mt. Fuji from above

Mt. Fuji, Japan from above

by Matthew Saville, Camping on the Diving Board, Yosemite, Calif, USA

by Matthew Saville, Camping on the Diving Board, Yosemite, Calif, USA  Don’t miss the tent.

By jaythegardener on Flickr

By jaythegardener on Flickr

Train

Train

The Perseids meteor shower

The Perseids meteor shower

By David L. Librie, Quebec, Danada

By David L. Librie, Quebec, Danada

by Aaron Groen

by Aaron Groen

NATURE

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/21s0bm8″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/Bf5TgVRGND4?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=Bf5TgVRGND4&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep3964″ /]

LOUIS SCHWARTZBERG

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/21s0jlw” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/FiZqn6fV-4Y?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=FiZqn6fV-4Y&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep7891″ /]

For more exquisite images on this site, go here.

Many thanks to:  Terri, Murray, Carolyn, George, Anita, John, Jen C.

And to:  National Geographic, Bored Panda, Louie Schwartzberg, Verity Milligan

Human Ingenuity Medley, 8

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17

We’ve got garage doors (check out the airplane and the truck) plus food as art, ideas for creative reuse, logistical marvels, and of course random and amusing examples of human ingenuity.  Enjoy.

human ingen doors, via john planehuman ingen, door, beachhuman ingen, doors bookshuman ingen,doors, john doorshuman ingen, doors horseshuman ingen, doors truck, john

human ingen, 12human ingen, 11human ingen food 4human ingen food 5human ingen, 10human ingen, 3 foodhuman ingen 13human ingen, foodhuman ingen food 6Mail Attachment1(1)human ingenhuman ingen, johnhuman ingen, bikehuman ingen, suitcase, john

old credit cards into guitar picks.

old credit cards into guitar picks.

Chair

Chair

mailboxes

mailboxes

aa, human , boataa, human lamps

Denim footstool

Denim footstool

human ingen, 3human ingen via maryhuman ingen 7human ingen via george 2human ingen via george 11

aa, logistics via johnaa, logistics 2aa logistics 5aa, logistics

human ingen via robert, right personhuman ingen, 14human ingen, 5

This is a common way to transport goods in Burkina Faso, Africa.

This is a common way to transport goods in Burkina Faso, Africa.

Perfect timing

human ingen, via johnhuman ingen, john timinghuman ingen via mary 2

human ingen, mary 2

human ingen, timed

The models of “American Gothic” stand next to th.e painting

The models of “American Gothic” stand next to the painting

A man whose name I was unable to find, makes origami sculptures from dollar bills and also has converted a garbage-truck-like vehicle into his home.

aa, moneyaa, bird moneyaa, george w.aa, garbage truck

Inside the truck

Inside the truck

aa, inside 2aa, inside 3aa inside 5

Are they avoiding getting wet?

Are they avoiding getting wet?

A symbol for our time.

A symbol for our time.

For more examples of human ingenuity medleys on this site go here.

Thanks to George, Robert and John

Animals, Amusing and Pooped

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I’ve amassed too many animal pictures for one post, so am dividing them into categories.  Here’s the start.  Enjoy.

animals via Georgeanimals via sam foy

Ooops, where have you been?

Ooops, where have you been?

animals, owl coolanimals, panda via drbanimals, pigeonanimals, via drbanimals, via george

Gibbons singing together

Gibbons singing together

animals, frogsanimals, hampsteranimals via george, oops, cat

or maybe not

or maybe not

animals, 4animals, buffalo

Hiding at the vets

Hiding at the vets

animals, vets via john 2animals, vets via Johnanimals, spot 10

jeremy, sloth

animals, 6

Owlcat

animals, cat upsidedown

Innocent

Innocent

animals, oops, caught via George

Guilty.

animals, johnanimals, georgeanimals, via george (2)animals via george 3Not all tired animals are puppies.

animals, by Rachael Haleanimals, 12animals, leopard, susan bag

animals, via john 3 (2)

animals, buddha and cat via Jen C.animals, bear 2animals, bear via drbBut most are.

animal, johnanimals, dog tired 2animals,animals, dog tiredanimals, 4 (2)animals, 3 (2)

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1NpfzI2″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/lPQFWEl5YkE?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=lPQFWEl5YkE&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=50&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep7408″ /]

As you can see, this was a group effort:  thanks to George, Sam, Louise, John, Kathleen, Jon, Rachael, Susan, Jen and to DarkRoastedBlend.

Bizarre Architecture

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Chinese architects were getting so carried away with bizarre buildings that the president of China, Xi Jinping called for an end to the “weird architecture.”  As you will see, it’s not only China.  Still, some unusual architecture is also beautiful.  I’ve put these images at the end of the post.  The ice hotel is my favorite.  Brrr.

Teapot museum in China’s Meitan County, “hometown of Chinese green tea.

Teapot museum in China’s Meitan County, “hometown of Chinese green tea.

The Tianzi Hotel, China

The Tianzi Hotel, China. The building takes the form of 10-storey high effigies of Fu, Lu and Shou, the Chinese gods of good fortune, prosperity and longevity. Shou, the beaming chap with the white beard, welcomes guests through a door in his right foot, while his left hand holds the Peach of Immortality – which houses the hotel’s best suite.

Guangzhou Circle, doughnut-shaped skyscraper by Joseph di Pasquale

Guangzhou Circle, China, the doughnut-shaped skyscraper by Joseph di Pasquale

The most expensive house in the world.

The most expensive house in the world.

According to Time Magazine, the owner of the billion dollar house is Mukesh Ambani, the fourth richest man in the world.  Mr. Ambani is Chairman of Reliance Industries which controls a large portion of oil and gas products in Asia. His new residence, Antilia, named after the mythical island in the Atlantic is a twenty-seven floor building with approximately 400,000 square feet. The building includes amenities such as swimming pools, spa, ballrooms, theatre, garage for 150 cars, and 3 helipads among other luxuries. There will be 600 full-time staff members to maintain the building. The residence will only be occupied by Mr. Ambani, his wife and three children.

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA by Verenigde Staten

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA by Verenigde Staten

Japan

Japan

Erwin Wurm, House Attack, Viena, Austria

Erwin Wurm, House Attack, Viena, Austria

Mammy’s Cupboard, Natchez, Mississippi, United States

Mammy’s Cupboard, Natchez, Mississippi, United States

France

France

Ripley’s Building, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Ripley’s Building, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Shoe house Abel- Erasmus Pass Branddraai mpumalanga, South-Africa

Shoe house Abel- Erasmus Pass Branddraai mpumalanga, South-Africa

Longaberger Basket Building by Hassle Glad on Flickr

Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio by Hassle Glad on Flickr

The Torre Galatea Figueras (Spain) by manuel floresv

The Torre Galatea Figueras (Spain) by manuel floresv

Fish building in India

Fish building in India

Germany

Germany

The “House in the Clouds” in Thorpeness, Suffolk, is a famous landmark in the area. Built by Braithwaite Engineering Company of London in 1923, it was constructed with the purpose of supplying water to the village of Thorpeness. Its water tank had a capacity of 50,000 gallons. The water tower was deemed an eyesore and was disguised as a house by Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie and architect F. Forbes Glennie.

The “House in the Clouds” in Thorpeness, Suffolk, is a famous landmark in the area. Built by Braithwaite Engineering Company of London in 1923, it was constructed with the purpose of supplying water to the village of Thorpeness. Its water tank had a capacity of 50,000 gallons. The water tower was deemed an eyesore and was disguised as a house by Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie and architect F. Forbes Glennie.

bizaar, Tasty Lighthouse

Tasty Lighthouse. I couldn’t find a way to confirm this was real.

St. Augustine, Florida, USA

St. Augustine, Florida, USA lighthouse

bizarre,bizaar, turtle house

Unique trailer park

Unique trailer park

The Sheep Building & Sheepdog Building, Waikato, New Zealand

The Sheep Building & Sheepdog Building, Waikato, New Zealand

Kunsthaus in Austria. According to wikipedia, an example of "blob architechture."

Kunsthaus in Austria. According to wikipedia, an example of “blob architechture.”

bizaar house

Designed by Rudolf Steiner in Dornach, Switzerland, the building contains the boiler for the hot water heating system including the chimney.

Designed by Rudolf Steiner in Dornach, Switzerland, the building contains the boiler for the hot water heating system including the chimney.

Architect Arakawa (no first name) and Madeline Gins believed that your house should keep you young by challenging you every step of the way. So they designed the Livespan Extending Villa, that "makes people use their bodies in unexpected ways to maintain equilibrium, and that will stimulate their immune systems."

Architect Arakawa (no first name) and Madeline Gins believed that your house should keep you young by challenging you every step of the way. So they designed the Livespan Extending Villa, that “makes people use their bodies in unexpected ways to maintain equilibrium, and that will stimulate their immune systems.”

Fred Bernstein writes in the New York Times: "In addition to the floor, which threatens to send the un-sure-footed hurtling into the sunken kitchen at the center of the house, the design features walls painted, somewhat disorientingly, in about 40 colors; multiple levels meant to induce the sensation of being in two spaces at once; windows at varying heights; oddly angled light switches and outlets; and an open flow of traffic, unhindered by interior doors or their adjunct, privacy."

Fred Bernstein writes in the New York Times:
“In addition to the floor, which threatens to send the un-sure-footed hurtling into the sunken kitchen at the center of the house, the design features walls painted, somewhat disorientingly, in about 40 colors; multiple levels meant to induce the sensation of being in two spaces at once; windows at varying heights; oddly angled light switches and outlets; and an open flow of traffic, unhindered by interior doors or their adjunct, privacy.”

aa img_3211

The couple also built nine "reversible destiny" loft-style apartments in Mitaka, Japan.

The couple also built nine “reversible destiny” loft-style apartments in Mitaka, Japan.

From the fantasy wing of the Burnsville Royale Hotel in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA.

From the fantasy wing of the FantaSuite Hotel in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA.

More from the FantaSuite Hotel.

More from the FantaSuite Hotel.

The Moon Room, same hotel.

The Moon Room, same hotel.

Namaste Tower - Mumbai, India

Namaste Tower – Mumbai, India

In 2011, Brian Began of New Zealand began work on the Tree Church, which took him 4 years to complete. He used a wide variety of trees and plants to create different textures and forms. He was careful to make sure the canopy never got too dense, so that sunlight would always illuminate the church.

In 2011, Brian Began of New Zealand began work on the Tree Church, which took him 4 years to complete. He used a wide variety of trees and plants to create different textures and forms. He was careful to make sure the canopy never got too dense, so that sunlight would always illuminate the church.

Brian’s own nephew was recently married in the church.

Brian’s  nephew was recently married in the church.

human ingen, tree church 2

human ingen, tree church

The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel

The Icehotel is built each year with snow and ice in the village of Jukkasjarvi, in northern Sweden.  After its first opening in 1990, the hotel has been built each year from December to April. The hotel, including the chairs and beds, is constructed from snow and ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne river. Artists are invited to create different rooms and decorations made by ice.

aa, sweden-lapland-icehotel-art-suite-flower_b306bed5a9fda2fdf95e6240872657fc

Design by Chilean artists Javier Opazo and José Vázquez Toro.

Design by Chilean artists Javier Opazo and José Vázquez Toro.

Ho-Shi To Tsu-Ki Suite

Ho-Shi To Tsu-Ki Suite

The beds are covered with reindeer furs and guests sleep in polar-tested sleeping bags.

The beds are covered with reindeer furs and guests sleep in polar-tested sleeping bags.

Besides bedrooms, there is a bar, with glasses made of ice, an ice restaurant

Besides bedrooms, there is a bar

with glasses made of ice.

with glasses made of ice.

An ice chapel that is popular with marrying couples.

An ice chapel that is popular with marrying couples.

The structure remains below freezing, around −5 °C (23 °F).  There’s a sauna on the premises with hot tub outdoors.  No two rooms are the same; the rooms are unique works of art.

By Jörgen Westin

By Jörgen Westin

aa see wordBrrr.

Thanks to:  John and Village of Joy.

 

 

Gorgeous, Wondrous Mushrooms…Really!

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46

I love this post because I’ve been exploring and sharing the wonders of the universe on this website for almost five years now….and still a whole new world can open up.  Mushrooms!  All this time exploring images and then I stumble upon something as common as fungi and find the stunning variety of size, shape, color and texture shown in these photographs.  Not only are there dazzling mushrooms, but photographers who travel the world to specialize in capturing their distinctive beauty.  Who knew?  Certainly not me.

 

aa, mu Steve Axford ausOr this Coprinus Comatus:

aa, mu Coprinus ComatusI love this post because I’ve been exploring and sharing the wonders of the universe on this website for almost five years now….and still a whole new world can open up.  Mushrooms!  All this time exploring images and then I stumble upon something as common as fungi and find the surprising and unexpected variety shown in these photographs.  Not only are there dazzling mushrooms, but photographers who travel the world to specialize in capturing their distinctive beauty.  Who knew?  Certainly not me.

aa mu 4aa, mu 4aa, mu 10

Amethyst Deceiver

Amethyst Deceiver

Crepidotus

Crepidotus

Cyathus Striatus, also known as the flutter bird’s nest

Cyathus Striatus, also known as the flutter bird’s nest

eyelash cup

eyelash cup

From the rainforest of the Napo River region of Peru.

From the rainforest of the Napo River region of Peru by Art Wolfe

aa mu 2aa mu 3aa mu 5aa mu blue

A part of the stinkhorn family, also called the red cage. This species starts off with a round egg-like appearance before sprouting its intricate detailing.

A part of the stinkhorn family, also called the red cage. This species starts off with a round egg-like appearance before sprouting its intricate detailing.  By Clathrus Ruber

 

Mushrooms and mycelium are an essential part of the planet’s ecosystem and the life cycle as they recycle nutrients, keeping forests healthy. Mycelium is the technical term for the cells that make up the root systems of mushrooms. The mushroom caps themselves are the “fruit” of the fungi. A mushroom can go dormant for an entire century and then suddenly start to grow again.

Mycelium has unique enzymes that can break down the component cells of wood, cellulose and lignin. But it also has complex chemicals that can be used up to clean up oil spills and other types of soil or water contamination. In other promising experiments, mycelium has been grown on woodchips and placed in sacks to filter water which contains petroleum products, heavy metals and toxic bacteria.

Pholiota limonella or Pholiote jaune citron

Pholiota limonella or Pholiote jaune citron.  By Francis Bosse

Black Trumpet Mushrooms (Craterellus cornucopioides)

Black Trumpet Mushrooms (Craterellus cornucopioides)

Boletus frostii

Boletus frostii

 

aa, mu (2)

Dryads Saddle by Andrew Harris

Dryads Saddle by Andrew Harris

These brown bodied Puffball Mushrooms get their name because when they fully mature they release their spores in a dust-like cloud that resembles a mini explosion. Puffballs are mainly used in Tibet to make a dark colored ink.

These brown bodied Puffball Mushrooms get their name because when they fully mature they release their spores in a dust-like cloud that resembles a mini explosion. Puffballs are mainly used in Tibet to make a dark colored ink.

Despite the fact this mushroom appears to leak strawberry jam, it is not edible. Found in Europe, North America, Iran, and Korea as of 2010.

Despite the fact this mushroom appears to leak strawberry jam, it is not edible. Found in Europe, North America, Iran, and Korea as of 2010.

This mushroom species includes a vast number of different looking mushrooms, most of which can be found in wood chip beds, sand-based soil, and dry grasslands.

Leratiomyces or blue blob (of course.) This mushroom species includes a vast number of different looking mushrooms, most of which can be found in wood chip beds, sand-based soil, and dry grasslands.

Xylaria by MycoImage on flickr

Xylaria by MycoImage on flickr

Bamboo Fungus (Phallus indusiatus) ~ © Taylor F. Lockwood

Bamboo Fungus (Phallus indusiatus) ~ © Taylor F. Lockwood

Steve Axford lives in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales, Australia and is “doing essentially what he likes.”  Luckily for us, this is photography, especially mushrooms.  His photos of Australian mushrooms forwarded to me by Murray got me started on this journey of mushroom images.

aa, mu Steve Axford 7

By Steve Axford

aa, mu steve 4

By Steve Axford

aa, mu, Steve Axford aus

By Steve Axford

Campanella

Campanella By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford 3

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford aus

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford in Aus

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford2

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford 4

By Steve Axford

Marasmius

Marasmius By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford 5

By Steve Axford

aa, mu, Photographs-Of-Trippy-Australian-Mushrooms0-5 by Steve Axford

By Steve Axford

aa, mu by Steve Axford

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford , aus

By Steve Axford

aa, mu Steve Axford aus2

By Steve Axford

There are more than 70 species of bioluminescent mushrooms, or mushrooms that glow in the dark. Though some may be drab during the daytime, all are mesmerizing at night.

Mycena-chlorophos

Mycena-chlorophos

N. gardneri mushrooms grow at the base of young babassu palms in Brazil. A bland tan by day, the fungi emit an eerie green light by night.

N. gardneri mushrooms grow at the base of young babassu palms in Brazil. A bland tan by day, the fungi emit an eerie green light by night.

 

Also known as the "bleeding fairy helmet," Mycena haematopus is one of the prettiest bioluminescent mushrooms. It can be found throughout Europe and North America. They get their name from the red latex they ooze when they're damaged. What the bleeding fairy helmet lacks in the brightness it makes up for in the beautiful burgundy hue of its delicate caps.

Also known as the “bleeding fairy helmet,” Mycena haematopus is one of the prettiest bioluminescent mushrooms. They can be found throughout Europe and North America. They get their name from the red latex they ooze when they’re damaged. What the bleeding fairy helmet lacks in the brightness it makes up for in the beautiful burgundy hue of its caps.

Jack-o'lantern mushrooms get their glow from an enzyme called luciferase – the very same way luminous fireflies get their glow!

Jack-o’lantern mushrooms get their glow from an enzyme called luciferase – the very same way luminous fireflies get their glow!

aa, mu glow, Jack-o'lantern mushrooms get their glow from an enzyme called luciferase – the very same way luminous fireflies get their glow!

aa, mu (2)

This mushroom appears to be lit up from the inside. As unique as this mushroom looks, it is from the Morchellaceae family, one of the most widely recognized, sought after, and edible mushrooms.

While some mushrooms glow by the chemicals that make up bioluminescense, Martin Pfister from Germany creates a magical glow by lighting them up from behind with tiny LED bulbs.

aa, mu Pfisteraa, mu 2 (2)aa, mu martin faa, mu Pfister, Using tiny LED lights that he carefully placed behind the mushrooms, Martin was able to photograph these fungi in a magical and other worldly way.aa mu, Martin Pfisteraa, mu martin f 2

Mushroom and ice

Mushroom with an ice bonnet.

'Devils Urn' SauriaMami, by Carla Wick

‘Devils Urn’ SauriaMami, by Carla Wick

Geastrum Minimum

Geastrum Minimum

aa, mu flickr

Hairy Trumpet Mushroom (Panus fasciatus) ~ By Ken Beath on flickr

Hairy Trumpet Mushroom (Panus fasciatus) ~ By Ken Beath on flickr

Cedar Apple Rust Gall by by melaniecparker on flickr

Cedar Apple Rust Gall by by melaniecparker on flickr

by Taylor Lockwood

by Taylor Lockwood

Chorioactis

Chorioactis

Cookeina tricholoma

Cookeina tricholoma

Cystoagaricus trisulphuratus, Malaysia - By Alan Cressler

Cystoagaricus trisulphuratus, Malaysia – By Alan Cressler

Panus Fasciatus

Panus Fasciatus

pecker heads

pecker heads

Phallus Indusiatus

Phallus Indusiatus

aa, mu 7aa, mu 9aa, mu 6

Cystoagaricus trisulphuratus, in Malaysia by Alan Cressler on flickr

Cystoagaricus trisulphuratus, in Malaysia by Alan Cressler on flickr

Rhodotus Palmatus, also known as the wrinkled peach can be a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes due to variations caused by light received during development.

Rhodotus Palmatus, also known as the wrinkled peach can be a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes due to variations caused by light received during development.

Mushrooms and ferns.

Mushrooms and ferns.

Fluted Bird’s Nest Fungi or Cyathus striatus, whose spore-filled “eggs” or peridioles , are dislodged by raindrops channelled down the inner grooves of the pot.

Fluted Bird’s Nest Fungi or Cyathus striatus, whose spore-filled “eggs” or peridioles , are dislodged by raindrops channelled down the inner grooves of the pot.

aa, mu pint

Photo by Prof KMS on Flickr

Photo by Prof KMS on Flickr

Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the Woods

aa, mu 3 (2)

Scizophyllum Commune

Scizophyllum Commune

This post was so hard to end.  Every time I looked for more information or attribution I’d land on another website with more mushrooms of all kinds.  Believe me, this isn’t the half of it.  I finally had to tell myself I had to stop gathering more images for now.  I’d just put up another mushroom post in future.  So stay tuned.

Thanks to Murray for getting me started on the world of mushrooms.  To Steve Axford, to Martin Pfister, to earthporm, and to pinterest.

 

Street Art, Many Small, Mostly Amusing

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18

Artists creatively using cracks in cement bring to life tiny scenes and characters that charm.  Some 3-d drawings are so clever, I find it hard to fathom where the 2-d reality is.  Also, don’t miss the steps, especially the remarkable dog.  Enjoy.

aa, st. 7aa, st 17aa, st 16aa, st. 2

aa, st 19aa, st 3aa, st 20aa, st. 6aa, st. 1aa, st 8oakoak-7[2]oakoak-12[2]street art, 18 (2)

By David Zinn. His temporary street art is composed entirely of chalk, charcoal and found objects, and is always improvised on location. Most of these drawings have appeared on sidewalks in Ann Arbor and elsewhere in Michigan, but some have surfaced as far away as subway platforms in Manhattan and construction debris in the Sonoran Desert. One of his most famous character is Sluggo the green, stalk-eyed alien.

By David Zinn. His temporary street art is composed entirely of chalk, charcoal and found objects, and is always improvised on location. Most of these drawings have appeared on sidewalks in Ann Arbor and elsewhere in Michigan, but some have surfaced as far away as subway platforms in Manhattan and construction debris in the Sonoran Desert. One of his most famous characters is Sluggo the green, stalk-eyed alien.

human ingen, 9human ingen, 7human ingen 11street art, zinn 2

Don't miss Sluggo

Don’t miss Sluggo

human ingen, 8

street art, 4human ingen, 4human ingen, 3human ingen, 3-d chalk arthuman ingen, 2human ingen via c.e.human ingen, d. zinn 2human ingen, 10human ingen, d. zinnhuman ingen, chalk art viac.d.street art via john, 2human iangen, 3-d 2aa, st 15aa, st. 10aa,st 12aa, st, 9

aa, st. 11aa st. 13

 

aa, st 14street art via Jen Chuman ingen, street art, jen c.aa st 7human ingen, street art via Jen c.2aa, st 6street art, 8human ingen, street art 4aa, st. 5aa, st. 3aa, st 18aa, st. 12If you want to continue with street art, here are four past posts:  street art 3, more of the best street art, mind-bending 3-d street art, and graffiti with a chuckle.

Many thanks to:  John, Merry, Claire Elizabeth, Jen C., and David Zinn.

Snow and Ice, 2

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As I write this, it’s late December with temperatures in the 70s in the Eastern US, and 50s in California where I live.  Still….it’s a good time of year to be contemplating cold, winter, the beauty and the multiplicity of forms nature uses to present us with snow and ice.

Folded snow

Folded snow

weather, frost on fenceweather, frosted pine weather, frosted spider web via johnweather, after ice stormweather, after freezing rain in China

Peričnik waterfall in winter by Ana Pogačar, in slovenia

Peričnik waterfall in winter by Ana Pogačar, in Slovenia

White Rainbows form in fog, rather than rain. The condensation reflects little light, and as a result, the rainbow is made up of very weak colors – like white – rather than the vibrant colors of a traditional rainbow.

White Rainbows form in fog, rather than rain. The condensation reflects little light, and as a result, the rainbow is made up of very weak colors – like white – rather than the vibrant colors of a traditional rainbow.

weather, frozen tree

Frozen pond.

Frozen pond.

Abraham Lake in Alberta just outside of Banff National Park. These bubbles are caused by methane gas. Image by Chip Phillips

Abraham Lake in Alberta just outside of Banff National Park. These bubbles are caused by methane gas. Image by Chip Phillips

Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park by Chip Phillips.

Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park by Chip Phillips.

Frozen pond, Jasper, Alberta, Canada by Chip Phillips

Frozen pond, Jasper, Alberta, Canada by Chip Phillips

The summit of Mount Spokane by Chip Phillips.

The summit of Mount Spokane by Chip Phillips.

Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, has a permanent lake of molten lava just below its 13,000 ft. summit. On the flanks of Erebus are steam vents that have formed towers of frozen geothermal vapor. Image by George Steinmetz

Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, has a permanent lake of molten lava just below its 13,000 ft. summit. On the flanks of Erebus are steam vents that have formed towers of frozen geothermal vapor. Image by George Steinmetz

A frost flower is created on autumn or early winter mornings when ice in extremely thin layers is pushed out from the stems of plants or occasionally wood. This extrusion creates patterns which curl and fold into gorgeous frozen arrangements giving this phenomenon both its name and its appearance.

Image by crestedcrazy on flickr

Image by crestedcrazy on flickr

Image by Cotinis on flickr

Image by Cotinis on flickr

aa frost flower 3 via Nancy

By markinspex on flickr

By markinspex on flickr

Image from Wikimedia

Image from Wikimedia

Frost flowers in the arctic.

Frost flowers in the arctic.

weather, ice blossoms

By Chris Fisher on flickr

By Chris Fisher on flickr

By Martin Angus

By Martin Angus

ce cave at the Vatnajokull Glacier in Iceland by Shane Wheel via National Geographic

Ice cave at the Vatnajokull Glacier in Iceland by Shane Wheel via National Geographic

Located in the wilderness in the south of the Russian region of Siberia, Lake Baikal holds two simultaneous world record for the deepest freshwater lake and the largest lake on the planet. Its long winter freeze is captured in these stunning photos.

weather, ice via john Baikal Ice Emerald

By Alexey Trofimov

aa lake b 3aa Baikal-9448aa lake b 4aa, lake baa lake b 2

Ice bubbles

Ice bubbles

aa, lakeaa lake b 5weather, frozen berries

Iceburgs

Icebergs

nature, icebergs 3nature, icebergs 2, mernature, icebergs, 5

A snow roller is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made.

A snow roller is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made.

For more on snow and ice, go here.  For icebergs go here.

Thanks to John, Nancy, Merry  and to Kuriositas for info about frost flowers and to Chip Phillips for many breathtaking images.

 

 

Mixed Species, 10

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20

Sometimes the second species in the image is only implied–the trace of humans.  As usual, the “movies” are at the end.

mixed 8kids and an, 3 mixed 5 mixed 9mixed species 6 mixed species 7 (2) mixed species 7 mixed species neil 4mixed species 9 mixed species 31 mixed species via john 2 mixed species via John mixed species via drb 2 mixed species 5 mixed species via drb 4 mixed species via murray mixed species via Neilmixed species 3 (2) mixed species 3 (3) mixed species 4 mixed species via Neil 2 mixed species, 1mixed species (2) mixed species, 1 (2) mixed species, 2 mixed species, 4

By Ami Vitale

By Ami Vitale

 

mixed species, 5 mixed species, 6 mixed species, 7 mixed species, 8mixed species, 9 mixed species, bear johnmixed species, bear and birds via drb

India, by Dimitry B on Flickr

India, by Dimitry B on Flickr

By Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography

By Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography

By lisa kristine com gimmi that Thailand

By lisa kristine com gimmi that Thailand

By MNFISH on Flickr

By MNFISH on Flickr

mixed species, eaglemixed species, condor and wolf via kathleenmixed species, fox and bunnymixed species, fawn and kitten mixed species, hedgehogmixed species, kitten and guinea pig mixed species, llamas mixed species, monkey and hand mixed species, neilmixed species, tankmixed species, with planemixed species

A river rafting business, USA Raft, risked thousands of dollars in fines to help bring a baby bear to safety, refusing to ignore her plea for help as she climbed aboard one of their rafts. The guide in the boat, Danny Allen, helped the bear onto the boat using a gear rig, then put her on a leash and led her back to the company’s offices. Image by Dallas Abadie.

A river rafting business, USA Raft, risked thousands of dollars in fines to help bring a baby bear to safety, refusing to ignore her plea for help as she climbed aboard one of their rafts. The guide in the boat, Danny Allen, helped the bear onto the boat using a gear rig, then put her on a leash and led her back to the company’s offices. Image by Dallas Abadie.

mixed species, whalemixed, 4mixed spec, via pintmixed, 6mixed, 7mixed species, 5 (2)mixed species, via murraymixed species, kitten and guinea pigmixed species, squirrel and catsmixed species, via drb

Sometimes they're friends...

Sometimes they’re friends…

and sometimes one is afraid of the other.

animals, dog afraid of cat, gif

aa kangaroo gifaa lizard gif cheezburger

 

If you haven’t seen the other mixed species on this site and you want more, go here.

Thanks to:  Neil, Jen, Rose, Murray, John, Kathleen, Estzer, DarkRoastedBlend, and Cheezburger.

 

 

Human Ingenuity Medley, 7

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11

Here’s a preview of our ingenuity:  painted floors, artful architecture photos, perspectives captured by drones, waves that time stopped, the wrench man, quirky ingenuity.  Don’t miss a glimpse of what happens when human ingenuity goes missing or the 3-year-old Russian girl scientifically exploring ice for the first time.

human ingen, painted

This doesn’t look very restful to me.

human ingen, painted floors via Sam 2

 

human ingen, painted floors via Samhuman ingen, floorhuman ingen, via murray

Perfect timing with the perfect architecture in London, UK by Pierre Cuony

Perfect timing with the perfect architecture in London, UK by Pierre Cuony

Mosque in Abu Dhabi, by Hoang Long Ly

Mosque in Abu Dhabi, by Hoang Long Ly

Infrastructure perspective of Amsterdam’s newest Metro Line by Richard Pennington,

Infrastructure perspective of Amsterdam’s newest Metro Line by Richard Pennington,

Photograph by Andrzej Bochenski (Łódź, Poland)

Photograph by Andrzej Bochenski (Łódź, Poland)

Myanmar, aka Burma, temple by Sergio Carbajo via National Geographic.

Myanmar, aka Burma, temple by Sergio Carbajo via National Geographic.

Beijing National Stadium by Mario Bejagan Cardenas

Beijing National Stadium by Mario Bejagan Cardenas

Not sure what this is, Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Patrick Mouzawak

Not sure what this is, Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Patrick Mouzawak

Whatever you think of drones, photographer Amos Chapple has used them to capture heavenly photographs.

Kremlin, Moscow, Russia by photographer Amos Chapple

Kremlin, Moscow, Russia

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey by photographer Amos Chapple

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

Hermitage Pavilion near Saint Petersburg, Russia

Hermitage Pavilion near Saint Petersburg, Russia

Warren Keelan of Australia makes time stop with ocean waves.

Real ocean waves captured by Warren Keelan from Australia.

human ingen, via Shetal, Warren Keelan from Australia captured these beautiful Ocean Waves.

 

Real ocean waves captured by Warren Keelan in Australia.

John Piccoli of Victoria, Australia makes sculptures from monkey wrenches.

human ingen, wre 11Thirty years ago Piccoli began making small garden sculptures from wrenches he had collected. Today he is creating large statues and garden art pieces.  Here’s his raw material.

human ingen, wre, 14His works are even more impressive because Piccoli, now in his 70s, contracted polio when he was eight years old and is in a wheelchair. His large workshop is equipped with a gantry crane and several block and tackles that allow him to work at chair level, yet in three dimensions.

human ingen, wre 111

human ingen, wre 8human ingen, wre, 13human ingen, wre 9human ingen, wre 6Now a medley of clever and quirky human ingenuity.

By Tobin on flickr, taken in Davis, Calif.

By Tobin on flickr, taken in Davis, Calif.

How not to lose your remote.

How not to lose your remote.

Do it yourself mixer.

Do it yourself mixer.

How to easily add a room to your house.

How to easily add a room to your house.

human ingen, 12human ingen, 11human ingen, 5human ingen, 4human ingen, 2 (2)human ingen, 1human ingen via Johnhuman ingen, 6human ingen, 8human ingen via lords of logistice, dark roasted blendhuman ingen, via john 4human ingen, via john 3human ingen via Georgehuman ingen via drbNow for some examples of what happens when human ingenuity goes missing.

human ingen, not--via kathleenhuman ingen, nothuman ingen, not, 7human ingen, not 6human ingen, not 5human ingen, not via kathleenhuman ingen, not 4human ingen, not 3human ingen, not 2human ingen, nohuman ingen, no 5 [embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1YwHOeB” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/8Eg5-4Pn444?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=8Eg5-4Pn444&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep5900″ /]

Thanks to:  Sam, Shetal, Merry, John, George, Kathleen, Murray and

Darkroastedblend

 

Birds, 8

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We’ll start off with a slight bit of organization:  weird and amusing, then beautiful, then cute. Then we’ll just plunge into a mishmash of bird images, all wondrous.

birds, via Fiorino

Silkie Chick also known as Tiny Sasquatch

Silkie Chick also known as Tiny Sasquatch

birds, via murray 3

Crazy feet of a common coot by Pat L.314 on Flickr

Crazy feet of a common coot by Pat L.314 on Flickr

Some birds have great hairdos.

A mowhawk

A mowhawk

Male Gang Gang Cockatoo

Male Gang Gang Cockatoo

A chicken with a permanent.

A chicken with a permanent by Anna Wight.

The Frilled Coquette Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found only in Brazil.

The Frilled Coquette Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found only in Brazil.

Malaquita Kingfisher. No secret why it's called a kingfisher.

Malaquita Kingfisher. No secret why it’s called a kingfisher.

Curl-Crested Aracari Another great hairdo.

Curl-Crested Aracari Another great hairdo.

Cassowaries (ratites) are large flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea

Cassowaries (ratites) are large flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands and NE Australia. They grow to 6′ tall; up to 140 lbs w stout, powerful legs & long feet w 3 toes. In breeding season, females lay clutches of eggs directly on rainforest floor. The male then incubates them for about 50 days, leaving them only to drink. He cares for his offspring for up to 16 mo. Their diet is almost all fruit. They are important dispersers of rainforest seeds.

O.K.  Before we have any more weirdness, let’s look at some beauty.

birds, via nan wickerbirds, murray 4

woodpecker

woodpecker

The tufted coquette in Trinidad, second only to the bee hummingbird as the smallest bird in the world. belies its size with over-sized adornments.

The tufted coquette in Trinidad, second only to the bee hummingbird as the smallest bird in the world. It tries to disguise its size with over-sized adornments.

birds, yellowbirds, via pint 2birds, via nan wicker, 2birds, via pint Now, how about some cute?

Baby falcon

Baby falcon

Killdeer chick

Killdeer chick

Ooof! Who's the favored child?

Ooof! Who’s the favored child?

Time to leave the nest.

Time to leave the nest.

birds, parents

Albatross, maybe

Albatross, maybe

birds, owlsNow that you’re warmed up, we’ll move freely through a mixture of images.

a Cassowary

a Cassowary

Red Avadavat

Red Avadavat

bird, 2bird, via drbbirds, 3

Hooded merganser preening by Steve Courson on flickr

Hooded merganser preening by Steve Courson on flickr

Shoebill - native to large swamps from Sudan to Zambia in tropical east Africa by Jaff. Hard to believe it's real.

Shoebill – native to large swamps from Sudan to Zambia in tropical east Africa by Jaff A on flickr. Hard to believe it’s real.

Buff-fronted Owl, from Highlands of South America.

Buff-fronted Owl, from Highlands of South America.

Fluffy baby owl.

Fluffy baby owl  by Dominique A.

birds, via gander

They think it's their Mom.

They think it’s their Mom.

Great Crested Grebe by Astland Photography on Flickr

Great Crested Grebe by Astland Photography on Flickr

Satyr Tragopan Bird - Colorful Asian pheasant.

Satyr Tragopan Bird – Colorful Asian pheasant.

male and female Ibis by MaddyCow on Flickr. Don't they match the above Grebe beautifully?

male and female Ibis by MaddyCow on Flickr. Don’t they match the above pheasant beautifully?

Woodland Kingfisher by Isak Pretorius

Woodland Kingfisher by Isak Pretorius

birds, Kingfisher pair, by hvhe1 on Flickr

Kingfisher pair, by hvhe1 on Flickr

birds, via murray

Jambu Fruit Dove

Jambu Fruit Dove

by Isak Pretorius Wildlife Photography

by Isak Pretorius, the African Photographer

by Carlos Methfessel

by Carlos Methfessel

Surfer bird

Surfer bird

exqui image, bird on mtIf you want to keep going with past bird posts, choose from those presented here.

Many thanks to:  Fiorino, Murray, Kathleen, Nan, Jen, George, John

Also:  Dark Roasted Blend, Pinterest, and Isak Pretorius at The African Photographer.

 

Images Plus Imagination

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I tend to look at many obviously-photoshopped images as cheating.  The colors are brighter than reality when reality itself is so wonderful.  I’m not sure what his techniques are, but when someone like Igor Zenin takes a flying leap with an image and with his imagination, creating something magically new, I’m enthralled.

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aa7 aa8fine-art-photos-by-igor-zenin-1-3-728aa9 Igor Zenin has more than 40 years of experience in photography. His work is well known far beyond the borders of the Republic of Moldova, where the Russian photo artist lives.  His images reflect, in his own words, ” the thin line between reality and the dream world.”  Follow the link to see more of his artwork and to make a purchase.

Thanks to John for introducing me to Zenin’s work.

Dream Vacation Destinations, 6

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I know you might have just returned from your summer vacation…but I have all these images of amazing places.  I just can’t wait until next summer to share them.

This hiker was dropped by helicopter onto the Franz Josef Glacier, 12km long and located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island.

This hiker was dropped by helicopter onto the Franz Josef Glacier, 12km long and located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.  Image via National Geographic.

A paraglider breezes over a valley near the Puez Geisler Nature Park in northeast Italy near the Austrian border. The sawtooth peaks are the Dolomites, part of the eastern Alps.

A paraglider breezes over a valley near the Puez Geisler Nature Park in northeast Italy near the Austrian border. The sawtooth peaks are the Dolomites, part of the eastern Alps.  via National Geographic, Photograph by Gabriel Garcez Nunes

 

Boys in Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa jumping into the Atlantic Ocean. Photograph by Slawek Kozdras

Boys in Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa jumping into the Atlantic Ocean. Photograph by Slawek Kozdras

Bagan, the ancient capital of Myanmar or Burma. The area once held 13000 pagodas dating back to the second century A.D. Built of brick that was plastered and painted.

Bagan, the ancient capital of Myanmar or Burma. The area once held 13000 pagodas dating back to the second century A.D. Built of brick that was plastered and painted.

I took a 9 hour night bus from Yangon to Bagan, Bagan from the air. Image by Gerard McGarity

Bagan from the air. Image by Gerard McGarity

Draped in red robes, Buddhist monks stand atop part of Tuang Kwe Pagoda in Loikaw, Myanmar. The monuments sit atop limestone peaks. Photograph by Handi Laksono

Draped in red robes, Buddhist monks stand atop part of Tuang Kwe Pagoda in Loikaw, Myanmar. The monuments sit atop limestone peaks. Photograph by Handi Laksono.

French island of Réunion in the southwest Indian Ocean. Image by Véronique Rochard

French island of Réunion in the southwest Indian Ocean. Image by Véronique Rochard

Aurora Borealis Over Honeymoon Rock, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, by Jeff Rennicke.

Aurora Borealis Over Honeymoon Rock, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, by Jeff Rennicke.

Grand Tetons, Wyoming, USA

Grand Tetons, Wyoming, USA

Romania by Eduard Gutescu

Romania by Eduard Gutescu

Vatican Staircase

Vatican Staircase

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello, Italy

More Alberobello, Italy

More Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello, Italy again

Alberobello, Italy again

St. Lucia in the Carribean

St. Lucia in the Carribean

Hotel La Montana Magica, Huilo, Chile

Hotel La Montana Magica, Huilo, Chile

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, Austria

Guadalest, Spain by Felipe Gabaldon

Guadalest, Spain by Felipe Gabaldon

Herring Bay Sunset, Isle Royale, Lake Superior, Michigan, USA by yooper1949 on flickr

Herring Bay Sunset, Isle Royale, Lake Superior, Michigan, USA by yooper1949 on flickr

 

Bibury, England, by lukema on flickr

Bibury, England, by lukema on flickr

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Colmar, France

Colmar, France

Procida, Italy

Procida, Italy

vaca, Peninsula Villa Lounge Laucala Island Resort, Taveuni Fiji

Peninsula Villa Lounge, Laucala Island Resort, Taveuni, Fiji

 

Kazakhs herd their sheep in Yili, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region March 12, 2015. Around 400,000 livestock in Yili started the 10-day trip to their spring pasture at the end of winter, according to local media. REUTERS/China Daily

Kazakhs herd their sheep in Yili, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Around 400,000 livestock in Yili started the 10-day trip to their spring pasture at the end of winter, according to local media. REUTERS/China Daily

Kunlun Mountains, Ladakh, India

Kunlun Mountains, Ladakh, India. Photograph by Chalongwong Manakit

Lalung Gal Gompa, East Tibet. “A dense collection of monk quarters by Uruma Takezawa

Lalung Gal Gompa, East Tibet. “A dense collection of monk quarters by Uruma Takezawa

Niger. “Men of the Wodaabe tribe paint their face with pigments made from crushed rocks. Being highly aesthetic, men wear makeup to win the affection of women. Image by Uruma Takezawa

Niger. “Men of the Wodaabe tribe paint their face with pigments made from crushed rocks. Being highly aesthetic, men wear makeup to win the affection of women. Image by Uruma Takezawa

The East Java volcano, Mount Bromo, is one of about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits atop the Ring of Fire zone of volcanoes.

The East Java volcano, Mount Bromo, is one of about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits atop the Ring of Fire zone of volcanoes.

Pantanal, Brazil. “Cowboys drive a herd of hundreds of cattle over a vast meadow. Image .by Uruma Takezawa

Pantanal, Brazil. “Cowboys drive a herd of hundreds of cattle over a vast meadow. Image .by Uruma Takezawa

Snowmobiling on the Norway-Sweden border.

Snowmobiling on the Norway-Sweden border.

Castle in Budapast, Hungary

Castle in Budapast, Hungary

Sunset Paddle, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

Sunset Paddle, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

The Avenue of the Baobabs, outside of Morondava, Madagascar. By Talia Friedman.

The Avenue of the Baobabs, outside of Morondava, Madagascar. By Talia Friedman.

Blue Canyon, Arizona., USA

Blue Canyon, Arizona., USA

Kittila, Lapland, Finland

Kittila, Lapland, Finland

Colonnades at St Peter´s square, the Vatican, designed by Bernini,

Colonnades at St Peter´s square, the Vatican, designed by Bernini,

Slovenia is a small country of 2 million people, the only European country to combine the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst.

the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island.

the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island.

Bled Castle

Bled Castle

vaca, slovenia

Slovenia

Slovenia

Slovenia again

 

vaca, Slovenia via seme see other vaca, slovenia via see other

The Sečovlje Saltworks is the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond.

The Sečovlje Saltworks is the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond.

Piran, town in southwestern Slovenia

Piran, town in southwestern Slovenia

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia

Triglav National Park Bovec, Slovenia

Triglav National Park Bovec, Slovenia

If you want to see more spectacular vacation destinations, go here.

Thanks to:   Šeme Hočevar Vida for turning me on to Slovenia, Gary, Carolyn, pinterest, and National Geographic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cute or Pretty Frogs, Lizards and Bugs… Really??

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O.K.  My feelings won’t be hurt if you don’t like parts or even all of this post.  I admit, some of the chameleons are right on the edge of being creepy, but to me the amazing intricacy of their coloring is worth the slight cringe.  Same with the praying mantis.  Let me know.  Be honest.  🙂

animals, frogs (2)frog, blue

This frog, along with others, might be cute or pretty, but they are also poisonous.

This frog, along with others, might be cute or pretty, but they are also poisonous.

frogs, 3frogs, Branch Frog

This one is found in Panama.

This one is found in Panama.

Marañón Poison Frog

Marañón Poison Frog

Pastel Purple Frog

Pastel Purple Frog

Vietnamese mossy frog.

Tiny Vietnamese mossy frog.

 

frogs 2

poison dart frogs

poison dart frogs

Another poison dart, image by MatthewKritzer.

Another poison dart, image by MatthewKritzer.  I guess not too poisonous.

frog, mor poison dart by Gumnut Logic on flickr

More poison dart by yakovlev.alexey on flickr

Amazon Milk Frog by Adrien Sifre.

Amazon Milk Frog by Adrien Sifre.

Maybe in addition to cute or pretty, we should add a category of weird.

frog, 3

Asian Leaf Frog by Gail Melville Shumway Photography

Asian Leaf Frog by Gail Melville Shumway Photography

-10 Brightness +5 Saturation for 7600 Printsanimals, frogs

Painted Belly Monkey Frog

Painted Belly Monkey Frog

by pbertner on Flickr

by pbertner on Flickr

Smallest frog, the Golden Frog

Smallest frog, the Golden Frog

frog,

chameleon baby

chameleon baby

jumping chamelchamel 4frog, blus

Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko, Madagascar

Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko, Madagascar

Red-headed Agama

Red-headed Agama

chamel, 2chamel, 6chamel 6chameleon

Indian flower mantis

Indian flower mantis

When they feel threatened, the praying mantis strike this post. Image by Hasan Baglar

When they feel threatened,  praying mantises strike this post. Image by Hasan Baglar

Spiny Flower Mantis

Spiny Flower Mantis

orchid mantis

orchid mantis

By Mehmet Karaca via Solent News & Photo Agency

By Mehmet Karaca via Solent News & Photo Agency

By Glen Hush via National Geographic

By Glen Hush via National Geographic

Devil'd Flower Mantis, by Igor Siwanowicz

Devil’d Flower Mantis, by Igor Siwanowicz

animals, mantis,

photo by mehmet karaca

photo by mehmet karaca

animalsl, praying mantis

mantis and baby by Mehmet Karaca

mantis and baby by Mehmet Karaca

via Telegraph website in UK

via Telegraph website in UK

Poodle caterpillar, by Arthur Anker on Flickr. I know this doesn't really belong in this post, but it and its name are too cute to resist.

Poodle caterpillar, by Arthur Anker on Flickr. I know this doesn’t really belong in this post, but it and its name are too cute to resist.

For a post on animal camouflage go here.

For another post on bugs go here.

Thanks to pinterest, and National Geographic

More Roads and Paths

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Imagine yourself on any of these roads and paths and you’re guaranteed to feel good–whether it’s because you imagine stepping into the peace and beauty, or because you’re grateful you’re just looking at a picture and not actually traversing the image you’re seeing.

It’s a really tough choice, but if you want to know my favorite, you have to make it all the way through to the last one.

By Gary Randall on Flickr

By Gary Randall on Flickr

roads, purpleroads, 5 (4)roads, 5 (3)
roads, sheep roads, snow 2 roads, snow

 roads, 11 (2) roads, 11 roads, 12

roads, 17 (2)

Photograph by John Finney

roads, 14 roads, 16 (2)

roads, 10 (2)

By on flickr

By Hans Georg Fischer on flickr

As we well know, all roads are not beautiful and romantic.

roads, via murray

Walter’s Wiggles trail in Zion National Park, Utah, USA

Walter’s Wiggles trail in Zion National Park, Utah, USA

STELVIO PASS in the Italian Alps.

STELVIO PASS in the Italian Alps.

TISDRINE,OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO

TISDRINE,OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO

roads, 2 (3)

By tithjerod

roads, 9 (2)

By John de Bord

roads, 2 (4)roads, 3roads, 6 (3) roads, 6 roads, 7 roads, 8 (3) roads, Aspen Road, Boulder, Coloradoroads, 4roads, orangeroads, 7 (3)roads, 5Roads, sunsetroads, 16 (2)roads, 14 (2)roads, moonroads, 18

740 steps to the top, Guatepe, Columbia.

740 steps to the top, Guatepe, Columbia, by DeSoto on flickr.

By ~gingercoo

By ~gingercoo

Ancient Stairs, Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy.

Ancient Stairs, Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy.

roads, 17

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Climbing stairs to Ulsan Rock, Seoraksan National Park, South Korea ,by wmdeneve.

Climbing stairs to Ulsan Rock, Seoraksan National Park, South Korea ,by wmdeneve.

Stairs Above The Sea, Aketx, Basque County, Spain

Stairs Above The Sea, Aketx, Basque County, Spain

Stairs to Samrat Yantra, Jantar Mantar, India

Stairs to Samrat Yantra, Jantar Mantar, India, the world’s largest sundial, standing 73 feet high (27 meters.)

Tenjuan Gardens , Kyoto, Japan photo, Sharilyn Anderson •

Tenjuan Gardens , Kyoto, Japan photo, Sharilyn Anderson •

Mountain Tunnels, San Boldo Pass, Italy

Mountain Tunnels, San Boldo Pass, Italy

Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125m-long curving cable bridge atop Gunung Mat Cincang mountain on Pulau Langkawi island. Malaysia

Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125m-long curving cable bridge atop Gunung Mat Cincang mountain on Pulau Langkawi island. Malaysia

Thailand

Thailand

Door County, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, USA by Allison Hare

Door County, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, USA by Allison Hare

Kentucky Road, US by John Barrett,

Kentucky Road, US by John Barrett,

Switch Back Road, New Caledonia

Switch Back Road, New Caledonia

By Bernardo Ribeiro, Peru via National Geographic.

By Bernardo Ribeiro, Peru, via National Geographic.

Island Cottage, Finland

Island Cottage, Finland

Hell Valley, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

Hell Valley, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

 

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Mown path through the wildflower meadow at Great Dixter, UK. Buttercups and Ox eye daisies.

Mown path through the wildflower meadow at Great Dixter, UK. Buttercups and Ox eye daisies.

Footpath through the Wild Garlic - Milton Wood Somerset, England.

Footpath through the Wild Garlic – Milton Wood Somerset, England.

China

China

By Claudia Hering on flickr

By Claudia Hering on flickr

By franciskasvakreverden

By franciskasvakreverden

Foggy Lake Trail, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA

Foggy Lake Trail, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA

 

Cork, Ireland

Cork, Ireland

roads,

By Jean-Michel Priaux on Flickr.

By Jean-Michel Priaux on Flickr.

Camel train, on the border of Saudi Arabia and UAE

Camel train, on the border of Saudi Arabia and UAE

roads, treeIf you want to explore still more roads, go here.

Thanks:  Merry, Murray, National Geographic

Human Art, History and Ingenuity

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First we’ve got two artists, an internationally known and honored photographer specializing in intimate images that reflect the diversity of human cultures. The other an architect and landscape designer who uses mathematical formulae to create unique and dazzling gardens. Next are some intriguing historic photographs. We end with a medley of quirky and inventive offerings to make you smile.  Hopefully something for everyone’s tastes.

Lisa Kristine is a San Francisco based photographer specializing in indigenous peoples worldwide. Through her work, Lisa wishes to encourage a dialogue about the beauty, diversity and hardship of our inter-locking world. She brings the distant and the ancient and the rare into clearer focus.human ingen, lisa k, 2human ingen, lisa khuman ingen, lisa_kristine_com-childrens-blessing-bhutan-600human ingen, lisa kristinehuman ingen, lisa_kristine_com-prayer-beads-western-tibethuman ingen, lisa k5human ingen, lisa kristine, pkimg_zps3274df3ahuman ingen, lisa k 6

 

The following images are mostly of Buddhist monks in Myanmar also known as Burma.

 

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I am not sure if the following images are by Lisa Kristine or someone I can’t identify.

human ingen, monks, don't know who

01381_20, Shaolin Monastery, Hunan Province, China, 2004

01381_20, Shaolin Monastery, Hunan Province, China, 2004

human ingen, monks, not lisa but who

Ceremony at Wat Prahdarmagaya to celebrate the end of the yearly pilgrimage. 1,130 monks walk 485 km. over 28 days on flower petals laid down by faithful followers

Ceremony at Wat Prahdarmagaya in Thailand to celebrate the end of the yearly pilgrimage. 1,130 monks walk 485 km. (300 miles) over 28 days on flower petals laid down by faithful followers. Image by Vichaya Pop.

Charles Jencks is famous for his use of geometric shapes and spiral mounds.  American born and educated, he’s lived in England and Scotland for the last four decades, creating gardens that feature not abundant plants, but fascinating settings which combine natural features and artificial symmetry and curves.  Many of the following images are from The Garden of Cosmic Speculation in Scotland, designed in 1988 and dedicated to Jencks’ late wife.

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Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2012-04-13 11:10:46Z | |

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Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2012-07-02 14:51:23Z | |

Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2012-07-02 15:17:33Z | |

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Now for something completely different…a selection of old photos

The construction of the Statue of Liberty in 1884 by Vichaya Pop.

The construction of the Statue of Liberty in 1884 by Vichaya Pop.  Don’t miss the arm.

The first self service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly opened in Memphis, Tennessee in 1916.

The first self service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly opened in Memphis, Tennessee in 1916.

Central Park in in New York City, 1930

Central Park in New York City, 1930

Testing football helmets in 1912.

Testing football helmets in 1912.

Meeting of the Mickey Mouse Club, early 1930s. Who knew it existed before tv?

Meeting of the Mickey Mouse Club, early 1930s. Who knew it existed before television?

human ingen, Niagara Falls, 1911 frozen via Howard

Niagara Falls frozen, 1911.

Three young women wash their clothes in Central Park during a water shortage. New York, 1949.

Three young women wash their clothes in Central Park during a water shortage. New York, 1949.

When they realized women were using flour sacks to make clothes during the Great Depression, they started putting them in these, 1939

When they realized women were using flour sacks to make clothes during the Great Depression, they started putting them in these, 1939.

NASA before Powerpoint, 1960s.

NASA before Powerpoint, 1960s.

Traffic jam in New York City, 1923.

Traffic jam in New York City, 1923.

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Decorated gas tank, Japan

Decorated gas tank, Japan

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Shark house in Oxford, England

Shark house in Oxford, England

The Unknown Official, Reykjavik , Iceland

The Unknown Official, Reykjavik , Iceland

He is a janitor and the mayor.

He works as a janitor and the mayor.

 

Brazilian twin brother Gustavo and Otávio Pandolfo, transformed the cement silos in this industrial plant on Grandville Island, Vancouver, Canada.

Brazilian twin brothers Gustavo and Otávio Pandolfo, transformed the cement silos in this industrial plant on Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada. In their art they call themselves OSGEMEOS, which literally means “the twins.”

 

Cement mixers to match.

Cement mixers to match.

cement 1

What better way to advertise a public farmer's market than with cement mixers?

What better way to advertise a public farmer’s market than with cement mixers?

cement, 4human ingen, via Jen C.

Mihai Eminescu, Onesti , Romania

Mihai Eminescu, Onesti , Romania

human ingen, via gander

The Right Moment image

The Right Moment image

Another right moment.

Another right moment.

Kelpies, Grangemouth , UK (To put this into scale, note the man at the bottom, middle)

Kelpies, Grangemouth , UK (To put this into scale, note the man at the bottom, middle)

street art, 9street art, 12street art, 13street art, 15

By Dome in Karlsruhe, Germany.

By Dome in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Chalk Art by David Zinn

Chalk Art by David Zinn

Thanks:  George, Murray, John, Jen C., Howard, Gary

 

Animals, mostly amusing with some surprises

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We’ve got unusual deer, animals in small things, good parenting, surprised and surprising animals, plus some gifs to amuse.

via gander6830408

Impala in Botswana. Photograph by Chris Schmid via National Geographic.

Impala in Botswana. Photograph by Chris Schmid via National Geographic.

albino buckalbino and momanimals, buck via john

Photograph by Bartek Olszewski via National Geographic.

Photograph by Bartek Olszewski via National Geographic.

antlers in field

In Japan

In Japan

via man who sends me a lot of pics, gandervia gander 2

Chevrotain, smallest member of deer family

Chevrotain, smallest member of deer family

We all know cats love to hang out in small things–but so do other animals.

animals, spot 9 animals, spot 6 animals, spot 5animals via John spot

animals, spot 15 animals, spotanimalsl, spot 7

Animals via John My spot 2

Animals via JOhn, My spot animals, spot 14Still, I think cats take the prize.

animals, spot 3animals via John My spotanimals, spot 16Some great parenting pics

parents, 5 b995ccef7147c9ca5def7db427061247 animals, frogs aimals, possum animals, kang via john animals, Lar Gibbon - by No. Ge. on Flickr.

animals, Learning climbing • Brown Bear Cub between Mom's legs so as not to fall • by Rob Janné

parents, 4 parents 3 parents 1parents, 6 parents, via kath and john e. parents via kath and john e parents 2parents, via kath and johnSome surprised animals?

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animals, suprised 5

Now some  animals that might surprise you.

Venezuelan Poodle Moth

Venezuelan Poodle Moth

By Jorapache in Spain

By Jorapache in Spain

animals, real maybe, via johnanimals, mantis

Photograph by Yanai Bonneh via Natinal Geographic

Photograph by Yanai Bonneh via Natinal Geographic

Vietnamese mossy frog

Vietnamese mossy frog

Pom pom crab

Pom pom crab

Baby eagle

Baby eagle

Via Smithsonian

Via Smithsonian

animals, turtle via johnanimals, turtle and appleanimals, cat and melon

South-West Morocco, where the goats climb the Argan trees to eat argo nuts

South-West Morocco, where the goats climb the Argan trees to eat argo nuts

Pygmy Marmoset. If you haven't seen these, there's a whole post about them on this site. Try search at bottom of page.

Pygmy Marmoset. If you haven’t seen these, there’s a whole post about them on this site. Try search at bottom of page.

animals, spot 2

Pesky Prairie dogs

Pesky Prairie dogs

Charles Back brought goats to his Fairview Cheese and Wine Farm at Fairview in South Africa, and built them a tower so they could climb like they were used to.

Charles Back brought goats to his Fairview Cheese and Wine Farm at Fairview in South Africa, and built them a tower so they could climb like they were used to.

animals, via gander 87

 

animals, bear 1415301 via

 

animals, Ducklings-helpedanimal gif, Raccoon-steals-hops-awayanimal gif, raccoon

animal gif, kitten and potato animal, mean panda

animal gif, Cat-hopping-hind-legs

 

animal gif, Cat-bites-soda-can

Animals, gif via Lia

Thanks to: John, George, Jen C., Kathleen, Lia

 

 

Australia: Amusing and Awesome

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141

As many of these photos suggest, Australians seem to have a great sense of humor about themselves and their country–making a visit seem even more enticing.  Especially when you combine that with the unique animals and natural wonders.  Did you know Australia has camels and penguins as well as its most famous and beloved cuties?

FIRST, SOME AMUSING SIGNS

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A flood warning sign starts to disappear below floodwaters near Charleville, about 685 km (426 miles) west of Brisbane February 6, 2012. Thousands of Australians were forced from their homes on Monday because of floods that have risen to record levels in some areas and killed one person, and authorities issued warnings for more than a dozen rivers in Queensland and New South Wales states. REUTERS/Queensland Police Service/Handout (AUSTRALIA - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

aus, signs, 12aus, signs, 17ATT00016aus, signs 2

 

aus, tree-kangaroo-sign-1

I have no idea what this sign means. No walking your sheep on the road?

I have no idea what this sign means. No walking your sheep on the road?

aus, signs, 10aus, signs, 11aus, via john 2O.K.  Before we move away from signs, I have to add this one even though it’s from New Zealand, not Australia (because there are no wild kiwis in Australia.)

aus, signs, 8

An albino kiwi. Too cute.

An albino kiwi. Too cute.

ANIMALS

 Though the unique, interesting and often cute animals of Australia could easily fill an entire post, these images are picked mostly because they highlight the interaction of the animals with their human neighbors.

Camping hazard, like raccoons and bears in the US?

Camping hazard, like raccoons and bears in the US?

 

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aus, 7

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Yikes!

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A tourist attraction?

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I believe this is a frilled lizard.

I believe this is a frilled lizard.

 

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Emu babies

 

aus, 2 via John

An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 Camels, imported into Australia between 1860 and 1907, were used as draft and riding animals by people pioneering the dry interior. With the introduction of motorised transport in the 1920’s, large herds of Camels were released and they have established “Free-range” herds in the semi-arid desert areas of Australia. The estimated population of camels is 150,000 and 200,000.

aus, outback ferel camels

Called fairy penguins or little penguins found in S. Australia and New Zealand.

Called fairy penguins or little penguins found in S. Australia and New Zealand.

aus, signs, 7Of course Australia’s Great Barrier Reef deserves it’s own post, so here’s a taste.  Stretching over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles (344,400 kilometers) the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It is composed of over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

aus, gbr 5aus, gbr, 3aus, gbraus, gbr, snorkelaus, gbr, 6NATURE

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre desert, 450km from the nearest large town, Alice Springs. It’s sacred to indigenous Australians and believed to be about 700 million years old.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre desert, 450km from the nearest large town, Alice Springs. It’s sacred to indigenous Australians and believed to be about 700 million years old.

The unique orange, grey and black stripes of the Bungle Bungle range are the result of alternating bands of sediment, each with different clay content. Deposited in the Ord Basin 375 – 350 million years ago, the effects of wind from the desert and rainfall over millions of year shaped the domes. Photo by Paddy Ryan.

The unique orange, grey and black stripes of the Bungle Bungle range are the result of alternating bands of sediment, each with different clay content. Deposited in the Ord Basin 375 – 350 million years ago, the effects of wind from the desert and rainfall over millions of year shaped the domes. Photo by Paddy Ryan.

aus, GC_Australia_WA_BungleBungle_2597_APT_edit_LRaus, size bungle_bungle_ranges_lg

Kennedy Range National Park, honeycomb rocks.

Kennedy Range National Park, honeycomb rocks.

King George Falls, The Kimberley region in Australia's west.

King George Falls, The Kimberley region in Australia’s west.

More Kimberly region

More Kimberly region

More Kimberly.

More Kimberly.

Cockburn Range, El Questro, Kimberley

Cockburn Range, El Questro, Kimberley

 

Eroded Rock Formations, the Pinnacle Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia

Eroded Rock Formations, the Pinnacle Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia

Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.

Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.

From the wetlands of Kakadu.

From the wetlands of Kakadu.

Magpie Geese at the freshwater wetlands, Kakadu National Park. Image by Simon O'Dwyer.

Magpie Geese at the freshwater wetlands, Kakadu National Park. Image by Simon O’Dwyer.

Aboriginal rock art. found in rocky outcrops that have afforded shelter to Aboriginal inhabitants for thousands of years.

Aboriginal rock art found in rocky outcrops that have afforded shelter to Aboriginal inhabitants for thousands of years, Kakadu.

Image by Dustin M. Ramsey (Kralizec!)

Image by Dustin M. Ramsey (Kralizec!)

Image by Toursim NT, Image by: gallery Tourism NT. Via Wikimedia Commons

Image by Toursim NT, Image by: gallery Tourism NT. Via Wikimedia Commons

A river in Kakadu National Park, Australia

A river in Kakadu National Park, Australia

More Kakadu from the air.

More Kakadu from the air.

Cape Crawford in the Northern Territory.

Cape Crawford in the Northern Territory.

Cape Crawford. Picture by Vanessa Hunter

Cape Crawford. Picture by Vanessa Hunter

Murphy’s Haystacks are ancient, wind-worn pillars and boulders of pink granite estimated to be over 1,500 million years old set in the middle of a wheat field.

Murphy’s Haystacks are ancient, wind-worn pillars and boulders of pink granite estimated to be over 1,500 million years old set in the middle of a wheat field.

Murphy's Haystacks again.

Murphy’s Haystacks again.

Wave-Rock by Christof In Oz

Wave-Rock by Christof In Oz

"The 12 apostles"rock formations in Southern Australia named that even though there were never more than 10.

“The 12 apostles”rock formations in Southern Australia named that even though there were never more than 10.

Apostles at sunset.

Apostles at sunset.

 

The Pinnacles are limestone formations contained within Nambung National Park. The raw material for the limestone came from seashells in an earlier era that was rich in marine life. These shells were broken down into lime-rich sands that were blown inland to form high mobile dunes.

The Pinnacles are limestone formations contained within Nambung National Park in Western Australia. The raw material for the limestone came from seashells in an earlier era that was rich in marine life. These shells were broken down into lime-rich sands that were blown inland to form high mobile dunes.

aus, Pinnacles_pano_2005-08-26

More Pinnacles

 The following are a few random images where I lack most info except to know it is Australia.

aus, 2 aus, 12aus, 5 aus, Geraldtonaus, S. Aus aus, 3 (2)Thanks to John and Howard.

 

 

Kids and Animals, Mostly Wild

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I promise, cats and dogs only when too cool to miss.  I’ve copied a couple of images of kids and animals from previous posts that were so joyous they deserved a repeat.

mixed, elemixed, boy and goose gifmixed species, via johnmixed species, girl and cowmixed species, girl and cat and birdsmixed species, boy and abirdmixed sp, 5mixed sp, 4mixed sp 14mixed sp 9mixed sp 11HamdanIntlPhotogrAward2014.pps(36)mixed sp 18mixed sp 17 mixed sp, via gary, 2

 

Dinka Boy with Long Horned Bull, South Sudan, photographed by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

Dinka Boy with Long Horned Bull, South Sudan, photographed by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

 

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mixed,

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mixed sp 15mixed sp 13Thanks to Gary and John.

Exquisite Images, 4

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I think more than any other post I’ve done, these exquisite images put me in awe of the diversity of human activity on this planet.  Everything in these photographs is normal life to the people pictured, happening while I’m  busy with my own every-day existence and hanging out on my laptop. Yet, these artists have seen the beauty in the moment and captured it with just the right light and perspective, allowing us to travel to another amazing, stunning, inspiring place in our vast world.  I feel infinite gratitude.

Most of the following images are from The Hamdan International Photography Awards (HIPA), a yearly event sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, of Dubai. The contest showcases entries from around the world with a preponderance coming from the United Arab Emirates and India. The country mentioned reflects the photographer’s country of origin, not the country of the scene captured.

HIPA via John

By Vladimir Proskin, Russia

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Capture

This looks like a painting to me.

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HIPA

hipa, 4hipa, 1human ingen, .joniniemela or nature

People Harvesting Salt at Sunset, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam by Hoang Giang Hai

People Harvesting Salt at Sunset, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam by Hoang Giang Hai

hipa, 3

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT by Jason Hatfield.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT by Jason Hatfield.

monks releasing lanturns by Daniel Nahabedian, Chiang Mai, Thailand

monks releasing lanturns by Daniel Nahabedian, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Yangon, Myanmar, By Pyiet Oo Aung

Yangon, Myanmar, By Pyiet Oo Aung

exqui images, sun via tim l.

Village in IRAN

Village in IRAN

animal, n.g. via george

 

 

exqui image, trainexqui images, via n.g.exqui images via natl geo

Sean Taper Hacker, the 'end of the world' swing in Banos, Ecuador, captures a man on the swing overlooking an erupting Mt. Tungurahua.

Sean Taper Hacker, the ‘end of the world’ swing in Banos, Ecuador,  overlooking an erupting Mt. Tungurahua.

By Rick Parchen

By Rick Parchen

By Mark Metternich

By Mark Metternich

By Aaron Groen

By Aaron Groen

exqui image, moon rising via tim l.exqui image via bestphotositeFor other exquisite images on this site go here, or here, or here.

Special thanks to HIPA and John for forwarding me many of the HIPA images, and to The Smithsonian, National Geographic, Bored Panda, Best Photo Site, and John, Tim, Merry and George.

Mixed Species, 9

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Animal connections, some sweet, some unusual, some surprising.   Be sure you don’t miss the video near the end of the bear saving the crow.  It’s unbelievable.

mixed species, slothmixed species, turtle and bunnymixed, new zealand mixed, llama and dog mixed, dog and pig

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Gandolph the Owl became increasingly frustrated and distressed at the North East Falconry Center in Scotland. When the man who ran the center, John Barrie, was given a goose egg by a neighbor, he saw an opportunity to soothe Gandolph’s angst. There was some concern because many birds, particularly owls, will ignore or kill an egg different than their own. Not Gandolf: The egg hatched, and she immediately took to mothering the baby, who quickly imprinted on her.

Gandolph the Owl became increasingly frustrated and distressed at the North East Falconry Center in Scotland. When the man who ran the center, John Barrie, was given a goose egg by a neighbor, he saw an opportunity to soothe Gandolph’s angst. There was some concern because many birds, particularly owls, will ignore or kill an egg different than their own. Not Gandolf: The egg hatched, and she immediately took to mothering the baby, who quickly imprinted on her.

 

mixed, pellican andmixed species, twins mixed species, turtle, bird mixed species, Rabbit-snuggles-cat mixed species, pint, horse mixed, cat and chick

Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar, Felis concolor, Minnesota, on deer kill, prey USA

mixed species, war via john mixed, cat and hedgehog

By Marek Kosinski

By Marek Kosinski

mixed species, hippo and birdsmixed species, kangaroo mixed species, giraffe and ostrich mixed species, kath mixed species, fox and cat gifmixed species, fish mixed species, dolphin mixed species, dog and rat

mixed species, elephant and sheet mixed species, elelphant and birdmixed species, ele and dog via bored panda

You have to notice the 3 species here.

You have to notice the 3 species here.

mixed species, dog and pig (2)mixed species, dog and koalamixed species, dog and fawnmixed species, dog and ducksmixed species, cat and womenmixed species, cat with glowing eyesmixed species, cat walks dogMIXED species, cat rides dogmixed species, cat and dog sleepmixed species, 2 (2)mixed species, 2 mixed species, by MNFISH on Flickr mixed species, by Henrik Kaarlsholm, National Geographic Your Shot mixed species, bison and bird mixed species, alpaca on surfboard mixed species, 3mixed species gif, bird and turtle mixed species from buzzcarl.com25-hilarious-cats-letting-the-dog-know-whos-boss mixed species by Roman Safiyulin via n.g. mixed species, bat and butterfly mixed species, 2 mixed species, 2 (3) mixed species via sunnyskkyz

By Bob Houghteling

By Bob Houghteling

mixed species via liz

 

mixed species via kathleen mixed species via gandermixed species 2 mixed species, by yorkiemama's postcards on flickr mixed species by Juan Carlo Mimo Perez mixed species and birds via kathleen mixed cat, squirrel, via buzzfeed mexed species, penguin and woman animals, benny animals via benny bargainmixes species, cat and horsemixed species (2)

Bobcat Rescued Twice, From Roof and Pool

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One Determined Turtle

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Cow Grooms Cat

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Bear Saves a Crow in the Budapest, Hungary Zoo

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Dog and Magpie Play and Wrestle

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Android Gets in on the Mixed Species

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1F3Jx1T” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/vnVuqfXohxc?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=vnVuqfXohxc&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep6561″ /]

For more mixed species on this site, go here.

Thanks to:  John, Kathleen, Bob, Louise, Rose, Jen, Claire Elizabeth

Buzzfeed and BoredPanda

Human Ingenuity Medley, 6

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First, I know you wish I had identified where these ingenious contributions were located and who made them.  I too wish I could answer all your questions–but I have included  such info when I could find it.

Let’s start with the quirky.

human ingen 6human ingen via johnhuman in 2

By Brian Marsh

By Brian Marsh from scrap materials

By Brian Marsh

By Brian Marsh

human ingen 11human ingen john 4 human ingen 5human ingen 9human ingen, 3human ingen via john 2human ingen realhuman ingenhuman ingen, via debra

Bali, Indonesia swim resort.

Bali, Indonesia swim resort.

International Buffalo body painting competition, in Jiangcheng county, China.

International Buffalo body painting competition, in Jiangcheng county, China.

human ingen, buffalo-bodypainting-5[6]

Inside one of Google’s data centers.

Inside one of Google’s data centers.

human ingen, grass worldhuman ingen, zebra

 

human ingen, tiger

human ingen, via gnn

 

Michelangelo illustrated his grocery lists so that his illiterate servants would know what to buy for him.

Michelangelo illustrated his grocery lists so that his illiterate servants would know what to buy for him.

 

 

human ingen, via mer

Stone sculpture

Stone sculpture

human ingen, stone

Sculpture made out of tires.

Sculpture made out of tires.

More tires

More tires

More tires.

More tires.

Too many tires.

Too many tires.

humaningen, via john

 

New Kind of Art:  Statue Posing

via Murray310527412136A charming tradition in Berkeley, California–people put benches in front of their homes for pedestrians to rest on.  All bench photos by John Storey in Berkeleyside.

This bench by Connie Bleul-Gohlke commemorates the 50th wedding anniversary of her parents.

This bench by Connie Bleul-Gohlke commemorates the 50th wedding anniversary of her parents.

Celebrates the late Les Blank, a documentary filmmaker. Photo by John Storey

Celebrates the late Les Blank, a documentary filmmaker.

"Quirky Berkeley-03/19/2015"Quirky Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., is seen on Thursday, June 20th, 2013.human ingen, bench

Andrew Werby designed the wall and bench inspired by Gaudi’s tile wall in Park Güell, Barcelona.

Andrew Werby designed the wall and bench inspired by Gaudi’s tile wall in Park Güell, Barcelona.

This French Horn is made from scrap pieces. The wood is turned to a 1/16" . The wood is turned to 1/16" thickness, so that all the tubing is hollow and it can be played. By Murray Stein.

This remarkable French Horn by Murray Stein is made from scrap pieces of lumber and can be played!  The wood is turned to 1/16″ thickness, so that all the tubing is hollow.

By Murray Stein

By Murray Stein

By Jeffro Uitto, driftwood doorframe.

By Jeffro Uitto, driftwood doorframe.

 

Artist Spencer Byles spent a year creating beautiful sculptures out of natural and found- materials throughout the unmanaged forests of La Colle Sur Loup (where he lived with his family), Villeneuve Loubet and Mougins, in France. He worked together with elements of his surroundings to create artwork that blends seamlessly with the environment.

Byles’ project is intentionally secretive – the only way you’ll see these works besides photos is by going into the woods and finding them yourself. The pieces were not intended to last, and each sculpture will eventually be reclaimed by the natural environment.  “I responded in different ways to each location and worked on at least 20 sculptures at one time.  I worked spontaneously with out any drawings or planned design”

Artist Spent One Year In The Woods Creating Surreal Sculptures From Organic Materials, doesn't say whomore woodswoods sculptureswoods, 2woods, 3woods, 5woods, 6wood, 8German artist Cornelia Konrads creates mind-bending installations in public spaces, sculpture parks and private gardens around the world.  Her work gives the illusion of weightlessness and freedom.human, korhuman, Korneliahuman, Cornelia via This is colossal, see wordhuman, corn 5human, corn

 

corn

human, corn 4

human, corneliaFor more human ingenuity go here.

Thanks to:  John, Jen, Merry, Connie, Debra, George, Murray, London Media, Berkeleyside, Bored Panda.

 

 

 

Dream Vacation Destinations, 5

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In case you can’t decide where to go on a vacation this year, here are enough options to make choosing impossible.  Might as well stay home and dream.  Even if it’s not your idea of the perfect vacation, don’t miss the amusing image of Mt. Everest hikers near the end.

Annecy, France

Annecy, France

Bac Son Valley, Vietnam

Bac Son Valley, Vietnam

CAMINITO, the famous street of Carlos Gardel in Buenos Aires. Argentina.

CAMINITO, the famous street of Carlos Gardel in Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Castle in Moszna, Poland

Castle in Moszna, Poland

Chefchaouen, Morocco - An entire city painted blue by Jewish refugees in the 1930's and has held the true blue color to this day.

Chefchaouen, Morocco – An entire city painted blue by Jewish refugees in the 1930’s and has held the true blue color to this day.

Chinese Venice

Chinese Venice

Cuban house

Cuban house

Garden district, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Garden district, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA by Fire Art Photography.

Hunyad Castle. Gothic-style castle in Romania.

Hunyad Castle. Gothic-style castle in Romania.

Koenigsee, Bavaria, Germany

Koenigsee, Bavaria, Germany

Lake House, Saitama, Japan photo

Lake House, Saitama, Japan photo

Heart window, Portugal

Heart window, Portugal

Russia, by hansn on Flickr

Russia, by hansn on Flickr

English garden

English garden

Porvoo, Finland

Porvoo, Finland

Bavarian town of Nordlingen, Germany, built in a 14 million year old meteor impact crater.

Bavarian town of Nordlingen, Germany, built in a 14 million year old meteor impact crater.

Bali, Indonesia swim resort.

Bali, Indonesia swim resort.

Lijiang, China, by Arthur Yushi

Lijiang, China, by Arthur Yushi

Medieval Castle in Goluchow, Poland

Medieval Castle in Goluchow, Poland

Eguisheim, a German-speaking commune in Alsace in north-eastern France. Eguisheim produces Alsace wine of high quality.

Eguisheim, a mostly German-speaking commune in Alsace in north-eastern France. Eguisheim produces Alsace wine of high quality.

Bryce Canyon in Utah by John Sullivan Photography

Bryce Canyon in Utah, USA by John Sullivan Photography

Killarney, Ireland

Killarney, Ireland

'Ouro Preto' Black Gold, Minas Gerais, Brazil

‘Ouro Preto’ Black Gold, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Neider Morschwir ~ Alsace, France

Neider Morschwir ~ Alsace, France

Nubian Village on The Banks of River Nile, Egypt

Nubian Village on The Banks of River Nile, Egypt

The Oasis restaurant on Lake Travis, Austin,Texas, US

The Oasis restaurant on Lake Travis, Austin,Texas, US

Italian restaurant built into an ocean side grotto. Wish I knew where this was.

Italian restaurant built into an ocean side grotto. Wish I knew where this was.

Saved by alert and dedicated readers:  Thanks to Gisela, Eric and Larry for sending info to identify this restaurant.  It’s Ristorante Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare, Italy.    Makes me feel like this site is a joint effort.

Uspensky Cathedral, Smolensk, Russia

Uspensky Cathedral, Smolensk, Russia

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

 

Otherworldly Northern Lights, Church, Iceland by Joel Santos.

Otherworldly Northern Lights, Church, Iceland by Joel Santos.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Pueblo-like dwellings over the Colorado River at Nankoweap Creek, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Pueblo-like dwellings over the Colorado River at Nankoweap Creek, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

 

Terraced fields in Vietnam via Smithsonian

Terraced fields in Vietnam via Smithsonian

The Wave, Coyote Buttes area, on the border between Utah and Arizona. Utah

The Wave, Coyote Buttes area, on the border between Utah and Arizona.

Xingping, China by James Bian, National Geographic Your Shot

Xingping, China by James Bian, National Geographic Your Shot

Skagit Valley Washington state, USA. Bet you thought it was Holland. Me too.

Skagit Valley Washington state, USA. Bet you thought it was Holland. Me too.

St Cirq Lapopie, France, by S. Lo on flickr

St Cirq Lapopie, France, by S. Lo on flickr

Plougrescant , Brittany

Plougrescant , Brittany

Romania

Romania

Samrat Yantra, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Samrat Yantra, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Santaurio de las Lajas, Columbia

Santaurio de las Lajas, Columbia

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Colmar, France

Colmar, France

Midnight Blue - Lupines and Star, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Midnight Blue – Lupines and Star, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Medieval, Craigievar Castle, Scotland

Medieval, Craigievar Castle, Scotland

Wilhelmshöhe Castle (formerly Karlsberg) was built in 1696. It occupies an entire hillside in the city of Kassel, Germany. The crown of the hill is the gigantic 'grotto' topped by the sculpture of Hercules.

Wilhelmshöhe Castle (formerly Karlsberg) was built in 1696. It occupies an entire hillside in the city of Kassel, Germany. The crown of the hill is the gigantic ‘grotto’ topped by the sculpture of Hercules.

William Chua - '108 Stupas, Dochula Pass, Bhutan.

William Chua – ‘108 Stupas, Dochula Pass, Bhutan.

Yemen

Yemen

Hallstatt Cultural Landscape, by Robiats on Flickr

Hallstatt Cultural Landscape, by Robiats on Flickr

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic by Duowen Chen

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic by Duowen Chen

Varigotti, Savona, Liguria, Italy

Varigotti, Savona, Liguria, Italy by Ciziano

St-Cirq-Lapopie

St-Cirq-Lapopie by Didier Masse

Devetashka Cave ~Bulgaria

Devetashka Cave ~Bulgaria

Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

Nā Pali Coast - Kauai, Hawaii

Nā Pali Coast – Kauai, Hawaii

The narrows at Oneonta Gorge in Oregon are here full after spring rains.

The narrows at Oneonta Gorge in Oregon are here full after spring rains by MFJ Images

china, by wilsonchong888 on flickr

china, by wilsonchong888 on flickr

Waterfall castle in Poland

Waterfall castle in Poland

Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, UK this is the road that leads to Windsor Castle.

Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, UK this is the road that leads to Windsor Castle.

du Midiin Chamonix, France, the highest point in Europe

du Midiin Chamonix, France, the highest point in Europe

Climbing Mt. Everest

Climbing Mt. Everest

Daytona Beach Florida, 1957. Ooops! Missed you chance to go here.

Daytona Beach Florida, 1957. Ooops! Missed you chance to go here.

For more vacation possibilities on this site, go here.

Thanks to: George, Lia, Dean, Merry, John, Bonnie and Sunnyskyz.

 

Sealife, 2

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About 4 months ago I put up a post featuring sea creatures of remarkable beauty, diversity and weirdness.  I thought I had surely found the best  jellyfish, sea slugs and other surprises of the sea.  I felt the same when I put up the first bird post, sure that I had captured the best and most unique.  Duskyswondersite now hosts seven bird posts, not counting a few that feature just one species.  And I now assume birds have endless variety.  I have a feeling the seas can rival the air with infinite wonders.  Enjoy.

 

6b43f64412df69a5105202bf94154786JELLYFISH

Flower Hat Jellyfish

Flower Hat Jellyfish

From the Maldives
From the Maldives

jelly 2jelly

The term jellyfish encompasses about 1,500 species, ranging in size from microscopic to more than seven feet wide and 100 feet long. These are purple-lipped cross jellyfish.

The term jellyfish encompasses about 1,500 species, ranging in size from microscopic to more than seven feet wide and 100 feet long. These are purple-lipped cross jellyfish.

jellyfishSEA SLUGS OR NUDIBRANCHES

Golden nudibranch looks like a caterpillar of the sea.

Golden nudibranch looks like a caterpillar of the sea by Mona Dienhart @ monaand chris.com

By Ricardo Araujo on flickr

By Ricardo Araujo on flickr

 

By vanveelen on flickr

By vanveelen on flickr

sea creature, nudibranch from Patty Selk

The Fiery Sea Slug, Flabellina goddardi, discovered in 2008 by Marine Biologist Jeff Goddard. It lays a lacy egg mass that hatch into tiny babies. The egg mass is formed that way so that each baby receives enough oxygen.

The Fiery Sea Slug, Flabellina goddardi, discovered in 2008 by Marine Biologist Jeff Goddard. It lays a lacy egg mass that hatch into tiny babies. The egg mass is formed that way so that each baby receives enough oxygen.

An Elegant Sapsucking Slug, racing slug-fashion across a bed of encrusting sponge. From Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

An Elegant Sapsucking Slug, racing slug-fashion across a bed of encrusting sponge. From Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia.  By Ned Deloach at Wetpixel.

 

A sea bouquet, Sea Tunicates Blue and Strawberry

A sea bouquet, Sea Tunicates Blue and Strawberry by OceanwideImages

By mandarinfish on Flickr

By mandarinfish on Flickr, Linda Cline

Purple ring topsnail. Barkely Sound, B.C. Canadá

Purple ring topsnail. Barkely Sound, B.C. Canadá by randapex on Flickr

Coral, Ricordea yuma

Coral, Ricordea yuma

Crinoid. In case you're wondering, it's an animal, not a plant.

Crinoid. In case you’re wondering, it’s an animal, not a plant.

Another plant-like sea animal. Wish I knew the name.

Another plant-like sea animal. Wish I knew the name.

Amazing blue and red Christmastree worm, by nialldeiraniya on Flickr

This is a worm!  Amazing blue and red Christmastree worm, by nialldeiraniya on Flickr

Fire Urchin

Fire Urchin

Ascidian - Sea Squirts by indr on flickr

Ascidian – Sea Squirts by indr on flickr, Leander Wiseman

CLAMS, WHO KNEW THEY COULD LOOK LIKE THIS?

clams, 3

By Jaques de Selliers at Scuba-photos.net

 

clamclams, 2clamsmaximabrid-1Is it too mean to call these a little comic relief?

fish

Garden eels in Sulawesi, Indonesia. I can see how they got their name.

Garden eels in Sulawesi, Indonesia. I can see how they got their name.

Cirrate octopod - or Dumbo

Cirrate octopod – or Dumbo

Barreleye the Barreleye fish has a completely transparent head. Looks like leaves in its brain.

Barreleye the Barreleye fish has a completely transparent head. Looks like leaves in its brain.

It’s a thin line between funny and cute.

Baby thornback ray

Baby thornback ray

Puffer fish by peentho266 on Flickr

Puffer fish by peentho266 on Flickr

Party Balloon Balloonfish on Calabas Reef, Bonaire.

Party Balloon Balloonfish on Calabas Reef, Bonaire.

Guineafowl Pufferfish (Arothron meleagris), Moa in Hawaiian

Guineafowl Pufferfish (Arothron meleagris), Moa in Hawaiian

more cute, smiley

Helmet Urchins, or Shingle Urchins and in Hawaiian are called kaupali which translates to cliff hanging These urchins are found in the harsh intertidal zone of the volcanic shores of Hawaii.

Helmet Urchins, or Shingle Urchins and in Hawaiian are called kaupali which translates to cliff hanging These urchins are found in the harsh intertidal zone of the volcanic shores of Hawaii.

Bat Fish

Bat Fish

Sea Jewel

Sea Jewel by Holly Berry Shots

 

Clown Triggerfish by Brian Mayes on flickr

Clown Triggerfish by Brian Mayes on flickr

Male cardinal fish carrying his babies.

Male cardinal fish carrying his babies.

Chromodoris willani are known for their diamond encrusted gills and rhinophores.

Chromodoris willani are known for their diamond encrusted gills and rhinophores.

pyrosome - luminous deep sea creatures photographed by Joshua Lambus via Telegraph in the UK

pyrosome – luminous deep sea creatures photographed by Joshua Lambus via Telegraph in the UK

Rare Glowing Flower Hat Jellyfish

Rare Glowing Flower Hat Jellyfish

Janolus cristatus glowing Nudibranch,

Janolus cristatus glowing Nudibranch, by Raimundo Fernandez on flickr

Tunicate by mandarinfish, via Flickr

Tunicate by mandarinfish, via Flickr, linda cline

Wobbegong sharks, great name.

Wobbegong sharks, great name.

Xenophora, a marine snail commonly known as the carrier shell, attaches shells, rocks, and other debris from its environment. Amazing.

Xenophora, a marine snail commonly known as the carrier shell, attaches shells, rocks, and other debris from its environment. Amazing.

Thanks to Rhonda Johnson on pinterest

And Patricia S.

Snail ballet and other marvels

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Somehow I found my way to Russian photographer Vadim Trunov, based in the city of Voronezh.  I found his work with light captivating, whether it’s remarkable macros of snails and other tiny things or wide-angled panoramas of nature.  My policy for this site is that I don’t include anything that has a creep-factor–which of course is subjective.  I’m curious if other viewers can get past the presumed creepiness of snails to appreciate the delicacy and  grace Trunov captures in his images.  I found it remarkable.  Same with the two images of ships in stormy water with rocks.  Amazing light.  Enjoy.

Unfortunately, though I clicked on a “translate” button on his site, I wasn’t able to use his titles in Russian that presumably offer descriptions and locations.

vadimtrunov, 5vadimtrunov,

 

by vadimtrunov

Doesn’t this guy look like he’s totally enjoying a shower?

 

vadimtrunov, 3best

squirrels-5 by Vadim Trunov, Russian photog via Jen H

animals, squirrels-1 vai Jen Hanimals, squirrels-play via Jen Hvadimtrunov.35photo.ru, webpage of Russian photog

human ingen and nature, vadimtrunovhuman ingen, vadimtrunov, 5human ingen, vadimtrunov bighuman ingen, vadimtrunov, 8best, 10best, 11human ingen, vadimtrunov 6best 3best, 4best, 7best, 6nature, by vadim trunov, Russian via Jen H.best, 8nature by vadimtrunov human ingen, vadimtrunov

Forbs Caucasus Mountains

Forbs Caucasus Mountains

 

 

best 2best 12best, 5nature, vadimtrunovvadimtrunovhuman ingen, vadimtrunov, 6human ingen, vadimtrunov, 9human ingen, vadimtrunov, 7human ingen, vadimtrunov, 3Thanks to Jen H. for forwarding something that helped me find Vadim Trunov.  There are hundreds more wonderful images on his site.  These are just my favorites.

Cosmic Wonders

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We’ve got an impressive assortment of images taken from: satellites, the International Space Station, Hubble space telescope, spacecraft exploring planets and flying deep into space with amazing cameras, and a few taken from earth by giant telescopes and backyard amateur astronomers.  Enjoy.

EXPLORATIONS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

Coronal mass

Coronal mass ejection from the sun.

Solar flare, NASA

Solar flare, NASA

This solar flare rises more than 25,00 miles or 40,000 km above the sun's surface and stretches more than 20 Earth-diameters from end to end.

This solar flare rises more than 25,00 miles or 40,000 km above the sun’s surface and stretches more than 20 Earth-diameters from end to end.

Venus crossing the sun from the Hinode spacecraft.

Venus crossing the sun from Japan’s Hinode spacecraft.

 

Mountain on Venus' surface.

Mountain on Venus’ surface.

Mars

Mars

Mars sunrise via NASA

Mars sunrise via NASA

More Mars sunrise from NASA

More Mars sunrise from NASA

Another Mars sunrise.

Another Mars sunrise.

Venus starting to cross in front of the sun, from NASA via Washington Post.

Venus starting to cross in front of the sun, from NASA via Washington Post.

Jupiter and it’s moon, IO

Jupiter and it’s moon, IO

The clearest photo of Mercury ever taken.

The clearest photo of Mercury ever taken.

Earth being orbited by the moon, taken from Mercury. You have to look carefully.

Earth being orbited by the moon, taken from Mercury. You have to look carefully.

A cyclone over Saturn from NASA's Cassini mission from approximately 224,618 miles away. The eye is a staggering 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across with cloud speeds as fast as 330 miles per hour (150 meters per second).

A cyclone over Saturn from NASA’s Cassini mission from approximately 224,618 miles away. The eye is a staggering 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across with cloud speeds as fast as 330 miles per hour (150 meters per second).

 

Earth, Jupiter, and Venus seen from Mars.

Earth, Jupiter, and Venus seen from Mars.

 

The Saturnian moons of Titan, Hyperion and Prometheus are visible just beyond the planet's trademark rings in a photo captured by Cassini space craft on July 14, 2014.

The Saturnian moons of Titan, Hyperion and Prometheus are visible just beyond the planet’s trademark rings in a photo captured by Cassini space craft on July 14, 2014.

Europa, Jupiter's icy moon.

Europa, Jupiter’s icy moon.

Taken by Hubble telescope in March 2003, Saturn’s rings are shown at maximum tilt toward Earth, occurring only every 15 years.

Taken by Hubble telescope in March 2003, Saturn’s rings are shown at maximum tilt toward Earth, occurring only every 15 years.

This psychedelic-looking composite image of the sun taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (Little SDO) shows a series of significant solar eruptions that occurred over a period of three days in January of 2013. The photo was created using three wavelengths of light that have been colorized in red, green, and blue to better show the dynamics of each eruption.

This psychedelic-looking composite image of the sun taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory shows a series of significant solar eruptions that occurred over a period of three days in January of 2013. The photo was created using three wavelengths of light that have been colorized in red, green, and blue to better show the dynamics of each eruption.

BEYOND THE SOLAR SYSTEM, DEEP SPACE

A rose made of a pair of interacting galaxies, released to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The distorted shape of the larger of the two galaxies shows signs of tidal interactions with the smaller of the two. It is thought that the smaller galaxy has actually passed through the larger one.

A rose made of a pair of interacting galaxies, released to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The distorted shape of the larger of the two galaxies shows signs of tidal interactions with the smaller of the two. It is thought that the smaller galaxy has actually passed through the larger one.

A spiral galaxy with image taken directly from its edge, via Hubble telescope.

A spiral galaxy with image taken directly from its edge, via Hubble telescope.

In the centre of this image, taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, are two faint galaxies that seem to be smiling. You can make out two orange eyes and a white button nose. In the case of this “happy face”, the two eyes are the galaxies SDSSCGB 8842.3 and SDSSCGB 8842.4 and the misleading smile lines are actually arcs caused by an effect known as strong gravitational lensing. Further explanations here talks about “such a powerful gravitational pull that they can warp the spacetime” Too much for me. :)

In the centre of this image, taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, are two faint galaxies that seem to be smiling.
You can make out two orange eyes and a white button nose. In the case of this “happy face”, the two eyes are the galaxies SDSSCGB 8842.3 and SDSSCGB 8842.4 and the misleading smile lines are actually arcs caused by an effect known as strong gravitational lensing. Further explanation includes  “such a powerful gravitational pull that they can warp the spacetime” Too much for me. 🙂  If you want to check out more details, go here.

 

A supernova

A supernova

Helix nebula, the remains of a dying star, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and Galaxy Evolution Explorer, the star's dusty outer layers glow from ultraviolet radiation.

Helix nebula, the remains of a dying star.  The star’s dusty outer layers glow from ultraviolet radiation.  Taken by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope and Galaxy Evolution Explorer.

Lagoon nebula

Lagoon nebula

A dying red star.

A dying red star.

ESO, Chile, the Pencil Nebula. This vibrant red and blue is part of a ring of wreckage resulting from a supernova explosion that occurred 11,000 years ago.

The Pencil Nebula. This vibrant red and blue is part of a ring of wreckage resulting from a supernova explosion that occurred 11,000 years ago.  ESO, Chile

A red giant devours its own planet as the dying star expands.

A red giant devours its own planet as the dying star expands.

EARTH FROM SPACE AND SPACE FROM EARTH

Antarctica from space

Antarctica from space

Manam volcano in Papua, New Guinea by jesse allen, NASA

Manam volcano in Papua, New Guinea by jesse allen, NASA

The Great Lakes and the state of MIchigan, USA, by Nasa satellite via Robert Jacobs on pinterest

The Great Lakes and the state of Michigan, USA, by Nasa satellite via Robert Jacobs on pinterest

The northern lights from the International Space Station.

The northern lights from the International Space Station.

This image of Earth at night is a composite assembled from data acquired by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite over nine days in April 2012 and thirteen days in October 2012. It took 312 orbits and 2.5 terabytes of data to get a clear shot of every parcel of Earth's land surface and islands.

This image of Earth at night is a composite assembled from data acquired by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite over nine days in April 2012 and thirteen days in October 2012. It took 312 orbits and 2.5 terabytes of data to get a clear shot of every parcel of Earth’s land surface and islands.

Northern lights from earth.

Northern lights from earth.

Astronomer Alan Friedman captured this spectacular shot of the sun’s surface using his back yard telescope.

Astronomer Alan Friedman captured this spectacular shot of the sun’s surface using his back yard telescope.

Stars from New Mexico, US, captured by yiminghuphoto.com

Stars from New Mexico, US, captured by yiminghuphoto.com

A spectacular night in Ireland.

A spectacular night in Ireland.

Globular clusters are some of the oldest structures in the universe. Image via NASA

Globular clusters are some of the oldest structures in the universe. Image via NASA

There are about 1,100 active satellites, both government and private orbiting earth. Plus there are about 2,600 ones that no longer work. In addition, there are currently around 22,000 objects in orbit larger than 10 cm. This includes spent boosters, dead satellites, and even misplaced gloves. On top of that there are as many as 370,000 smaller pieces of space junk. Traveling at speeds up to 22,000 miles per hour even small objects can do serious damage if they come in contact with something larger.

There are about 1,100 active satellites, both government and private orbiting earth. Plus there are about 2,600 ones that no longer work. In addition, there are currently around 22,000 objects in orbit larger than 10 cm. This includes spent boosters, dead satellites, and even misplaced gloves. On top of that there are as many as 370,000 smaller pieces of space junk. Traveling at speeds up to 22,000 miles per hour even small objects can do serious damage if they come in contact with something larger.

moon and people

Here's a view looking at one year of seasonal transformations on Earth. Made possible by the folks of the NASA Visible Earth team. John Nelson downloaded the twelve cloud-free satellite imagery mosaics of Earth ("Blue Marble Next Generation") at each month of the year to create this gif.

Here’s a view looking at one year of seasonal transformations on Earth. Made possible by the folks of the NASA Visible Earth team. John Nelson downloaded the twelve cloud-free satellite imagery mosaics of Earth (“Blue Marble Next Generation”) at each month of the year to create this gif.

If you want more cosmic wonders, go here.

Thanks to:  The Daily Mail in Britain, NASA, ESA,  the Hubble Heritage Team ,Colossal.

Also to:  Bruce Evens on pinterest.

And thanks to Patricia S., Melanie, George A., Claire Elizabeth

 

Birds, 7

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Get ready for more awesome birds.  I thought when I started the first bird post that I had found every gorgeous, amusing and unusual bird in existence.  So we are now hundreds of bird images later, with the 7th bird post.  I’m beginning to think there is no end. And that doesn’t count the posts about individual bird species, like:  Bower Birds, and my favorite, the Blue Footed Booby.

Because this series includes so many spectacularly artistic photographs, I really regret when I can’t find the photographer to give proper attribution and thanks.  Don’t miss the videos at the end, especially the baby bird camouflaged as a caterpillar.  If there are ads with the videos, it’s an unavoidable new policy by youtube, not by me.  Enjoy.

By Jim Ridley

By Jim Ridley

Cranes have an amusing way of flying, legs down.

Cranes have an amusing way of flying, legs down.

More cranes

Crane family

Tanninger

Tanninger

Chestnut eared Aracari by Octavio Campos

Chestnut eared Aracari by Octavio Campos Salles

Balit Mynah by cm2852 on Flickr

Balit Mynah by cm2852 on Flickr

White-bellied Yuhina, taken at Yangmingshan, Taipei City, TAIWAN

White-bellied Yuhina, taken at Yangmingshan, Taipei City, TAIWAN

Old Dutch Capucine (Photos by Richard Bailey, Caters News

Old Dutch Capucine (Photos by Richard Bailey, Caters News

comorant, by Sandy Scott

comorant, by Sandy Scott

Eastern rosella, by David Cook Wildlife Photography

Eastern rosella, by David Cook Wildlife Photography

Fiery-throated Hummingbird by Mauro Roman

Fiery-throated Hummingbird by Mauro Roman

Indian Roller bird, by najeebkhan2009 on Flickr

Indian Roller bird, by najeebkhan2009 on Flickr

bird, orange

By Paul Bratescu

The Pink-necked Green Pigeon is NOT photoshopped. It is found in Southern Asia.

The Pink-necked Green Pigeon is NOT photoshopped. It is found in Southern Asia.

with babies, by Ris Seet

with babies, by Ric Seet

The Sunbittern, Le Caurale soleil by Nature & Découverte

The Sunbittern, Le Caurale soleil by Nature & Découverte

birds, (2)birds via kath (2)birds, 2

Altia, a 7 week old Siberian Eagle Owl, the largest species of owl in the world meets Powys, a 5 week old Little Owl. The pair are being raised at The Scottish Owl Centre.

Altia, a 7 week old Siberian Eagle Owl, the largest species of owl in the world meets Powys, a 5 week old Little Owl. The pair are being raised at The Scottish Owl Centre.

birds, 5birds, 4

Banded Kingfisher

Banded Kingfisher

Black-naped monarch

Black-naped monarch

Curl-Crested Aracari , yes, check out the pin curls

Curl-Crested Aracari , yes, check out the pin curls

Do you, like me, ever wonder if some of these birds are too weird, too cute or too colorful to be real?

Shoebill., East Africa

Shoebill., East Africa

Baby American Bittern

Baby American Bittern

birds, 2 (2)birds, babies flying via tim l. wonderful

Juvenile Spectacled Owl

Juvenile Spectacled Owl

A mutant parakeet with long curly feathers. If you don't believe this one is real, check out the video at the end.

A mutant parakeet with long curly feathers. If you don’t believe this one is real, check out the video at the end.

Golden Cap Manakin Bird

Golden Cap Manakin Bird

Weaver bird building nest.

Weaver bird building nest.

Weaver bird starting a nest

Weaver bird starting a nest

Male weaver

Male weaver

To find out more about these fascinating weavers, go here.

birds, flamingo babe via bestphotosite

By John&Fish on Flickr

By John&Fish on Flickr

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo with spots, dots and stripes!

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo with spots, dots and stripes!

 birds babybird, 4birds, Red Tailed Black Cockatoo with spots, dots and stripes!

James Wakelin Yellow bellied sunbird asitya1

By James Wakelin,  Yellow bellied sunbird

birds, cardinals

Silver Breasted Broadbill -- It is found in Asia.

Silver Breasted Broadbill — It is found in Asia.

Rufous by ideiasedicas.com

Rufous by ideiasedicas.com

Variegated Fairy-wren

Variegated Fairy-wren

Motorcycle Detailsbirds, babes (2)

Baby saved after falling from nest. How did someone catch this moment?

Baby saved after falling from nest. How did someone catch this moment?

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher father and baby.

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher father and baby.

birds, ducks

Egyptian Vulture (by DaKrunt)

Egyptian Vulture (by DaKrunt)

Kiwi, New Zealand

Kiwi, New Zealand

Killdeer

Killdeer

birds, 3 (2)

By Dominique.A

Nestlings of the Laniocera hypopyrra bird are orange with long hair-like strands that end in white tips and have a resemblance to a hairy caterpillar. In addition, they move their heads slowly from side to side in an unusual way. This is thought to enhance it’s camouflage by resembling a moving caterpillar.

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1C9HfMS” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/mkRmMQ-xBuo?fs=1&start=7″ vars=”ytid=mkRmMQ-xBuo&width=584&height=584&start=7&stop=30&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2865″ /]

Here’s a peak at what this “caterpillar” baby bird looks like when Mom is near and it’s safe.

 

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1C9HYhi” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/mkRmMQ-xBuo?fs=1&start=368″ vars=”ytid=mkRmMQ-xBuo&width=584&height=584&start=368&stop=400&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2084″ /]

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1IzTusp” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/WFMXrBWswl0?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=WFMXrBWswl0&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=23&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep7077″ /]

In this video about birds stealing stuff, I’m not sure if I believe the one about the cell phone.  Do you think it could be real?

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1IzWOnm” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/p3UE1XZDlSU?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=p3UE1XZDlSU&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=135&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep1406″ /]

Finally, this for anyone who thinks Penguins are cute and who just wants to watch a video about amusing penguin goofs.

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1COc7p3″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/2uNY6F5-N9I?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=2uNY6F5-N9I&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep9680″ /]

For more bird posts on this site, go here.

Thanks to:  Kathleen, Tim and Jen H.

 

 

 

Human Ingenuity Medley, 5

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We’ve got a medley of human-created whimsy and beauty, with some outstanding videos at the end, sure to make you smile.  Don’t miss them.

aaaaaaaa

Music School in China

Music School in China

human ingen, wish I knew where, via Debra

Wish I knew where this was.

opt illu, 7opt illu 3opt illu, 6opt illu 2opticl, caropt illuhuman ingen, buddahhuman ingen, mirror via Tim L.

By Lorenzo Quinn, installed on Park Lane, London, England

By Lorenzo Quinn, installed on Park Lane, London, England

San Francisco, California street

San Francisco, California street

Statue of a man sawing a branch, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Statue of a man sawing a branch, Amsterdam, Netherlands

3-d sand

3-d sand

 

Berlin-based designer Nora Luther and photographer Pavel Becker have combined their creative spirit for a series of food art photos, which highlight the raw ingredients that make up each dish.  The images illustrate food recipes with a series of high-speed photographs capturing all the ingredients hanging in mid-air. Each picture is a work of arrangement, precision and maybe even some luck. If you’re curious about how each dish would look in its finished form, Luther suggests that “the look of the ready cooked dish is left to one’s own imagination.”

recipes,

human ingen, recipes, rotbarsch-kartoffel-ofen_0156-Bearbeitet-a1-crop-Kopiehuman ingen, recipes Bearbeitet-Kopie_ohuman ingen, Recipes-by-Pavel-Becker-Nora-Luther-1 via Merfoodfood, via kathleen, 2food, via kathleenfood, 2human ingen, via gnn, 1

Efficient puppy feeder.

Efficient puppy feeder.

human ingen, via gnn, viral something

Danish artist Peter Callesen creates three dimensional sculptures by folding and cutting a single sheet of paper and using only the removed paper to create figures or buildings. These sheets can be as small as A4 size or as big as 7m by 5m.

Peter Callesen, see creditspeter c 2Peter Callesenpeter c.

origami

origami

Russian artist Sergei Bobkov uses wood from a Siberian tree, a type of red cedar, and soaks the chips in water for several days.

Russian artist Sergei Bobkov uses wood from a Siberian tree, a type of red cedar, and soaks the chips in water for several days.

Diatoms are microscopic, single-cell algae that are considered amongst the smallest organisms on Earth. Being so tiny, it’s a wonder that artist Klaus Kemp has managed to manipulate the minuscule organisms and place them into beautiful, geometric arrangements that can only be viewed with a microscope.

diatromsdias, 6The art of diatom arranging dates back to the Victorian era. Kemp spent 8 years researching glue to find the best adhesives for his art. He also spends much of his time searching for new diatom specimens.  There 100,000 recorded species currently in existence.

dias, 4dias, 3dias, 5Once collected, the artist goes through the mind-boggling process of cleaning, organizing, and finally arranging the uniquely-shaped microscopic organisms.  To see a video of Kemp producing these amazing designs, go here.

Wire fairy sculptures by Britains' Robin-Wight

Wire fairy sculptures by Britain’s Robin Wight

fantasywire-wire-fairy-sculptures-robin-wight-2fantasywire-wire-fairy-sculptures-robin-wight-17fantasywire-wire-fairy-sculptures-robin-wight-26

Infrared photography by Kort Kramer

Infrared photography by Kort Kramer

human ingen, Kort Kramer, 5

human ingen, Kort Kramer 7human ingen, Kort Kramer 8human ingen, Kort Kramer2human ingen, Kort Kramerhuman ingen, human rainbow via sunnyskyz [embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1uqAWiA” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/SB_0vRnkeOk?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=SB_0vRnkeOk&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4310″ /]

The fifteen individual pendulums in this video from Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstrations have been carefully calibrated by length to produce visual traveling waves, standing waves, beating, and random motion–producing a trippy effect.  If you want the scientific explanation of how it works, follow the link above.  Otherwise, just marvel and enjoy.

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1EHtTIs” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/yVkdfJ9PkRQ?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=yVkdfJ9PkRQ&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4018″ /]

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1EHuaet” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/Nz8L4MJMXgQ?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=Nz8L4MJMXgQ&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep8768″ /]

For more medleys of human ingenuity, go here.

Thanks to:  Tim L., Kathleen, Merry, Mike B, Debra, Jen H. and Jen C.

Also to:  Sunnyskyz, Good New Network, Distractify, Visual Funhouse.

 

 

Kid Wonders

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If you have been following this website for awhile, you will probably recognize some of these images of kids.  To me, all repeats found here are worthy of a second viewing, plus there are plenty of new ones.  And this first gif is among my all-time favorites.  If only we could all enter each moment with the same concentrated dedication to spontaneity, appreciation and fun.  Enjoy.

kid gifbabies, via shiraexqui-image-woman-and-baby-Jen-Hkids 2kids, 3

kid_watermelonFavim.com-16285animal-black-and-white-children-elephant-kid-Favim.com-351835child-monkeyhandsfunny-hilarious-kid-child-pics-116

kids via sunnyskyzkids, 2kids, sleep, on swingkids, camelkids, via kathleen

Ooops

Ooops

kids, coloring dog via kathleenkids, kotexkids, Kid-joining-the-art-formation-resizecrop--kids, via kathkids 3kids, hedgehogkids, penquingirl, from c.e.kids, ostrichanigif_enhanced-buzz-gif via buzzfeed [embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1ynKrpQ” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/z1fl4oh3Ocg?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=z1fl4oh3Ocg&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4166″ /]

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1ynL0A1″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/9n0YCpHepi0?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=9n0YCpHepi0&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4734″ /]

Thanks to:  Shira, Claire Elizabeth, Jen H, Kathleen

Animals: Exquisite, Amusing and Aww, 9

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For animal lovers, here’s a holiday gift of more wonderful critters.  For others you’ll have to wait until the New Year for a different topic.  Don’t miss the video at the end.

2d463735d8efbb5f4e4eec893381bf4banimals, antlersanimals, 6animals, 5

Young Impala jumps in the Etosha National Park in Namibia, Africa. ©Neil Cooper

Young Impala jumps in the Etosha National Park in Namibia, Africa. ©Neil Cooper

animals, by Lauren Conradanimals, albino tigers maybe

Olympian rabbit.

Olympian rabbit.

By Johan Lolos via John in Australia

By Johan Lolos via John in Australia

Kimodo, Indonesia, via Daily Telegraph by Woe Hendrick Husin, Caters

Kimodo, Indonesia, via Daily Telegraph by Woe Hendrick Husin, Caters

animals, deer

A rare Ayam Cemani Chicken of Indonesia, everything about it is black: plumage, beak, tongue, legs, toe nails, even its meat, bones, and organs! The only thing that is black is its blood - though it comes in a very dark shade.

A rare Ayam Cemani Chicken of Indonesia, everything about it is black: plumage, beak, tongue, legs, toe nails, even its meat, bones, and organs! The only thing that is black is its blood – though it comes in a very dark shade.

animals, cute caterpillar

Who sewed that cute little jacket for this caterpillar

animals, black chicken see word

Baby gibbon

Baby gibbon

animals, by Les-Piccolo

By Les Piccolo

2eb43c33769e368e81d5e37e13115b5e

Blue bunny

Blue bunny

by Ciro Ruoso Sifaka Lemurs of Madagascar

by Ciro Ruoso Sifaka Lemurs of Madagascar

animals via Jen H and bored panda by Manuela Kulpaanimals, bugmonkey steals food gifkitten in shoe

Moeras wallabies by K. Verhulst

Moeras wallabies by K. Verhulst

mixed species, dog and fawnanimals, Oh no!SONY DSCanimals, frog on mushroom

Moth in Jocotepec, JAL, Mexico

Moth in Jocotepec, JAL, Mexico

cat taking food gif

Baby teacup Pomeranian

Baby teacup Pomeranian

Surfing penguin

Surfing penguin

By Gavin Werbeloff via National Geographic

By Gavin Werbeloff via National Geographic

Baby desert monkey

Baby desert monkey

Pink fairy armadillo.

Pink fairy armadillo.

animals, turtle and babe, kath

Giant anteater, by Sexecutioner on Flickr

Giant anteater, by Sexecutioner on Flickr

animalsl, moose

Laguna Colorado, Bolivia at 14,000 feet. Llama. by Esther Buttery via National Geographic

Laguna Colorado, Bolivia at 14,000 feet. Llama. by Esther Buttery via National Geographic

Dusky-Leaf Monkey, Malaysia, Phang, Taman Negara National Park.

Dusky-Leaf Monkey, Phang, Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia by Ashley Vincent

d2b2260f04f483cfe488415347b68ad1sheep butting gifbaby hedgehoganimals, polar bearcat and pancake gif cat and vaccuum gifduck slide gifcat with pellets gif2 cats gifmixed species, dog and cat gif

 

Don’t miss what this monkey is doing with the woman’s hand.

 

 

 

monkey and human gif

For more animals posts go here:

Thanks to:  Jen C., Jen H, Kathleen and sunnyskyz

 

Enchanting Arches

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I’m not sure why, but these images of arches have captivated my imagination–including in my dreams.  As always, it’s amazing how much beauty and variety humans manage to create with something that seems simple, like an arch.   These images are all complements of Sam Pryor on Pinterest.  I’ve referred to him many times when I use pictures from his site but this is the first time he’s done all the collecting for me.  Do give his site a try.

As always, I give attribution where I know it.  If you have knowledge of the location of an unmarked arch, or of the architect who designed it or the artist who took the photograph, please share it with everyone in the comments at the end of the post.

By Katarina 2353

By Katarina 2353

By Matteo Angelotti

By Matteo Angelotti

8eb1a037146c524cb54b33cf0bc2f030

Tin Mal Mosque, Morocco, By Kasmil

489eec6a70cac6866ebd9feb0c92cdae

Bologna, by mym on Flickr

58831450556f66ac2910ada926d3c215

Arganzuela Footbridge, Dominique Perrault Architecture

Arganzuela Footbridge, Dominique Perrault Architecture

After the rain, Abbey of San Galgano, Italy by Marite

After the rain, Abbey of San Galgano, Italy by Marite

bd947a7e31af1677a36fa6f030511215

Chiapas. Mexico

Chiapas. Mexico

Arched Door - Chateau de Belcastel 13th century, France
Arched Door – Chateau de Belcastel 13th century, France

 

 

b269471e2af6e31a98d24fd61231791e

By skipnclick on flickr

By skipnclick on flickr

 

 

 

54f2ab43b7973d9fc2f6810ed5830cc6

Chaumont Viaduct, France. Lighting design, Jean-François Touchard - Photographed by Didier Boy de la Tour

Chaumont Viaduct, France. Lighting design, Jean-François Touchard – Photographed by Didier Boy de la Tour

Chaumont Viaduct, France

Chaumont Viaduct, France

Inside the Steinway Piano factory

Inside the Steinway Piano factory

Iran

Iran

Jean Dieuzaide, Eglise Romane, 1921

Jean Dieuzaide, Eglise Romane, 1921

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, II Italy by mbell1975 on flickr

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, II Italy by mbell1975 on flickr

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England

Scandinavia, via National Geographic

Scandinavia, via National Geographic

The Blue Mosque, Tabriz. Iran

The Blue Mosque, Tabriz, Iran. Image by Ri Za

Design by Gaudi, Casa Mila

Design by Gaudi, Casa Mila

Ouse Valley viaduct

Ouse Valley viaduct

d89f9a5b8af68e3927dfa8e6ab1b9364b7bb2fbd2f32cc2b666ef25d0fc7f074ea1f00c36256bb11f54f63a45e427f27

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey Print by Carson Ganci

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey Print by Carson Ganci

fc4fc6b0175753a6e3d5adf075e85d06

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey

Isfahan, Iran

Isfahan, Iran

mario botta

Design by mario botta

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, Coimbra by Samuel Santos, via Flickr

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, Coimbra by Samuel Santos, via Flickr

New York City

New York City

Safdarjung Tomb by Renee Vititoe, New Delhi, India

Safdarjung Tomb by Renee Vititoe, New Delhi, India

Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland by JCNixonPhoto on flickr

Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland by JCNixonPhoto on flickr

Savilla, Spain by kdynamic on Flickr

Savilla, Spain by kdynamic on Flickr

BRAAMCAMP FREIRE Secondary School, LIsbon, Portugal

BRAAMCAMP FREIRE Secondary School, LIsbon, Portugal

The Industrial Cathedral

The Industrial Cathedral

Kyoto, Japan by tatuya_sss on flickr

Kyoto, Japan by tatuya_sss on flickr

India

India

Park Guell. Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Spain by RoldixBCN

Park Guell. Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Spain by RoldixBCN

Munich subway

Munich subway

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque Shiraz, Iran

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque Shiraz, Iran

Prayer Tunnels

Prayer Tunnels

By Yasir Nisar

By Yasir Nisar

f9b85c4d238c4f2772ede0330137f70192f8bb847b29e33316d1a2c726ea3c39

berceau

By Richie 78 on flickr

Mirogoj Cemetery Arcade in Zagreb, Croatia By Richie 78 on flickr

Colorful passage in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Colorful passage in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park via Earth Shots.org

Townhall in Vienna, Austria

Townhall in Vienna, Austria

Puff Adder is a wooden tunnel resembling a snake used for growing lilies in South Africa, architects by Patrice Taravella and Terry de Waal.

Puff Adder is a wooden tunnel resembling a snake used for growing lilies in South Africa, architects by Patrice Taravella and Terry de Waal.

Roman galleries under the old Archbishop's Palace of Aeminium , modern Coimbra, Portugal

Roman galleries under the old Archbishop’s Palace of Aeminium , modern Coimbra, Portugal

Wells Cathedral by Matt Wiebe on flickr

Wells Cathedral by Matt Wiebe on flickr

99c7a17d07c039803a388ebbda3a1364golden

Escalator in Umeda Sky Building, Osaka City, Japan

Escalator in Umeda Sky Building, Osaka City, Japan

Rafael Moneo

Design  by Rafael Moneo

 

The Royal stables, Meknes, Morocco

The Royal stables, Meknes, Morocco

Hôtel Thoumieux on the Left Bank, Paris. created by Thierry Costes and designer India Mahdavi

Hôtel Thoumieux on the Left Bank, Paris. created by Thierry Costes and designer India Mahdavi

Setting sun

Setting sun

If you like the sensibilities in this post, don’t forget to try Sam Pryor on Pinterest.

 

 

Sealife

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33

What took me so long to do a another sea post?  I think I forgot the breath-taking variety and beauty in our seas.  Feast your eyes and luxuriate in the wonder of these creatures.  And please let me know your favorites.

First, do you think of jelly fish as gorgeous?

Spanish Dancer Jellyfish

Spanish Dancer Jellyfish

Starburst jellies

Starburst jellies

By Joaquin Gutierrez Fernandez on flickr

By Joaquin Gutierrez Fernandez on flickr

White spotted Jelly

White spotted Jelly

sea, jelly (2)

By J-Ri on flickr

By J-Ri on flickr

 

sea, jelly 2 (2)sea, jelly via pint

 

 

sea, jelly

By Joshua Lambus

By Joshua Lambus

Egg jellyfish. Some of these names are a little obvious.

Egg jellyfish. Some of these names are a little obvious.

sea, by Joyce Pedersen (addict2pics) on Flickr jelly

By Joyce Pedersen (addict2pics) on Flickr

By randapex on flickr

By randapex on flickr

sea, jelly 2Check out these Nudibranches, or Sea Slugs

Black and Gold Sapsucking Slug, Cyerce nigricans

Black and Gold Sapsucking Slug, Cyerce nigricans

By Nick Hobgood

By Nick Hobgood

 

by acqua e luce on flickr

by acqua e luce on flickr

By Greg Piper

By Greg Piper

By Allen Lee(houpc) on flickr

By Allen Lee(houpc) on flickr

By Digidiverdave on flickr

By Digidiverdave on flickr

By Stan Bysshe

By Stan Bysshe

By Jfherve

By Jfherve

Can you believe these were all different versions of the seaslug?

I think it's an octopus. Or squid?

I think it’s an octopus. Or squid?

sea, 2

By DaisyHillCuttleFarm

 

Feather star by Daryl Glass

Feather star by Daryl Glass

By murphy.laurence on flickr, blue ringed octopus with a deadly bite

By murphy.laurence on flickr, blue ringed octopus with a deadly bite.

heart feather duster, by courtneyplatt on flickr

heart feather duster, by courtneyplatt on flickr

A juvenile pinnate spadefish

A juvenile pinnate spadefish

Blenny

Blenny

Blue lipstick

Blue lipstick

Sailfin Tang by Melissa Fiene

Sailfin Tang by Melissa Fiene

Mandarin fish

Mandarin fish

by Christian Skauge The free-swimming hydromedusae Gonionemus murbachii. location, Norwegian Sea Norway

by Christian Skauge The free-swimming hydromedusae Gonionemus murbachii. location, Norwegian Sea Norway

By tredhead on flickr, seahorse

By tredhead on flickr, seahorse

Leafy Sea dragon

Leafy Sea dragon

Leafy Sea Dragon via National Geographic

Leafy Sea Dragon via National Geographic

Soft coral

Soft coral

Soft coral

Soft coral

387d87b9cc66592aa0669d240737a51c

zoanthid

zoanthid

Bouquet of sea squirts, by Nick Hobgood on flickr

Bouquet of sea squirts, by Nick Hobgood on flickr

From Daily Telegraph, UK

From Daily Telegraph, UK

 

By Ari Lynn Day on Flickr, starfish

By Ari Lynn Day on Flickr, starfish

 

Icon starfish by Mark Atwell flickr

Icon starfish by Mark Atwell flickr

Red Feather Starfish by Mark Laita

Red Feather Starfish by Mark Laita

By lndr on flickr

By lndr on flickr, Leander Wiseman

Firefly squid on a Japanese beach

Firefly squid on a Japanese beach

The Firefly Squid is a bioluminescent squid growing to a length of only three inches. It is equipped with special light-producing organs called photophores that emit a deep blue light. Large photophores can be found on the tips of the tentacles as well as around the eyes. Thousands of tiny photophores can be found throughout the squid’s body, giving it the ability to emit light along its entire form.

One firefly squid.

One firefly squid.by Dante Fenollo

The-Glowing-Firefly-Squid-of-Toyama-Japan

In the Toyama Bay, in the central Japan Sea, the squid are found in fantastic abundance. Normally living at 1200 feet underwater, waves in the Toyama bay push the squid to the surface in massive numbers where they are fished from March to June.

Cymbol bubble snail by Okinawa Nature Photography

Cymbol bubble snail by Okinawa Nature Photography

Zebra striped anenome by Nick Hobgood on flickr

Zebra striped anenome by Nick Hobgood on flickr

Salp chain by by Davichin

Salp chain by by Davichin

Salps are tunicates that swim by jet propulsion, taking in water through a siphon at one end of their bodies and expelling it at the other. Four-inch (10.2-centimeter) salps link together to make luminous chains up to fifteen feet (4.6 meters) long!

sea, Salp Chain. Salps are any of various transparent barrel-shaped or fusiform free-swimming tunicates (class Thaliacea) abundant in warm seas.

Another salp chain.

Another salp chain.

The bristle-like appendage of an amphipod—a type of marine crustacean. The bristles serve as a sort of fishing net for plankton.

The bristle-like appendage of an amphipod—a type of marine crustacean. The bristles serve as a sort of fishing net for plankton.

White tentacle Japanese Aeolis.

White tentacle Japanese Aeolis.

Ping pong tree sponge from Mariana's trench

Ping pong tree sponge from Mariana’s trench

Fish swim in schools to appear larger to their predators.

Fish swim in schools to appear larger to their predators.

article-2196238-14C3C532000005DC-634_964x639

By R. Dirscherl/Photoshot/Solent

fish-diver

School of fish makes way for sharks. Maldives Islands

School of fish makes way for sharks. Maldives Islands

School-of-FishCouldn't find the photographer but was13704960014d030dd340d9bf00eed8f8a68239For more sea images and information, go to:  Seaslugs, or Sea Dragons, or Sea Horses, or Sea Stars or the weird frogfish.  Info about the sea horses is especially fascinating, if you haven’t read it.

Thanks to:  Sam Pryor on Pinterest,  an article by Kaushik on amusing planet, and to all the diving photographers who took these amazing pictures and whose identity I could not find.

 

 

Bridges

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18

Maybe you don’t think a post on bridges sounds very interesting.  How about a bridge that folds into a circle to let boats by?  Or one that has a meditation center and museum on it?  Or a coffee shop?  I hope some of the amazing designs, cool lighting or perfect locales on this page change your mind.

rollingbridge, Built to let canal boats pass, The rolling bridge unfurls every day at noon, London, England

Built to let canal boats pass, the rolling bridge unfurls every day at noon, London, England

 

A new kind of draw bridge: Friedrich Bayer Bridge

A new kind of draw bridge: Friedrich Bayer Bridge, Brazil

bridge, not quite a draw bridge, Friedrich Bayer Bridge

Bridge on lake in Tatton's Japanese garden in the UK

Helium balloon suspended bridge by Olivier Grossetête in Tatton’s Japanese garden in the UK.

bridge and crazy

ljusarkitektur-solvesborg-bridge, Sweden

ljusarkitektur-solvesborg-bridge, Sweden

Sölvesborgsbron 7Sölvesborgsbron 10 Sölvesborgsbron 5

Ancient Bridge, Kromlau, Germany

Ancient Bridge, Kromlau, Germany

 

The ‘gold line bridge’ is the first mass transit crossing in California to be designed by an artist (assuming none of the architects of the other bridges count as artists.)

The ‘gold line bridge’ in Arcadia, California.  Andrew Leicester was commissioned to capture the character of the local culture and history in his design.

Image by PacoAlcantara.

Image by PacoAlcantara.

The world's largest dragon-shaped bridge over the Han River, Vietnam, covered in over 2,500 LED lights - and it breathes fire.

The world’s largest dragon-shaped bridge over the Han River, Vietnam, covered in over 2,500 LED lights – and it breathes fire.

Vietnams-Fire-Breathing-Dragon-Bridge

bridge, 3

by Ian@NZ on flickr

by Ian@NZ on flickr

Millenium bridge’ of bamboo, Bali, Indonesia.

Millenium bridge’ of bamboo, Bali, Indonesia.

Aiola Island Bridge - Mur River in Graz, Austria - It has a sunbathing area, a trendy bar and a coffee house, plus it allows you to cross the Mur River

Aiola Island Bridge – Mur River in Graz, Austria – It has a sunbathing area, a trendy bar and a coffee house, plus it allows you to cross the Mur River

Moonlight in Multnomah Falls, Oregon by bobshots on flickr

Moonlight in Multnomah Falls, Oregon by bobshots on flickr

Umeda Sky Building in Osaka City, Japan - world's highest escalator.

Umeda Sky Building in Osaka City, Japan – world’s highest escalator.

Under The Bridge by Mazen Abdulmalek

Under The Bridge by Mazen Abdulmalek

bridge,

Bamboo bridge

bridges, 2

Image by junkie-house

Image by junkie-house

China

China

Garden of 10,000 bridges by "west 8" in Xi’an, China

Garden of 10,000 bridges by “west 8” in Xi’an, China

Garden level

Garden level

The 'peace bridge' by Valencian architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, spanning the bow river in Calgary, Canada.

The ‘peace bridge’ by Valencian architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, spanning the bow river in Calgary, Canada.

Zhivopisny Bridge, Moscow, Russia

Zhivopisny Bridge, Moscow, Russia

cal, bridge

High Bridge Trail State Park, Virginia

High Bridge Trail State Park, Virginia

 

Rainforest Canopy Walkway by Travelust 88

Rainforest Canopy Walkway by Travelust 88

Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado. The world's highest suspension bridge which spans the Arkansas River at a height of 1053 feet.

Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado. The world’s highest suspension bridge which spans the Arkansas River at a height of 1053 feet.

The Khaju Bridge, Pol-e-Khajoo, in Isfahan, Iran, was built in the 17th century by Shah Abbas II. The bridge is also a dam, with sluice gates under the archways.

The Khaju Bridge, Pol-e-Khajoo, in Isfahan, Iran, was built in the 17th century by Shah Abbas II. The bridge is also a dam, with sluice gates under the archways.

The Palladian Bridge, Bath, England

The Palladian Bridge, Bath, England

Bridge leading to the Giant Buddha, China

Bridge leading to the Giant Buddha, China

Millau Bridge, France - the tallest bridge in the world.

Millau Bridge, France – the tallest bridge in the world.

 

Spider bridge by henrye, Sun City, North-West of South Africa

Spider bridge by henrye, Sun City, North-West of South Africa

The whole bridge is suspended with boats holding planks together, China

The whole bridge is suspended with boats holding planks together, China

Giethoorn, Netherlands (the town with no roads) - The Venice of Netherland

Giethoorn, Netherlands (the town with no roads) – The Venice of Netherland

The Arganzuela footbridge is over 250 meters long, subtly expanding in its diameter.

The Arganquela footbridge is over 250 meters long, subtly expanding in its diameter.

 

perrault04, the design is over 250 meters long, subtly expanding in its diameterperrault05

In Madrid, Spain

In Madrid, Spain

Skybridge, built on the island of Pulau in the Langkawi Archipelago , this cross between a bridge and an observation deck affords fantastic views of the Andaman Sea. It stands 700 metres.

Skybridge, built on the island of Pulau in the Langkawi Archipelago , Malaysia.  This cross between a bridge and an observation deck affords fantastic views of the Andaman Sea. It stands 700 metres.

Spanning the trinity river and Dallas floodway in Dallas, Texas, the ‘Margaret Hunt hill bridge’

Spanning the trinity river and Dallas floodway in Dallas, Texas, the ‘Margaret Hunt hill bridge’

A closed railroad bridge built in 1939 dong-gu, daegu, south korea was redesigned to include cultural service facilities, such as a meditation institute, observatory space,

A closed railroad bridge built in 1939 dong-gu, daegu, South Korea was redesigned to include cultural service facilities, such as a meditation institute, observatory space, rest area and a museum.

Details of the old railroad tie and rail show through.

Details of the old railroad tie and rail show through.

Meditation center on the bridge.

Meditation center on the bridge.

The kiosks serve as a digital museum of the bridge.

The kiosks serve as a digital museum of the bridge.

The bridge at night.

The bridge at night.

Dallas, Texas. Image © gus rios

Dallas, Texas. Image © gus rios

By gus Rios

By gus Rios

Architects from NEXT were chosen to design a new bridge over a canal in Purmurend, The Netherlands to accommodate bikes, pedestrians and wheelchairs. However, wheelchairs need very shallow ramps for access, which made the bridge a really long Z shape, almost 330 feet long.

Architects from NEXT were chosen to design a new bridge over a canal in Purmurend, The Netherlands to accommodate bikes, pedestrians and wheelchairs. However, wheelchairs need very shallow ramps for access, which made the bridge a really long Z shape, almost 330 feet long.

The solution was to add another short but steep bridge for pedestrians who could climb up the arch, 40 feet high, and get a great view too.

The solution was to add another short but steep bridge for pedestrians who could climb up the arch, 40 feet high, and get a great view too.

Ölhafen Bridge

The new white Ölhafen Bridge is an elegant, curved structure. It spans the 70 m wide entrance to the oil terminal harbour in Raunheim, Germany with a spiralling access ramp.

The new white Ölhafen Bridge is an elegant, curved structure. It spans the 70 m wide entrance to the oil terminal harbour in Raunheim, Germany with a spiralling access ramp.

Ölhafen Bridge by schneider+schumacherolhafen bridge

Boldogkovaralja, Hungary

Boldogkovaralja, Hungary

Cane bridge and woman carrying cane logs - Kabua village, Republic Of The Congo.

Cane bridge and woman carrying cane logs – Kabua village, Republic Of The Congo.

Henderson Waves At a height of 36 metres or 12 storeys pedestrian bridge, Singapore.

Henderson Waves At a height of 36 metres or 12 storeys pedestrian bridge, Singapore.

Light Rail Train Bridge; Jerusalem, Israel; designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Light Rail Train Bridge; Jerusalem, Israel; designed by Santiago Calatrava.

 

Peace footbridge over river in Lyon, France

Peace footbridge over river in Lyon, France

PUBLIC SPACE in the middle of Lyon bridge.

PUBLIC SPACE in the middle of Lyon bridge.)

Bleichwiesensteg Backnangbridges,bridges, via sambridge

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

For more bridges, go here.

Thanks to:  DesignBoom, and Sam Pryor on Pinterest

 

Animals, exquisite, amusing and aww, 8

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13

O.K.  I have to admit, I let the cuteness bug get the best of me for some of these.  If you’re allergic to them, just speed on through.  I promise there are also plenty of amusing animal pics mixed in with a few gorgeous, exquisite shots.  If you make it safely to the videos, you must watch the amazing one of the elk herd through to the end.  I guarantee it’s worth it.

Baby sloth

Baby sloth

fox by Bjorn Anders Nymoen via National Geograhic

fox by Bjorn Anders Nymoen via National Geographic

Goat on a boat.

Goat on a boat.

best wildlife, via Jen H.

By Marsel van Oosten

animals, cat in boxanimals, cat, shower curtain

cat in box

animalsvia distraticy

by lisaluvz on Flickr

by lisaluvz on Flickr

animals, blackanimals, lion in tree

Coconut Octopus

Coconut Octopus

Wunderpus Photogenicus, a spectacular octopus with a terrific name has long arms, small eyes on elongated stalks and a pattern which is unique to each individual.

Wunderpus Photogenicus, a spectacular octopus with a terrific name has long arms, small eyes on elongated stalks and a pattern which is unique to each individual.

Sifika (by ucumari photography (Valerie))

Sifika (by ucumari photography (Valerie))

I know, I know. Snakes are a little creepy. But this one was too remarkable to leave out.

I know, I know. Snakes are a little creepy. But this one was too remarkable to leave out.

 

By Kevin H via National Geographic.

By Kevin H via National Geographic.

Oh no!  Get prepared for too cute.

animals, oh no, too cuteanimals, panda (2)animals, panda babe

Francois's Leaf Monkey by Hans Peters

Francois’s Leaf Monkey by Hans Peters

By Andre Pretorius

By Andre Pretorius

'Old Cloths' by Claudio Contreras Koob

‘Old Cloths’ by Claudio Contreras Koob

animals, kitten (2)

Had to let a too-cute puppy to balance the too-cute kitten.

Had to let a too-cute puppy in to balance the too-cute kitten.

Can a baby ant eater be cute?

Can a baby armadillo be cute?

A baby anteater?

A baby anteater?

Baby aardvark?

Baby aardvark?

Ever heard of a baby Aardwolf? By H. van den Berg

Ever heard of a baby Aardwolf? By H. van den Berg

Baby tapir, by sparky2000 on Flickr

Baby tapir? by sparky2000 on Flickr

 

How about a cute baby rhino?

How about a cute baby rhino?  By Marina Cano

animals, pigs swimanimals, pigletsanimals, gorilla

Dusky-Leaf Monkey, Thailand by Ray and Sue Photography

Dusky-Leaf Monkey, Thailand by Ray and Sue Photography

A penquin nursery by Frederique Olivier, John Downer Productions

A penguin nursery by Frederique Olivier, John Downer Productions

Penguin with a fur coat?

Penguin with a fur coat?

polar bears

Ouch! Not by the ear, Mom.

animals, polar pups

Gibons, by ~SAMLIM

Gibons, by ~SAMLIM

animals, mouse (2)

one-toothed hedgehog

one-toothed hedgehog

Okapi by Derek Keats on Flickr, animal designed by committee

Okapi by Derek Keats on Flickr, animal designed by committee

Bad hair day by Gordon Illg

Bad hair day by Gordon Illg

animals, kittens

Impala in wildlife delta, Botswana by Chris Schmid

Impala in wildlife delta, Botswana by Chris Schmid

Too Big But So Tasty' by Alain Ghignone

Too Big But So Tasty’ by Alain Ghignone

By Alexander Badyaev

By Alexander Badyaev

dormouse

dormouse

animals, cats in line

Cuddly teddy bear--except for those claws.

Cuddly teddy bear–except for those claws.

Cat door surprise

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qzVzXx” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/rVr-l2plai8?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=rVr-l2plai8&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep7567″ /]

Wolves play

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qzMGgv” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/vDIS6eC7F-U?fs=1&start=14″ vars=”ytid=vDIS6eC7F-U&width=584&height=584&start=14&stop=53&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep5878″ /]

Elephants Rescue Baby

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qzNulB” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/ReNavhcXUYk?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=ReNavhcXUYk&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=53&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep7881″ /]

 

Massive herd of elk in Montana.  Stay the whole 3 minutes only if you want to feel good.  By Austin Stonnell

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qzUdfl” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/hIEIU9S30l8?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=hIEIU9S30l8&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2036″ /]

Crazy Kitten with milk

[embedplusvideo height=”584″ width=”584″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1qzRna8″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/XNKnAfGrKxo?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=XNKnAfGrKxo&width=584&height=584&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep6411″ /]

For more animal images go here.

Thanks to:  Louise, Jen H., Gary, Jen C and distractify.

 

 

 

Housing Medley, 2

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24

Take a peek at some of the places we humans call home.  We’ve got the quirky, the impressive, and a sampling of the vast cultural variety of abodes.  And of course there are the houses where the attraction is location, location, location.  Unusual and enticing dwellings for everyone’s taste.  Don’t miss the house that twirls around.

Cottage, Norway

Cottage, Norway

Flat in London.

Flat in London.

Fire lookout in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state, USA

Fire lookout in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state, USA

Home of Ruth Handler, creator of the Barbie Doll.

Home of Ruth Handler, creator of the Barbie Doll.

home, 2

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

‘The Canopy’ Tower, Hong Kong. Note the floors are a spiral.

‘The Canopy’ Tower, Hong Kong. Note the floors are a spiral.

This three bedroom home seems pretty standard (for an octagonal-shaped house.) BUT it it is built on a rotating platform that is powered by two motors about the same size as those found in a washing machine. One revolution can be completed in as little as thirty minutes or as long as two hours, depending on the set speed and this unique feature ensures the homeowners a sensational view no matter what room they are in.

This three bedroom home seems pretty standard (for an octagonal-shaped house.) BUT it is built on a rotating platform that is powered by two motors about the same size as those found in a washing machine. One revolution can be completed in as little as thirty minutes or as long as two hours, depending on the set speed and this unique feature ensures the homeowners a sensational view no matter what room they are in.

houses, 2 (2)

Hobbit House, Wales

Hobbit House, Wales

Park Güell designed by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell designed by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain. Image by Ken Kaminesky.

house, snowfloating home

Port Washington, Oregon, USA

Port Washington, Oregon, USA

houses, 4houses, 2

Switzerland

Switzerland

Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) in Sopot, Poland

Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) in Sopot, Poland

houses, from Melhouses, 1

Iceland

Iceland

Japan

Japan

34b0de5d43e058fe982dbe7f2180c02d

Rock Village Monsanto in Portugal

Rock Village Monsanto in Portugal

Portugal

Portugal

The Drina River near the town of Bajina Basta, Serbia

The Drina River near the town of Bajina Basta, Serbia

houses, (2)house,

Norfolk, England

Norfolk, England

Norway

Norway

houses, lake

 

farm in Kentucky, USA by yiminghu.

Barn in Lexington, Kentucky, USA by yiminghu.

houses

Russian countryside dwelling

Russian countryside dwelling

Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

A rubble stone lime mortar thatched cottage in Blaise Hamlet near Bristol, England

A rubble stone lime mortar thatched cottage in Blaise Hamlet near Bristol, England

House of recycled windows made for $500, West Virginia, USA

House of recycled windows made for $500, West Virginia, USA

House in Denmark made with old construction techniques, including seaweed cladding. Image, Helene Hoyer Mikkelsen and Realdania BYG

House in Denmark made with old construction techniques, including seaweed cladding. Image, Helene Hoyer Mikkelsen and Realdania BYG

Seaweed bungalows are indigenous architecture in Rongcheng, China

Seaweed bungalows are indigenous architecture in Rongcheng, China

More seaweed

More seaweed

More seaweed houses, Shandong province, China

More seaweed houses, Shandong province, China

Mud House Design in Cameroon

Mud House Design in Cameroon

Earthern home

Earthern home

An earthen building in Burkina Faso

An earthen building in Burkina Faso

Earthern mud mosque in Northern Ghana

Earthern mud mosque in Northern Ghana

Dogon cliff village, Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali. Photo credit Victor Engelbert.

Dogon cliff village, Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali. Photo credit Victor Engelbert.

Meeting house and resting place for Dogon men, Mali

Meeting house and resting place for Dogon men, Mali

A Turkana home in the Northwestern part of Kenya

A Turkana home in the Northwestern part of Kenya

Toraja, South Sulawesi, Jakarta, Indonesia

Toraja, South Sulawesi, Jakarta, Indonesia

traditional Indonesian architecture

Traditional house in Fugnido, Ethiopia

Traditional house in Fugnido, Ethiopia

Tribes in Bolivia use sticks and plants filled in with mud, but unlike the Bolivian houses in the valleys and highlands, roofs are made of interwoven and layered dried palm fronds

Tribes in Bolivia use sticks and plants filled in with mud, but unlike the Bolivian houses in the valleys and highlands, roofs are made of interwoven and layered dried palm fronds

Taberma Tata, Togo; photo by Deidi van Schaewe

Taberma Tata, Togo; photo by Deidi van Schaewe

Village houses and compound Mognori Village Community, Northern Ghana showing vernacular architecture with patterned mud walls

Village houses and compound Mognori Village Community, Northern Ghana showing vernacular architecture with patterned mud walls

Typical houses on stilts lining the main street of Lilisiana, Solomon Islands

Typical houses on stilts lining the main street of Lilisiana, Solomon Islands

Leaf house in Solomon Islands

Leaf house in Solomon Islands

 

Uru homes are made using “totora” reeds that grow along the shores of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Uru homes are made using “totora” reeds that grow along the shores of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Venezuela

Venezuela

Maori meeting house, New Zealand

Maori meeting house, New Zealand

Pakistan

Pakistan

Ndebele House, South Africa

Ndebele House, South Africa

Dome Rondavels ~ Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa.

Dome Rondavels ~ Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa.

Underground home in Switzerland constructed of concrete, oak doors and features an outdoor terrace complete with a spa, barbecue, dining area and a stunning view of the Alps. The front entrance is used when receiving company, while an underground tunnel provides family members access to the barn from the rear.

Underground home in Switzerland constructed of concrete, oak doors and features an outdoor terrace complete with a spa, barbecue, dining area and a stunning view of the Alps. The front entrance is used when receiving company, while an underground tunnel provides family members access to the barn from the rear.

Switzerland

Maine cabin

Maine cabin

home, 3house, church-question mark

by Camille Lacheré

by Camille Lacheré

Vermont, USA

Vermont, USA

 

Telemark, Norway

Telemark, Norway

For more unusual housing go here.

Thanks to:  From Moon to Moon.  And to Melanie.

Weird and Extreme Weather,

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23

Did you know the electrical charges from lightening go up from the earth to meet the bolts coming down from the sky?  Check out the videos at the end and see it for yourself.  The following images are bizarre, amazing, troubling and wondrous.  For more details about some of the phenomenon you are seeing, especially clouds, go here.  In the meantime, enjoy exploring more weird weather.

Broken bow, Nebraska by Vanessa Neufeld via National Geographic

Broken bow, Nebraska by Vanessa Neufeld via National Geographic

Grand Canyon lightning storm By Rolf Maeder

Grand Canyon lightning storm By Rolf Maeder

Cell tower

Cell tower

Cordon del Caulle erupts in Chile

Cordon del Caulle erupts in Chile

weather,

Via National Geographic

Via National Geographic

A rare meteorological phenomenon called a skypunch. Ice crystals form above the high-altitude cirro-cumulo-stratus clouds, then fall downward, punching a hole in the cloud.

A rare meteorological phenomenon called a skypunch. Ice crystals form above the high-altitude cirro-cumulo-stratus clouds, then fall downward, punching a hole in the cloud.

exqui image, eiffel tower

Wildfire

Wildfire

Kansas supercell cloud via National Geographic

Kansas supercell cloud via National Geographic

weather, ng

Lake Michigan, USA

Lake Michigan, USA

Long exposure image of lightning on Lake Michigan

Long exposure image of lightning on Lake Michigan

Volcano in Chile

Volcano in Chile

More volcano weather via National Geographic

More volcano weather via National Geographic

weather, ng, with menweather, susan bag

A fire whirl, known to some as the fire tornado. occurs when intense rising heat and turbulent wind conditions combine to form whirling eddies of air. These eddies can tighten into a tornado-like structure that sucks in burning debris and combustible gases.

A fire whirl, known to some as the fire tornado. occurs when intense rising heat and turbulent wind conditions combine to form whirling eddies of air. These eddies can tighten into a tornado-like structure that sucks in burning debris and combustible gases.

AP Photo by Martial Trezzini

AP Photo by Martial Trezzini

weird weather, snow liftsweird weather, snow 3

Rome, Georgia, USA

Rome, Georgia, USA

Shelf cloud, Bozeman, Montana

Shelf cloud, Bozeman, Montana

Mammatus clouds form over eastern Nebraska

Mammatus clouds form over eastern Nebraska

Oklahoma tornadoes

Oklahoma tornadoes

weird weather via kathleenweird weather, cloudweird weather, car

By Ken Rotberg

By Ken Rotberg

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Kamchatka, Russia

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Kamchatka, Russia

weird weather, lenticular clouds

Lenticular cloud

weird weather, lenticular-clouds-over-mountains1

Hail dump.

Hail dump.

Tornado in Namibia. National Geographic

Tornado in Namibia. National Geographic

weird weather, orange icicles

Supercell storm

Supercell storm

weird weather, white cloud

 

Morning Glory clouds are very rare but can be seen with some regularity in the southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria.

Morning Glory clouds are very rare but can be seen with some regularity in the southern part of Northern Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria.

weird weather, storm (2)

I"m not sure if this aurora borealis in Finland is technically weather, but this image is amazing.

I”m not sure if this aurora borealis in Finland is technically weather, but this image is amazing.

weird weather, 2

By DhaniJones

By DhaniJones

Water spouts are columns of rotating air also known as tornadoes over water. They usually develop over warm tropical ocean waters. The size can range from just a few feet, to several hundred feet wide.

Water spouts are columns of rotating air also known as tornadoes over water.
They usually develop over warm tropical ocean waters.
The size can range from just a few feet, to several hundred feet wide.  Photo by George Malamos.

Waterspout and lightning over Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

Waterspout and lightning over Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

Double Waterspouts, Honolulu, Hawaii

Double Waterspouts, Honolulu, Hawaii

Waterspout, Tampa, Florida

Waterspout, Tampa, Florida

Frozen bubbles, Canadian Rockies

Frozen bubbles, Canadian Rockies

Spiral Iceberg in Antarctica

Spiral Iceberg in Antarctica

Steve Earley, The Virginian-Pilor, AP Photo

Steve Earley, The Virginian-Pilor, AP Photo

weird weather, via weather.com and patty s.

More than 30 feet of snow in Japan.

More than 30 feet of snow in Japan.

The following videos about lightning are a bit over-dramatic in tone, but interesting.

[embedplusvideo height=”315″ width=”560″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1wfQgEh” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/RLWIBrweSU8?fs=1&start=60″ vars=”ytid=RLWIBrweSU8&width=560&height=315&start=60&stop=141&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2585″ /]

For more images of weird weather, go here, or here.

Thanks to:  ExtremeInstability, National Geographic, and Micky, Kathleen, Mel, Susan B.

 

Sculptures, Clever and Fun

Posted on by
12

 

Giant Woman Lying in a Photo Booth, London, England

Giant Woman Lying in a Photo Booth, London, England

041324c88e6dea4d74306c5a8340edfe

Policeman Being Tripped, Brussels, Belgium

Policeman Being Tripped, Brussels, Belgium

The Awakening, Washington D.C., USA via your a.p

Bench Outside Bukcheon Museum, Seoul, South Korea

Bench Outside Bukcheon Museum, Seoul, South Korea

by German, Florentijn Hofman

by German, Florentijn Hofman

Corporate Head, Ernst & Young Building, Los Angeles, California

Corporate Head, Ernst & Young Building, Los Angeles, California

f-Sand-Sculpture-5865huge-sculptures-3

Giant Tap, Tecnopark Wintertur, Switzerland

Giant Tap, Tecnopark Wintertur, Switzerland

Die Badende (The Bather), Hamburg, Germany

Die Badende (The Bather), Hamburg, Germany

Charles La Trobe Statue, Melbourne, Australia

Charles La Trobe Statue, Melbourne, Australia

funny sculp

London Ink’s Man Swimming Statue, England

London Ink’s Man Swimming Statue, England

Man at Work, Bratislava, Slovakia

Man at Work, Bratislava, Slovakia

Le Passe-Muraille, or Man in the Wall, Paris, France

Le Passe-Muraille, or Man in the Wall, Paris, France

Space Cow, Stockholm, Sweden

Space Cow, Stockholm, Sweden

The Giant Hand, Atacama Desert, Chile

The Giant Hand, Atacama Desert, Chile

The Headington Shark, Oxford, UK

The Headington Shark, Oxford, UK

The Knotted Gun, United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA

The Knotted Gun, United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA

The Paparazzi, Bratislava, Slovakia

The Paparazzi, Bratislava, Slovakia

Violinist Bursting from the Floor, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Violinist Bursting from the Floor, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Walking to the Sky, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, USA

Walking to the Sky, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, USA

Man Sawing a Branch, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Man Sawing a Branch, Amsterdam, Netherlands

River Children, Singapore

River Children, Singapore

Break Through From Your Mold by Zenos Frudakis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Break Through From Your Mold by Zenos Frudakis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

wall that plays music when it rains.

wall that plays music when it rains.

Man and dog, by Nathan Scott, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

Man and dog, by Nathan Scott, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

Reading woman, Nathan Scott

Reading woman, Nathan Scott

Old Salty by Nathan Scott

Old Salty by Nathan Scott

 

Sinking Building Outside State Library, Melbourne, Australia.

Sinking Building Outside State Library, Melbourne, Australia.

By Henrique Oliveira, Desnatureza, Wood, cement, pigments, Paris.

By Henrique Oliveira, Desnatureza, Wood, cement, pigments, Paris.

The Monument of an Anonymous Passerby, Wroclaw, Poland.

The Monument of an Anonymous Passerby, Wroclaw, Poland.

Miina Äkkijyrkkä, Cow sculptures

Miina Äkkijyrkkä, Cow sculptures

Expansion by Paige Bradley, New York, USA.

Expansion by Paige Bradley, New York, USA.

By Lorenzo Quinn, installed on Park Lane, London

By Lorenzo Quinn, installed on Park Lane, London

Thanks to:  SlipTalk, YourAmazingPlaces, and Pinterest.

 

Trees, too

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24

 

A boy left his bike chained to a tree when he went away to war in 1914. He never returned, leaving the tree no choice but to grow around the bike. This bike has been there for 98 years now. By Todd Bates on Flickr

Tree grows around bike on Vashon Island, Washington state.   By Todd Bates on Flickr

Arbutus Tree and Bark by kirchypics on flickr

Arbutus Tree and Bark by kirchypics on flickr

Bamboo Trees. Sri Lanka

Bamboo Trees. Sri Lanka

A Corious Tree

A Corious Tree

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas, Chile

1000+ year old tree on Greek island of Aegina

1000+ year old tree on Greek island of Aegina

144-year-old wisteria in Japan, by tungnam.com.hk

144-year-old wisteria in Japan, by tungnam.com.hk

Japanese Maple in Portland, Oregon, USA by falcor88

Japanese Maple in Portland, Oregon, USA by falcor88

This huge 125-year-oldold rhododendron is technically not a tree – most are considered to be shrubs.

This huge 125-year-oldold rhododendron is technically not a tree – most are considered to be shrubs.

trees, 3

By Ian Sane

By Ian Sane

Ipe, Brazil

Ipe, Brazil

Jacarandas in South Africa, by Elizabeth Kendall

Jacarandas in South Africa, by Elizabeth Kendall

The flamboyant tree, Madagascar. By Salete T Silva

The flamboyant tree, Madagascar. By Salete T Silva

Sikura tunnel, Okera, Japan

Sikura tunnel, Okera, Japan

By tom Schwabel

By Tom Schwabel

At 1,990 square meters (about half an acre), this huge wisteria is the largest of its kind in Japan. By Y-fu

At 1,990 square meters (about half an acre), this huge wisteria is the largest of its kind in Japan. By Y-fu

Birch trees in snow

Birch trees in snow

Parasite effect - Spiral tree at Coramba rainforest reserve, NSW, Australia. Photo by omnia on Flickr

Parasite effect – Spiral tree at Coramba rainforest reserve, NSW, Australia. Photo by omnia on Flickr

Rainforest undergrowth. Tangled lianas (woody vines) covered in moss, Peru

Rainforest undergrowth. Tangled lianas (woody vines) covered in moss, Peru

trees, 6

Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island, Southern Carolina

Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island, Southern Carolina

Strangler Fig Tree. Wrapping tendrils around the host tree.. By orenbrimer on Flickr

Strangler Fig Tree. Wrapping tendrils around the host tree.. By orenbrimer on Flickr

Quiver tree by Jason Webber on flickr

Quiver tree by Jason Webber on flickr

6 Sycamores were shaped, bent, and braided to form this tree

6 Sycamores were shaped, bent, and braided to form this tree

Baobob tree

Baobob tree

California's Sequoia national park.

California’s Sequoia national park.

Klamath, California

Klamath, California

nature, trees

 

Tree of Tule, over 2000 years old

Tree of Tule, over 2000 years old

Silk floss tree, South America by alan_sailer on flickr

Silk floss tree, South America by alan_sailer on flickr

By Seabird in New Zealand.

Trees on Slope Point, the southern tip of New Zealand, grow at an angle because they’re constantly buffeted by extreme antarctic winds. By Seabird

The dragonblood tree named because of its crimson red sap, used as a dye a violin varnish, an alchemical ingredient, and a folk remedy for various ailments. By Csilla Zelko)

The dragonblood tree named because of its crimson red sap, used as a dye a violin varnish, an alchemical ingredient, and a folk remedy for various ailments. By Csilla Zelko)

rainbow eucalyptus, by jwilsonnorton

rainbow eucalyptus, by jwilsonnorton

The grove of 'candelabra' redwoods, known as the Enchanted Forest, Shady Dell

The grove of ‘candelabra’ redwoods, known as the Enchanted Forest, Shady Dell

In Denmark

In Denmark

trees, 4

by miladyellow on flickr

by miladyellow on flickr

The Angel Oak in South Carolina stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall and is estimated to be more than 1400 or 1500 years old. (By Daniela Duncan)

The Angel Oak in South Carolina stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall and is estimated to be more than 1400 or 1500 years old. (By Daniela Duncan)

trees, 2

 

Abruzo, Italy by Vicenzo Mazza

Abruzo, Italy by Vicenzo Mazza

The antarctic beech is native to Chile and Argentina, though this specimen is from the U.S.’ North Pacific region. By Drew Hopper

The antarctic beech is native to Chile and Argentina, though this specimen is from the U.S.’ North Pacific region. By Drew Hopper

Wax palms in Salento, Colombia

Wax palms in Salento, Colombia

White birch

Tunnel of cherry blossoms, Bonn, Germany in April. Image by Adas Meliauskas

Tunnel of cherry blossoms, Bonn, Germany in April. Image by Adas Meliauskas

Oak trees, South Carolina by Lee Sosby

Oak trees, South Carolina by Lee Sosby

treestrees, 5trees, handFor more trees go here.

Thanks to:  BoredPanda, Dean, Tim L. and James C.

More Animals

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17

If you, like me, find a few animals here you’re not familiar with and wonder if they are real, please be assured that when possible I have checked to make sure they’re not photo-shopped.  There are a couple animals, indicated below, where I couldn’t identify the animal enough to tell if it was real.  I welcome any info provided.

Also, I have to admit, I had a bit of a problem keeping the breaks on the cuteness/funny quotient for these animal pics.  But don’t give up, I’m sure you’ll find something that pleases you.

What did I tell you?

What did I tell you?

animals, 4animals, bears in tree

Blue jaguar

Blue jaguar.  This is real.

Baby gorilla

Baby gorilla

Baby gibbon

Baby gibbon

 

Baby orangetang

Baby orangetang

Baby bonobo

Baby bonobo

By Alex Tish

By Alex Tish

animals, 5

by Les-Piccolo

by Les-Piccolo

animals, car with kitten holder

By Lauren Conrad

By Lauren Conrad

animals, cat hiding. 2

Another cat acting like a cat.

Another cat acting like a cat.

animals, cat hidinganimals, kitten 3

It's not only cats that like hanging out in amusing ways.

Cats aren’t the only ones that like hanging out in amusing ways.

animals, cow on caranimals, pandaanimals, monkey drinkinganimals, mouseanimals, via jeaneo

 

animals, bear

 

animals, dog peeing

animals, lion from pinterest

animals, pigs party viaanimals, kitten and tp

Cats aren't the only animals that get into trouble.

Cats aren’t the only animals that get into trouble.

animals, chipmonk

Japanese squirrel

Japanese squirrel by Masatsugu Ohashi

animals, hedgehog

By Julia Yu Yu Yarkevich

animals, 3

animals, kangaroosanimals, gary, fox

This Clouded Leopard is real.

This Clouded Leopard is real.

This Netherland Dwarf rabbit is real.

This Netherland Dwarf rabbit is real.

 

This Genet is real.

This Genet is real.

Mangalitsa or Mangalica is a rare breed of pig of Hungarian origin that has curly hair over its body,.. The fleece can be black, or red, but is most commonly blond. It's real.

Mangalitsa or Mangalica is a rare breed of pig of Hungarian origin that has curly hair over its body,.. The fleece can be black, or red, but is most commonly blond. It’s real.

Is this maybe just a furry little mouse? or guinea pig?

Is this maybe just a furry little mouse? or guinea pig?

Could this be an albino beaver or porcupine?

Could this be an albino beaver or porcupine?

Could the color of this snail be real?

Could the color of this snail be real?

animals, tiger maybeanimals, turtles

I know frogs come in amazing colors, but this? Is it real?

I know frogs come in amazing colors, but this? Is it real?

Not sure what this is.

Not sure what this is.

 

Over-worked opossum Mom.

Over-worked opossum Mom.

animals, kitten and momanimalsl, otters with pups

The little ground squirrel had probably eaten too much and stayed in his cave entrance stuck.

The little ground squirrel had probably eaten too much and stayed in his cave entrance stuck.

animals, ducks

Note the baby peeking out.

Note the baby peeking out.

An alpaca, I think.

An alpaca, I think.

Tender parental touch.

Tender parental touch.

By Jean-Louis Klein & Marie-Luce Hubert

By Jean-Louis Klein & Marie-Luce Hubert

animals, lions

This elephant traveled miles and miles climbing over many fences and never damaged one fence.

 

animals, behind treeanimals, birdsanimals, cat heart via sunnyskyz

Red pandas

Red pandas

animals, dogs in lineanimals, kitten

 

 


For more animal pics go here.

Thanks to:  sunnyskyz, Jen, Jeaneo, Gary

Exquisite Images, 3

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14

Images that had to be shared, by photographers that deserve praise and awe, but alas, for many I could find no attribution.  Please let me know if you can identify a missing photographer.

 

By Magda Wasiczek

By Magda Wasiczek

exqui images, raindropsexqui image, boatexqui image, snow owlexqui image, pondexqui image, snail

Big Ben

Big Ben

by Martin Turner, British museum of natural history

by Martin Turner, British museum of natural history

exqui image, camelexqui image, 1

By James Elliott

By James Elliott

exqui image, ballet

Niunidad Photography, 2010

exqui image, 2

Brenham, Texas

Brenham, Texas

Woodyardville, Arkansas

Woodyardville, Arkansas

Buddhist monks lantern-lighting ceremony

Buddhist monks lantern-lighting ceremony

by Martin Zalba Ibañez

by Martin Zalba Ibañez

 

Scarlet Red Soft Qirt Corals

Scarlet Red Soft Qirt Corals

Maidens, Ayrshire, Scotland

Maidens, Ayrshire, Scotland

 

By Jill Enfield

By Jill Enfield

exqui image, white flowerexqui images bubble (2)exqui image, sunset and wave via sunnyskyz

Sugarcane

Sugarcane

African Sunset

African Sunset

exqui images, field

By Phil Koch

exqui image, woman, 1

The Rideau was experiencing some unseasonably warm weather and a layer of water formed on top of the ice covered lake, resulting in a mirror-like surface.

The Rideau was experiencing some unseasonably warm weather and a layer of water formed on top of the ice covered lake, resulting in a mirror-like surface.

Traditional Fishing with Cormorants, River Li, China

Traditional Fishing with Cormorants, River Li, China

People as pixels

People as pixels

exqui image, branches

Telemark, Norway

Telemark, Norway

exqui image, womanexqui images, raindrops, kathleen

 

North Queensferry Fife, Scotland by David Cation

North Queensferry Fife, Scotland by David Cation

Mystical Morning, The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Mystical Morning, The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland by Bob McCalion

Surrey England by Christopher Page

Surrey England by Christopher Page

 

exqui image, tree and handIf you want to keep going with exquisite images, go here or here.

Flower Art

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19

When human ingenuity combines with the stunning and beautiful variety of flowers, we get to revel in more wonders.

Sometimes it takes an eye to see and a talent with photography to help us appreciate what we might otherwise miss.

Ballerina orchid by Tere Montero

Ballerina orchid by Tere Montero

Darth Vadar orchid by tentoonstelling

Darth Vadar orchid by tentoonstelling

More Darth

More Darth

Dove orchid (Peristeria Elata) by M.a.h.S on flickr

Dove orchid  by M.a.h.S on flickr

Dove Orchid (Peristeria Elata) 2exqui image, Dove Orchid (Peristeria Elata) 3

Happy Alien (Calceolaria Uniflora) by Serge Ouachee

Happy Alien (Calceolaria Uniflora) by Serge Ouachee

exqui image Happy Alien (Calceolaria Uniflora) 2

White egret orchid by Rachel Scott-Renouf

White egret orchid by Rachel Scott-Renouf

exqui image, white

exqui image, Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major) 2

Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major) by Michael Prideaux

exui image, Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major) via Karen

exqui images via Karen w

Snap Dragon Seed Pod (Antirrhinum)

 

Molly Berry makes captivating faces with flowers and “I take a few photos with my iPhone, and let the wind carry my work away again…My materials come from the earth and go right back again, easy.”

4molly b 59 57molly Berry 1Using the simplicity of a few Eucalyptus leave, Markus Raetz manages to create vivid and captivating human expression.

markus-raetz-02

markus-raetz-01markus-raetz-03markus-raetz-05markus-raetz Justina Blakeney moves from whimsical flower faces and bodies to a stunning displays of color and light with flowers.

Flower Art 6Flower Art 12Flower Art 5Flower Art 11

 

justine

 

 

flower art by justina blakeneyflower art , justina blakeney 3flower art, justina blakeney 2Finally, Mosaiculture is a competition help every three years where horticultural artists create and mount living artworks made primarily from flowers and colorful folliage . The artists not only plan and build the framework of the sculpture and match the colors, they must design and understand the maintenance of each plant they use.

More than three million flowers were raised in greenhouses for the 2013 competition in Montreal, Canada. Designers use steel or aluminum forms that are wrapped in metal mesh, filled with earth and planted with flowers, ivies and grasses whose foliage provides texture and color. Interior watering systems and growing medium were added so that the flowers could last all through the summer. Some 200 horticultural artists participated representing 20 countries.

 

Mother Earth

Mother Earth

d20 Motehr Earth n water

Note human for size.

Note human for size.

17b row of lemurs

This huge bird-tree sculpture is 40 feet high. They built a special high bridge to accomodate photographers. Every branch is a different bird. The wing span of the condor is about 8 feet.

This huge bird-tree sculpture is 40 feet high. They built a special high bridge to accomodate photographers. Every branch is a different bird. The wing span of the condor is about 8 feet.

d06 man who planted trees09c sheep gd13b goat at well gd16 lady and storksd12 frog in lily pond

This Akita dog is very famous in Japan because of the touching and true story it represents. The dog accompanied his master to the railroad station every morning when he went to work, and then the dog met him again in the evening. When the man died, the dog continued meeting the train twice every day for ten years until he died. He is made up of various decorative grasses. The horses' manes are also made of grasses. The horses are twice the size of a normal horse; the dog is 8 feet high.

This Akita dog is very famous in Japan because of the touching and true story it represents.
The dog accompanied his master to the railroad station every morning when he went
to work, and then the dog met him again in the evening. When the man died, the dog
continued meeting the train twice every day for ten years until he died. He is made up
of various decorative grasses. The horses’ manes are also made of grasses.
The horses are twice the size of a normal horse; the dog is 8 feet high.

08 fish22 ducks21 piano and turtleFor more images of the mosaiculture exhibit go here.

Thanks to:  Molly Berry for both her work and her recommendation of other flower artists.  And to Alexander at blogspot for his images of mosaiculture in Montreal.  Also to:  Bob Ho, Patricia S. Shetal P, Kathleen J, Tim L

Birds and Butterflies

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27

More gorgeous, cute, weird birds with breath-taking variety.  And butterflies to match.

by John&Fish on Flickr

by John&Fish on Flickr

animals, bird 2

Oscillated Turkey by a walk on the wild side nature photography on flickr

Oscillated Turkey by a walk on the wild side nature photography on flickr

Saddle-billed Stork in the Masai Mara, Kenya by © Steve Garvie

Saddle-billed Stork in the Masai Mara, Kenya by © Steve Garvie

birds, many

Florida Everglades, Photo by, Susan Schermer , from Iryna via pinterest

Florida Everglades, Photo by Susan Schermer , from Iryna via pinterest

animals, owlsanimals, owl 2animalsl, owl

The Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

The Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

birds, 3birds, 4

bali mynah by cm2852 on flickr

bali mynah by cm2852 on flickr

animals, duck

owls can't move their eyes so they move their heads.

owls can’t move their eyes so they move their heads.

Here’s a couple that I had to double-check to make sure they were real:

Swinhoe's Blue Pheasant, by phd white,

Swinhoe’s Blue Pheasant, by phd white

Tuffed Coquette Hummingbird

Tuffed Coquette Hummingbird. This guy’s beautiful but looks a bit like he was made by committee.

 

birds, is this real

I think this is a painting, though I found it on a bird site.

animals, green bird

mountain blue bird

mountain blue bird

birds (2)

The Gilt-edged Tanager from Brazil, by Bertrando on flickr,

The Gilt-edged Tanager from Brazil, by Bertrando on flickr,

birds, from shiraanimals, birds (2)

By mark hughes

By mark hughes

 

Flamingo migration

Flamingo migration

animals, owl, 2

 

animals, owlbirds, 2

Tanubada, Central, Papua New Guinea by Nick Hobgood on flickr,

Tanubada, Central, Papua New Guinea by Nick Hobgood on flickr,

Himalayan Monal Pheasant by Thakur Dalip Singh, via Flickr

Himalayan Monal Pheasant by Thakur Dalip Singh, via Flickr

Lilac breasted roller

Lilac breasted roller

Crowned Pigeon

Crowned Pigeon

 

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

birds, purple

quetzal, by Bob Gress

quetzal, by Bob Gres

Black and white can be equally cute and impressive.

Codibugnolo

Codibugnolo

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, Africa via national geographic

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, Africa via national geographic

A Little Owl defends its feeding position from a Great spotted woodpecker by Ian Schofield

A Little Owl defends its feeding position from a Great spotted woodpecker by Ian Schofield

birds, amazing photographer

Saiba Mais, www.agenciaabn.com

Saiba Mais, www.agenciaabn.com

birds, via shira

Philippines Eagle - by Klaus Nigge

Philippines Eagle – by Klaus Nigge

animals, ducksanimals, baby birdsanimals, birdanimals, hawk

baby egrits

baby egrits

pelican at sunset via pintbirds, owl via pintwhite owl 2

Penguin Puberty Just As Embarrassing As Human Version This adolescent King Penguin puberty just as embarrassing as humans. Penguin teen gets help molting from his doting mother.

Penguin puberty just as As embarrassing as human version.  This adolescent King Penguin gets help molting from his doting mother.  By Sjoerd van Berge Henegouwen.

Don’t miss the persistent duckling video after the butterflies.

animals, butterfliesanimals, butterflybirds, blue butter

by BlezSP on flickr

by BlezSP on flickr

animals, via cindy at pintanimals, butterfly 2

 

For more birds, go here.

Thanks to:  Shira, Mike and Pinterest

Human Ingenuity Medley, 4

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3

As you can probably tell from abundance of images below, I have a hard time narrowing down and selecting what to share from the incredible array of artistic expression available online.

Please share your favorite image or artist in the comments below.

human ingen, new from Gary W., gifThis mesmerizing water fountain at the Osaka City Station in Japan works using a digitally controlled printer that ejects water droplets in carefully controlled patterns to reproduce a digital clock, moving floral patterns and falling shapes.  Designed by the local firm Koei Industry, the water droplets are illuminated by overhead lights. Who knew there were so many ways to make art with food–besides beautifully arranging it on a plate in preparation of eating it. human ingen, veggie facedan-cretu-Photographer and visual artist Dan Cretu recreates everyday objects out of fruits and vegetables A team of 15 designers led by Ami Goodheart of SOTO Productions created the following outfits entirely of real food.  Each garment took hours to cook, create and assemble. hunger-pains (3)[2]

hunger-pains (2)[2]

This artichoke gown was designed by Daniel Feld and Wesley Nault of Project Runway fame. It took over 6 hours to finish and the model stood the entire time while they attached each individual leaf.

hunger-pains (1)[2]hunger-pains (5)[2]hunger-pains (4)[2]

You've got to make sure you see this as body-art.

You’ve got to make sure you see this as body-art.

human ingen, newspaper dress

Newspaper dress

human ingen. newspaper-dress18_wPHfG_24429

More newspaper fashions

The iconic red telephone boxes in the UK are beginning to disappear, but thanks to the effort of local communities and British Telecom, hundreds of them have been recycled into libraries.

The iconic red telephone boxes in the UK are beginning to disappear, but thanks to the effort of local communities and British Telecom, hundreds of them have been recycled into libraries.

telephone-box-library-5[2]

This telephone booth library includes a defibrilator

This telephone booth library includes a defibrilator

Canadian painter Rob Gonsalves‘ surrealistic paintings portray two seemingly different realistic scenes merging into one.

Canadian painter Rob Gonsalves surrealistic paintings portray two seemingly different realistic scenes merging into one. As a result, the term Magic Realism describes his work accurately.

rob-gonsalves-5[5]RGonsalves_ChessMaster

Gonsalves_Deluged

rob-gonsalves-12[3]These cartoon gifs by freelance illustrator and artist Sarah Johnson managed to tickle my funnybone.  Hope you feel the same.

By freelance illustrator and artist Sarah Johnson.

ordinary-batman-adventures-3[4] ordinary-batman-adventures-14[4] ordinary-batman-adventures-2[4]

ordinary-batman-adventures-4[4]More whimsy from artist Terry Border and his “Bent Objects.”

"Bent Art" Terry Border takes objects from everyday life and turns them into humorous art.

bent-objects19[3] bent-objects21[3] bent-objects13[3]

bent oreoFrench art director Alexis Persani along with French photographer Leo Caillard use photo manipulation to dress up famous statutes in Louver, in contemporary clothes. French art director Alexis Persani along with French photographer Leo Caillard using photo manipulation dressed up famous statutes in Louver, in contemporary clothes. street-stone-2[3]street-stone-3[3]Patrick Acton used 298,000 matchsticks, and 2000 toothpicks and a whopping 14 gallons (55 litres) of wood glue to assemble this replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Patrick Acton used 298,000 matchsticks, and 2000 toothpicks and a whopping 55 litres of wood glue to assemble this replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral

A 600,000 matchstick model of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

A 600,000 matchstick model of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Danish artist Peter Callesen creates three dimensional sculptures by folding a single sheet of paper and using only the removed paper to create figures or buildings.peter splash peter-callesen-2[3]see wordpeter-callesen-19[3]peter-callesen-3[3]peter-callesen-8[6]

People Too is the name of a Russian paper-craft agency run by two talented artist Lena Erlikh and Aleksey Lyapunov. Hailing from Novosibirsk, the duo has creates incredibly detailed sculptures produced out of paper depicting scenes from everyday life.

people-too-8[2]people-too-29[5]people-too-2[10]people-too-10[2]people-too-11[2]people-too-36[2]people-too-32[2]people-too-33[2]people-too-37[2]Brad Spencer is one of the very few artists in the world who creates sculptures from bricks.   He carves unfired clay brick material in his studio, then deconstructs the sculpture, brick by brick and fires it. He then reconstructs the sculpture using the fired bricks with mortar  at the site of his installation.   He likes to involve the public when he reconstructs his work, even allowing onlookers to set a brick or two.

brad-spencer-brick-6[1]brad-spencer-brick-5[1]brad-spencer-brick-2[6]brad-spencer-brick-4[6] brad-spencer-5[1]brad-spencer-6[1]brad-spencer-2[1]

Janet Echelman is an American artist who creates fluid moving sculptures out of nets. She was first inspired to use nets while in Mahaballipuram. , India learning netting techniques from local fishermen.  Most of her sculptures  have both machine and hand-woven netting  from weather and UV-resistant fibers.

Janet-Echelman-17[6]Janet-Echelman-94Janet-Echelman-1[3]

Janet-Echelman-5[6]Janet-Echelman-33

 

Janet-Echelman-153Echelman’s studio in collaboration with Aaron Koblin, of the Data Arts Team in Google’s Creative Lab installed a huge interactive net sculpture at the TED Conference’s 30th anniversary,  March 2014.  Spectators were able to choreograph the lighting in real time using physical gestures on their mobile phones. Vivid beams of light were projected across a massive scale as the result of small movements.

For a video showing the construction of the massive installation and people using their phones to paint light onto it, go here.

From discarded wood, welded scrap metal, broken tools, cigarette packets, soda cans and piles of trash, Tim Noble and Sue Webster make assemblages and then point light to create projected shadows.  Every debris is precisely set in place, taking into consideration its distance from the wall, and its angle with the spotlight.  human ingen, 1 wooden stepladder, and discarded wood Tim_Noble_Sue_Webster_shadow_sculpture_4-normalhuman ingen. Tim_Noble_Sue_Webster_shadow_sculpture_2-normal         human ingen, Tim_Noble_Sue_Webster_shadow_sculpture_6-normal

human ingen.Tim_Noble_Sue_Webster_shadow_sculpture_10-normalhuman ingen, nails

These life-size horse sculptures,  the work of James Doran-Webb,  are made from roughly 400 pieces of driftwood of varying sizes built around a stainless steel skeleton. Each horse weighs over 1000 pounds (about 500 kg) and can take the weight of five people. The horses have moveable limbs and neck so they can be arranged into lifelike poses.

james-doran-webb-32james-doran-webb-42james-doran-webb-82More driftwood sculptures by Doran-Webb:

P10P15P16P20Another  artist, Jeffro Uitto from Washington in the US, creates stunning, vibrant designs from driftwood as well as elegant furniture and doorframes.

jeffro-Uitto-sculpture-680x1024Jeffro-Uitto2Jeffro-Uitto18jeffro-uitto-9[3]Jeffro-Uitto8jeffro-uitto-2[5] driftwood doorframeErik Johansson, uses photo-manipulation to subvert reality, using humor and surrealism.

ErikJohansson_02-638x473001-photo-manipulations-erik-johansson002-photo-manipulations-erik-johansson006-photo-manipulations-erik-johansson007-photo-manipulations-erik-johansson021-photo-manipulations-erik-johansson025-photo-manipulations-erik-johanssonErikJohansson_04

The light-sculptures of Darren Pearson (aka Darius Twin) are created through long exposure photography (the same technique commonly used to write a name with a sparkler or capture car trails at night.)  With this video he takes it to a new level.

If you’re curious about how Pearson does this, here’s a brief tutorial.

Finally, if you’d like to see a dance routine that is fun and invigorating, check out husband and wife team Keone & Mariel Madrid performing at Urban Dance Camp.

For more human ingenuity go here.

Thanks to Jen H, Julie B and amusing planet.

Mixed Species, 8

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5

See videos at end of this post for more moving testaments of inter-species friendships and amusing interactions.

mixed species, dog and girl gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-7775-1355590544-1, dog waits patientlymixed species, dog and elephantmixed species, cat and ducksmixed species, 7, via pinterest, dog and babymixed species, alligator and turtlemixed species, dog and birdmixed species, via Shiramixed species, gary, with babe

mixed species, 7

mixed species, 7 via pinterestmixed species, 6mixed species, tigermixed species, 10mixed species, 9

Be sure to check the goose

Be sure to check the goose

 

The Quechua girl and the Llama - Peru, by my planetExperience on flickr

The Quechua girl and the Llama – Peru, by my planetExperience on flickr

mixed species, 8

 

mixed species, 7

from National Geographic

from National Geographic

 

 

mixed species, dog and p.b. 2mixed species, woman and squirrelly things

 

By Elena Shumilova

By Elena Shumilova

 

mixed species, dog and kittenmixed specia via Gary

 

mixed species, giraffe and

By BillikenHawkeye on flickr

By BillikenHawkeye on flickr

mixed species, goat and woman

 

 

mixed species, big cat and deermixed species, dog and bearmixed species, garymixed species, from patty selkmixed species, dog and leopard or cheetamixed species, fox and dog, louisemixed species, penguins and cat from Jen H.mixed species, via pinterestmixed species, woman and pupsmixed species, louise

Casey Winter was feeding a baby hummingbird, found half dead on the ground outside his office building, when he noticed a worried mom hummingbird flying past his window. He opened it up and the mother bird started feeding her baby right away. After a while, she found enough courage to feed it in the palm of his hand.


If you want to continue with other mixed species posts go here.
Thanks to:  Patricia S., Pat G., Louise, Micky, Kathleen, Shira, Gary, Jen H., LouiseTwentytwo words, Good New Network, Daily Picks and Flicks, and Pinterest

Spectacular Vacation Destinations, 4

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Before you settle on summer vacation plans, here is enough breathtaking variety to boggle your mind or inspire your spirit: equal parts nature and human ingenuity.

Church of the Fields, The Dolomites , Italy

Church of the Fields, The Dolomites , Italy

The Wave on Hyden Rock, Australia, a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. From over 2,700 million years ago, before dinosaurs roamed the earth!

The Wave on Hyden Rock, Australia, a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. From over 2,700 million years ago, before dinosaurs roamed the earth!

 

Underwater room, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

Underwater room, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

Art deco-style lighthouse in Kálfshamarsvík, Iceland, by Vilhjálmur Ingi Vilhjálmsson.

Art deco-style lighthouse in Kálfshamarsvík, Iceland, by Vilhjálmur Ingi Vilhjálmsson.

Azalea Road of Mt. Katsuragi, Japan

Azalea Road of Mt. Katsuragi, Japan

 

Altea, Alicante, Spain

Altea, Alicante, Spain

 

Aurora borealis, Finland

Aurora borealis, Finland

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

 

Burma or Myanmar

Burma or Myanmar

 

Ancient monastery in Armenia

Ancient monastery in Armenia

Aspen Road, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Aspen Road, Boulder, Colorado, USA

 

Beach Huts in Muizenberg, Cape Town

Beach Huts in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa

Cork, ireland

Cork, ireland

 

Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, by Jeffrey Stylos

Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, by Jeffrey Stylos

Dubai bathed in Sunlight

Dubai bathed in Sunlight

Ghenghis Khan on the Mongolian Steppes

Ghenghis Khan on the Mongolian Steppes

The Julian Alps, Slovenia

The Julian Alps, Slovenia

Conques, France by toughsl on Flickr

Conques, France by toughsl on Flickr

Balancing Rock, Nova Scotia

Balancing Rock, Nova Scotia

Butchart Gardens near Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada • photo by John Rogers

Butchart Gardens near Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada • photo by John Rogers

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland by David Clapp

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland by David Clapp

Kalyazin, Russia

Kalyazin, Russia

Giethoorn in Netherlands

Giethoorn in Netherlands

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro

 

La Muralla Roja - 1973, Calpe, Alicante, Spain

La Muralla Roja – 1973, Calpe, Alicante, Spain

Salt cones on Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia by John Shaw.

Salt cones on Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia by John Shaw.

 

Jerusalem, Israel via Takeya Yoda on pinterest

Jerusalem, Israel via Takeya Yoda on pinterest

 

Gilan, Iran

Gilan, Iran

 

Entry Bridge, Meteora, Greece

Entry Bridge, Meteora, Greece

 

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico, USA

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico, USA

 

Casa del Duque in Comillas, Cantabria, Spain

Casa del Duque in Comillas, Cantabria, Spain

Mohabbat Maqabara Palace in Junagadh, Gujarat, India

Mohabbat Maqabara Palace in Junagadh, Gujarat, India

 

Mogan, Canary Islands, Spain

Mogan, Canary Islands, Spain

Mount Fuji from the village of Saiko, Japan

Mount Fuji from the village of Saiko, Japan

 

Ocho Rios, Jamacia

Ocho Rios, Jamacia

 

Eguisheim, France

Eguisheim, France

Boynton Canyon-Sedona, Arizona

Boynton Canyon-Sedona, Arizona

 

Le Moulin de l’Abbaye Hotel in Brantome, France

Le Moulin de l’Abbaye Hotel in Brantome, France

 

Photo by @mikeylikesrocks, Patagonia in South America

Photo by @mikeylikesrocks, Patagonia in South America

 

Argentine Fuegian Andes VIII by Walter Q's on Flickr

Argentine Fuegian Andes VIII by Walter Q’s on Flickr

 

Villa on Lake Thun, Spiez, Switzerland

Villa on Lake Thun, Spiez, Switzerland

 

La chiesetta del lago, Italy by Agostino Clerici on Flickr

La chiesetta del lago, Italy by Agostino Clerici on Flickr

 

Liaohe River Delta, the Red Beach. Not far from Panjin City, China

Liaohe River Delta, the Red Beach. Not far from Panjin City, China

Castle in Werfen, Austria

Castle in Werfen, Austria

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

 

Saint Paul de Vence, France

Saint Paul de Vence, France

 

Shan Hai Guan. Where the great wall of China meets the sea

Shan Hai Guan. Where the great wall of China meets the sea

California redwoods

California redwoods

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Sunset at Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Sunset at Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Maldives

Maldives

 

Castle del Monte Abruzzo, Italy

Castle del Monte Abruzzo, Italy

Tamblian Lake, Indonesia

Tamblian Lake, Indonesia

 

The village Torrox, Andalucía, Spain

The village Torrox, Andalucía, Spain

The temple of sky, Iceland

The temple of sky, Iceland

 

The Fairy Glen, Conwy River near Betws-y-Coed, North Wales

The Fairy Glen, Conwy River near Betws-y-Coed, North Wales

Tsingy de Bemaraha, a nature reserve on the western coast of Madagascar

Tsingy de Bemaraha, a nature reserve on the western coast of Madagascar

Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru

Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru

 

Leros Island, Greece

Leros Island, Greece

 

Spitfire Lake in the Adirondack Park at around 7 a.m.

Spitfire Lake in the Adirondack Park at around 7 a.m.

Water Wall – San Sebastián, Spain

Water Wall – San Sebastián, Spain

 

Trentino sunset, Italy

Trentino sunset, Italy

 

Sorvagsvatn - lake over the ocean, Faroe Islands

Sorvagsvatn – lake over the ocean, Faroe Islands

Wind Cathedral Namibia

Wind Cathedral Namibia

Vermont, USA

Vermont, USA

 

Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland

Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland

Miradouro de Santa Iria, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal by rui Almeida on flickr

Miradouro de Santa Iria, São Miguel Island, Azores by rui Almeida on flickr

 

Sunrise over Lofoten, Norway

Sunrise over Lofoten, Norway

 

The Blue Dragon, Portugal

The Blue Dragon, Portugal

Stresa streets - lake Maggiore, Italy

Stresa streets – lake Maggiore, Italy

Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia. by danielab on flickr

Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia. by danielab on flickr

 

Utter Inn, Västerås, Sweden, A hotel with only one guest room, complete with a bedroom below the water with windows for watching marine life.

Utter Inn, Västerås, Sweden, A hotel with only one guest room, complete with a bedroom below the water with windows for watching marine life.

Valley Home, The Faroe Islands photo via nord

Valley Home, The Faroe Islands photo via nord

 

Sunset at Trentino, Italy

Sunset at Trentino, Italy

 

Italian Alps

Italian Alps

For more vacation destinations try:  dream vacations, or vacation destinations 2, or vacation destinations 3

 

Thanks to:  Mel, Micky, National Geographic, Unusual hotels of the world

Human Ingenuity Medley, 3

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Due to a minor technical glitch, this post is actually Part 1 of Human Ingenuity Medley 3. Part 2 also promises to include amazing, amusing, inspiring examples of human ingenuity.  Stay tuned.

Photographer Angela Kelly shows what happens when soap bubbles hit freezing temperatures:  they crystallize into gorgeous, fragile, glass-like sculptures. human ingen bubbs, 7   human ingen, bubbles, 2 human ingen, frozen-bubbles-angela-kelly-1-see wordhuman ingen, bubbs, 8human ingen, bubs, 6human ingen, bubbs, 5human ingen, frozen bubbs, 4human ingen, bubbs, 7human ingen, BUBBLES-900These ads by Bjoern Ewers for the Berlin Philharmonic show the insides of orchestral instruments in such a way as to make it seem like we are standing in spacious halls (or in the case of the flute, a spacious tunnel) Instrumente_A4_HOCH_05.12.08.inddBjoern-Ewers-04-517x282Instrumente_A4_HOCH_05.12.08.inddBjoern-Ewers-05-520x735Instrumente_A4_HOCH_05.12.08.indd Artist Andres Amador  of San Francisco uses a sandy beach at low tide as his palate.  With only a rake and occasionally some rope, he creates intricate designs that can be greater than 100,000 sq. ft. and that wash away when the tide comes in. beach-art2 beach-art15 beach-art5 beach-art9You can commission a sand design for a special occasion.   beach-art3beach art, believebeach-art10beach-art14Ten  years before Swiss army knives went into production around 1890, John S. Holler created this beast of a multi-tool…includes piano tuner, and pistol. human ingen, new, via gary 10 years before Swiss army knives went into production around 1890, John S. Holler created this beast of a multi-tool…human ingen, knife with gunhuman ingen, knife with 100 things via garyDerek Kinzett from the U.K. creates life size wire sculptures he calls “The Inner Spirit Collection.” The poser by Derek Kinzett (5)Derek Kinzett (2)Derek KinzettDerek Kinzetthuman ingen. Chicken wire sculpture by Derek Kinzett, UKDerek Kinzetthuman ingen. chicken-wire-sculpture-eagle-groundDerek Kinzett

By Mattia Trotta, Venice

By Mattia Trotta, Venice

This wire koala bear is by Ivan Lovatt.

This wire koala bear is by Ivan Lovatt.

Chicken wire lion by Kendra Haste.

Chicken wire lion by Kendra Haste.

I wish I knew who photoshopped these.  They gave me a chuckle. human ingen, animals 3human ingen, animals, 4human ingen, animals 2human ingen, animalsThanks to: Viralnova, 22words, 9wows, Gary, Kathleen and Louise.

Animals: Exquisite, Amusing and Aww, 7

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Got a favorite?  Don’t miss the gifs at the end.

animals

animals, turtle and apple

Baby giraffe

Baby giraffe

animals, birds, mixed species

 

animal, snail

By Saelan Wangsa via pinterest

By Saelan Wangsa via pinterest

Angora rabbit

Angora rabbit

Another angora rabbit

Another angora rabbit

By marc siewior, titled "please-wait-a-little"

By marc siewior, titled “please-wait-a-little”

 

By Kiran Sham

By Kiran Sham

animals, butterflyanimals, cow on car

Arabian Sand Cat

Arabian Sand Cat

Infant gorilla

Infant gorilla

animals, from Mel

A cygnet

A cygnet

By Peter From on 500px

By Peter From on 500px

Pink Dolphin lives in the Amazon River.

Pink Dolphin lives in the Amazon River.

animals, mating

 

S. African lobster by Robin Sandberg

S. African lobster by Robin Sandberg

animals,

By Kucharscy

animals, tall doganimals, via Mike b.

abandoned by it's Mom, taken to Devon, England-based Mare and Foal Sanctuary

abandoned by it’s Mom, taken to Devon, England-based Mare and Foal Sanctuary

Teddy and foal inseparable, from Kathleen

animals, squirrel

This image won grand prize from National Geographic for 2013 by Paul Souders, Seattle, Washington. A polar bear peers up from beneath the melting sea ice on Hudson Bay as the setting midnight sun glows red from the smoke of distant fires during a record-breaking spell of hot weather. The Manitoba population of polar bears is the southern-most in the world.

This image won grand prize from National Geographic for 2013 by Paul Souders, Seattle, Washington. A polar bear peers up from beneath the melting sea ice on Hudson Bay as the setting midnight sun glows red from the smoke of distant fires during a record-breaking spell of hot weather. The Manitoba population of polar bears is the southern-most in the world.

animals, who knew bats could be so cute

Who knew bats could be cute?

animals, giraffes

animals, sheepanimals, oxen maybeanimals, baby elephant

animals, puppybirds

Papuan Jellyfish - ©Hiroya Minakuchi via pinterest

Papuan Jellyfish – ©Hiroya Minakuchi via pinterest

 

By Robin Sandberg in South Africa

By Robin Sandberg in South Africa

animals, baby slothanimals, bad catsleep, giraffe

Oncilla kitten

Oncilla kitten

animals, koala

 

Dog saves her puppies from fire.

Dog saves her puppies from fire.

 

Why won't this guy throw my stick?

Why won’t this guy throw my stick?

 

 

aniamls, cat hugs teddy gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-1832-1369951156-8

animals, dog over ball gif, amazing balancing doganigif_enhanced-buzz-2774-1355609789-3animals, duck sleeping gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-2410-1369939749-19animals, dog rolls up gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-898-1369953089-15

bunny gif

animals, dog and crow gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-14719-1355769175-1animals, hamster gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-12657-1369952487-33animals, balancing dog, anigif_enhanced-buzz-26482-1355767920-24, amazing balancing doganimals, gif, puppy falling over dish, anigif_enhanced-buzz-32537-1355769144-2animals, kitten gif, anigif_enhanced-buzz-13587-1369944215-19animals, anigif_enhanced-buzz-11909-1369483278-3Skillz - Imgur

Ninja rabbit

Ninja rabbit

If you can’t stop now, and want many more animal wonders, click on Animals:  Exquisite, Amusing and Aww 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2

Thanks to:  Buzzfeed, Viralnova, 9wows, and to  Clair E, Patty S, Mel, Mike B, Kathleen J,

Bird’s Eye View of Wonders

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The “bird” is perhaps the best known aerial photographer on the planet, Frenchman Yann Arthus-Bertrand.  He has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide of his photo essay Earth From Above, a decade-spanning attempt to capture all the vistas of the planet from the sky, whether by helicopter, hot air balloon, or anything else that flies.

This selection is the second installment of his images on this website, just as spectacular as the first.  If you want to see the first batch, click here.

Icebergs and an Adelie Penguin, Adelie Land, Antarctica

Icebergs and an Adelie Penguin, Adelie Land, Antarctica

 

Greater Flamingos on Lake Naruku, Kenya

Greater Flamingos on Lake Naruku, Kenya

 

New olive plantings, Zaghouan, Tunisia

New olive plantings, Zaghouan, Tunisia

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, US

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, US

 

Cows Grazing in Pantanal, Brazil

Cows Grazing in Pantanal, Brazil

 

Confluence of the Rio Uruguay and a Tributary, Misiones Province, Argentina. Guess which river is downstream from logging.

Confluence of the Rio Uruguay and a Tributary, Misiones Province, Argentina. Guess which river is downstream from logging.

Icebreaker Louis Saint Laurent in Resolute Bay, Nunavut Territory, Canada

Icebreaker Louis Saint Laurent in Resolute Bay, Nunavut Territory, Canada

 

 

Solar Thermal Power Plants in Sanlúcar la Mayor

Solar Thermal Power Plants in Sanlúcar la Mayor

 

Orchard Among the Wheat, Macedonia, Greece

Orchard Among the Wheat, Macedonia, Greece

Patchwork of Carpets in Marrakech, Morocco

Patchwork of Carpets in Marrakech, Morocco

 

Training Arena in the Hippodrome of Maisons-Laffitte, Yvelines, France

Training Arena in the Hippodrome of Maisons-Laffitte, Yvelines, France

 

Worker Resting on Bales of Cotton, Ivory Coast

Worker Resting on Bales of Cotton, Ivory Coast

 

yann-arthus-bertrand-home-cotton

Trees Amid the Waters Near Taponas, Rhône Region, France

Trees Amid the Waters Near Taponas, Rhône Region, France

 

 

Ashes of a Tree Near the Gorohoui Kongoli Mountains, Ivory Coast

Ashes of a Tree Near the Gorohoui Kongoli Mountains, Ivory Coast

 

Cliffs of Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway, Ireland

Cliffs of Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway, Ireland

Tree of Life, Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Tree of Life, Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Rivière près des Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

Rivière près des Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

papouasie-occidentale-indonesie

papouasie-occidentale-indonesie

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

 

Village in the swamps of the White Nile near Bor, Jonglei, South Sudan

Village in the swamps of the White Nile near Bor, Jonglei, South Sudan

yann-arthus-bertrand-photo-exhibition-during-rio20-18

yann-arthus-bertrand-photo-exhibition-during-rio20-14

yann-arthus-bertrand-photographie-etang

 

Cultivation of seaweed, Wando archipelogo, South Korea

Cultivation of seaweed, Wando archipelogo, South Korea

Agricultural Landscape Near Cognac, Charente, France

Agricultural Landscape Near Cognac, Charente, France

Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Wheat harvest in the Valley of the Dades, Morocco

Wheat harvest in the Valley of the Dades, Morocco

Church on the top of a rock near Hawzen, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Church on the top of a rock near Hawzen, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Banc de sable dans le delta de la Betsiboka près de Mahajanga, Madagascar

Sandbar in the delta of the Betsiboka near Mahajanga, Madagascar

 

Road interrupted by a sand dune, Nile Valley, Egypt. Dunes cover nearly one-third of the Sahara, and the highest, in linear form, can attain a height of almost 1,000 feet (300 m). Barchans are mobile, crescent-shaped dunes that move in the direction of the prevailing wind at rates as high as 33 feet (10 m) per year, sometimes even covering infrastructures such as this road in the Nile Valley.

Road interrupted by a sand dune, Nile Valley, Egypt. Dunes cover nearly one-third of the Sahara, and the highest, in linear form, can attain a height of almost 1,000 feet (300 m). Barchans are mobile, crescent-shaped dunes that move in the direction of the prevailing wind at rates as high as 33 feet (10 m) per year, sometimes even covering infrastructures such as this road in the Nile Valley.

Snowmobiles on the ice, Baffin Island, Canada.

Snowmobiles on the ice, Baffin Island, Canada.

yann-arthus-bertrand-photographie-riziere

 

vineyards, Canary Islands, Spain

Vineyards, Canary Islands, Spain

 

Market near Xochimilco district, Mexico

Market near Xochimilco district, Mexico

 

Flock of Scarlet Ibis, Near Pedernales, Amacuro Delta, Venezuela

Flock of Scarlet Ibis, Near Pedernales, Amacuro Delta, Venezuela

 

Karymsky volcano erupting, Kamchatka, Russia

Karymsky volcano erupting, Kamchatka, Russia

Mountainous countryside near Maelifellssandur, Myrdalsjökull Region, Iceland. Once the young lava fields of Iceland cool down, life begins anew little by little. Ice, wind and water flatten and carve out shapes to begin with, then, during the summer, bacteria, lichen and fungi prepare the soil for plants, in particular mosses which adapt to an environment which remains difficult. These plants colonise the most favourable sites and terrain little by little, forming a new ecosystem.

Mountainous countryside near Maelifellssandur, Myrdalsjökull Region, Iceland. Once the young lava fields of Iceland cool down, life begins anew little by little. Ice, wind and water flatten and carve out shapes to begin with, then, during the summer, bacteria, lichen and fungi prepare the soil for plants, in particular mosses which adapt to an environment which remains difficult. These plants colonize the most favorable sites and terrain little by little, forming a new ecosystem.

 

Taj Mahal, Agra Uttar, Pradesh, India

Taj Mahal, Agra Uttar, Pradesh, India

 

Fishing nets on beach, Saham, Oman

Fishing nets on beach, Saham, Oman

 

Rubber Tracks on a Recreation Ground near Doha, Qatar

Rubber Tracks on a Recreation Ground near Doha, Qatar

 

Fields of tulips near Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Fields of tulips near Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Tree plantation near Christchurch South Island, New Zealand

Tree plantation near Christchurch South Island, New Zealand

 

Barringer Crater Near Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, United States

Barringer Crater Near Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, United States

Autumn Forest in the Region of Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada

Autumn Forest in the Region of Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada

 

Region of Kitaa, Groenland, Danemark

Region of Kitaa, Groenland, Danemark

vaucluse

 

Mangroves in Everglades National Park, Florida, US

Mangroves in Everglades National Park, Florida, US

Oryx in the dunes of Sossusvlei Swakopmund region, Namibia

Oryx in the dunes of Sossusvlei Swakopmund region, Namibia

Maelifell, bordering the Myrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland

Maelifell, bordering the Myrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland

Cotton fabrics drying in the sun in Sanganer, Rajasthan, India

Cotton fabrics drying in the sun in Sanganer, Rajasthan, India

Sandbank on the Coast of Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia

Sandbank on the Coast of Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia

The Corcovado overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Corcovado overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Yann Arthus-Bertrand 2above,

 

Dromedary Caravan Near Nouakchott, Mauritania

Dromedary Caravan Near Nouakchott, Mauritania

For more images from above on this website by Yann Arthus-Bertrand click here.

For a moving version of his work, Arthus-Bertrand has made and distributed a free 1 1/2 hour movie, “Home” that you can watch here on youtube.

To check out his website, again here is the link.

His thousands of images from above are on countless websites.  Special thanks to Bored Panda, to Boston.com and to sbioak.com for their selections of his images.

 

 

Trees

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605

Trees are the oldest and the largest living things on earth.  Some are weird, some extraordinary, some gorgeous, and some shaped by the human hand to fascinate and amuse. Please enjoy these  images–or better yet, take a walk in the woods and greet them in person with appreciation.

 

As Patricia Hays suggested in the comments below, if you’re inclined, you can listen to Paul Robeson sing about trees while you meander through this post.  Thanks to Tom Reiter for forwarding the link.

2000 years old tree in South Africa known as tree of life (Baobab)

2000 years old tree in South Africa known as tree of life (Baobab)

The oldest tree on earth, great basin bristle cone pine, Oldest trees, over 5000 years old, in California

The oldest tree on earth, great basin bristle cone pine, Oldest trees, over 5000 years old, in California

 

General Sherman tree, Sequoia Redwood, the largest living single-stem tree and largest living organism on earth in California

General Sherman tree, Sequoia Redwood, the largest living single-stem tree and largest living organism on earth in California

trees, 5 (2)

trees, 10

nature, tree from bricks

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

ng, 1trees, 17trees, 19

 

Jabuticaba, a Brazilian grape tree The fruit grows directly from the trunk and branches of the tree.

Jabuticaba, a Brazilian grape tree The fruit grows directly from the trunk and branches of the tree.

trees, 20

eucalyptus

trees, 21trees, 4trees, 12trees, 14Adaptive roots in concrete jungle, c.e.trees, baobob and kidstrees, 23trees, unusual, funzug, 2trees, unusual, funzug

Coconut trees , Lombok, Bali, Indonesia

Coconut trees , Lombok, Bali, Indonesia

trees,17trees, unusualtrees, unusual, 3trees, sycamore

Banyan tree

Banyan tree

c9cb30fbdda8e21497ec44e782bce730

Toborochi tree

Toborochi tree

by Hengki Koentjoro via pinterest

by Hengki Koentjoro via pinterest

Mossy Roots, Sintra, Portugal

Mossy Roots, Sintra, Portugal

 

Boabab, Also known as the tree of life

Boabab, Also known as the tree of life

 

Cypress

Cypress

trees, aspenstreet art, 17

Cannonball tree, by Douglas Peebles Photography, Alamy, fruit grows directly on the trunk

Cannonball tree, by Douglas Peebles Photography, Alamy, fruit grows directly on the trunk

nature, green tree

Jennifer Long, Janus Photo Arts on Flickr

Jennifer Long, Janus Photo Arts on Flickr

Olive tree

Olive tree

 

Madagascar's ancient forest of baobab trees

Madagascar’s ancient forest of baobab trees

Spanish moss

Spanish moss

trees, 9 wows, gary

trees, 3

 

trees, 22

Jason Hehir photography

Jason Hehir photography

trees, 8trees, 9 wows via gary wtrees, 9 (2)trees, 9 wows 2trees, 9 wows, 3trees, 9 wows, 5trees, 9, 6trees, 9 wowstrees, 9 wows, 4

By Patrick Dougherty, made from willows

By Patrick Dougherty, made from willows

trees, pat dougherty, 2 trees, Patrick Dougherty’s Mind-Blowing Nest Houses Made of Living Treestrees, pooktre 2trees, pooktre, 3trees, pooktre, 4trees, 9trees, carvingstrees, 15trees, 16trees, Angkor-Wattrees, baugaarten, dk

Moss on oak trees

Moss on oak trees

trees, whiteThanks to:  9Wows, and Dean.

 

Tule tree, S. Mexico

Tule tree, S. Mexico

This post is a group effort.  Here’s a lovely tree poem/prayer that has been going around the internet with these images.  Thanks to George for forwarding it to me:

An Ancient Prayer of the Woods

I am the heat of your hearth on the cold winter nights,
the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun,
and my fruits are refreshing

droughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.

I am the beam that holds your house,
the board of your table,
the bed on which you lie,
and the timber that builds your boat.
I am the handle of your hoe,
the door of your homestead,
the wood of your cradle,
and the shell of your coffin.
I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty.

‘Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: Harm me not.’

(A prayer used in Portuguese forest preservation for more than 1,000 years)

Street Art, 3

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10

My favorite is the invisible tree trunk.  What’s yours?

By Smug in Glasgow, Scotland

By Smug in Glasgow, Scotland

 

By Natalii Rak at Folk on the Street in Bialymstoku, Poland

By Natalii Rak at Folk on the Street in Bialymstoku, Poland

human ingen, st. art 4

 

street art, 18

By Suso33 in Madrid, Spain

By Suso33 in Madrid, Spain

France

France

Street-art-inspiration27

By Seth in Paris, France. Thanks to Elize Bullock for the photo.

By Seth in Paris, France. Thanks to Elize Bullock for the photo.

Street-Art-in-Tijuana-Mexico

In Tiajuana, Mexico

Street-art-inspiration28, check last poststreet art, armsstreet art, batman, amazing placesStreet-art-inspiration38Street-art-inspiration59street art 25human ingen, street artstreet art 25street art, 20street art, 24street art, 23street art, 19human ingen, st. art 2human ingen, st. art 3street art, 21street art, 22Street-art-inspiration268Street-Art011

Hyuro street

Hyuro street

Nyuro Street, 2

Nyuro Street, 2

street_art_march_2012_26

By Wild Drawing, Athens, Greece

By Wild Drawing, Athens, Greece

street art 2

street-art-1

 

By daleast

By daleast

On Facebook. By Daniel Siering and Mario Shu in Potsdam, Germany.

On Facebook. By Daniel Siering and Mario Shu in Potsdam, Germany.

Roa-Street-Art-9

 LITTLE PEOPLE, BY SLINKACHUlittlepeople_1

 street art, little_people_street_art_15

 

street_art_mars_24slinkachu_little_peopleslinkachu 1littlepeople3_0slinkachu_wetnwild_3_1000Slinkachu-15Street-Art-by-Slinkachu-4slinkachu03

By David Zinn in Michigan, USA

By David Zinn in Michigan, USA

human ingen, st. 3-d art3-d art, boy3-d art, from patty

By John Pugh

By John Pugh

3d sculpture,3d art

For more street art, go here.  You can also try this graffiti post.

Thanks to Street Art Utopia, and to Slinkachu for the little people, and to Patricia S. for getting me started on this post.

 

Microscopic Science + Art = Wonders

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Photos of the microscopic show us that indeed the universe is a wondrous place. Artistic complexity and awe-inspiring design underlie the smallest detail beyond our eye’s ability to see.  Nikon’s annual Small World Photomicrography Competition is judged for both artistry and scientific technique and if you like the examples below there are thousands more to explore at Nikon’s fabulous website.

My favorite below is the fruit fly sperm.  What about you?

Crystals of influenza virus neuraminidase isolated from terns by Julie Macklin and Graeme Laver, Canberra, Australia

Crystals of influenza virus isolated from terns by Julie Macklin and Graeme Laver, Canberra, Australia

Dr. John-Hart-Hart3D Films and Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, crystal of sulphur and other acids

Crystals of sulphur and other acids by Dr. John, the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

 

The explosive dynamics of sugar transport in fat cells, Sydney, Australia

The explosive dynamics of sugar transport in fat cells, Sydney, Australia

Butterfly eggs on a stem, by David Millard, Austin, Texas

Butterfly eggs on a stem, by David Millard, Austin, Texas

Silicon dioxide on polydimethylglutarimide-based resist, Canada by Dr. Pedro Barios Perez,

Silicon dioxide on polydimethylglutarimide-based resist, Canada by Dr. Pedro Barios Perez,

Nerve and muscle thin section, by David Ward, Oakdale, CA

Nerve and muscle thin section, by David Ward, Oakdale, CA

 

Gypsy flower seeds by Keszthely, Zala, Dr. Csaba Pinter, Hungary

Gypsy flower seeds by Keszthely, Zala, Dr. Csaba Pinter, Hungary

 

Adhesive pad on a foreleg of a ladybird beetle, by Jan_Michels.

Adhesive pad on a foreleg of a ladybird beetle, by Jan_Michels.

Battery leakage crystal, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Chao

Battery leakage crystal, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Chao

Glands of a leaf by University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Mayaguez Campus, Jose Rivera

Glands of a leaf by University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Mayaguez Campus, Jose Rivera

 

Vitamin C crystal by Raul Gonzalez Estudio

Vitamin C crystal by Raul Gonzalez Estudio

Lily of the Valley, rhizone section by Dewel Microscopy Facility, Dr. Guichuan Hou,

Lily of the Valley, rhizone section by Dewel Microscopy Facility, Dr. Guichuan Hou,

 

Insects wrapped in spider web, by Mark Sanders, minnesota

Insects wrapped in spider web, by Mark Sanders, minnesota

 

mouse fat tissue, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Light Microscopy Core Facility, Dr. Daniela Malide

Mouse fat tissue, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Light Microscopy Core Facility, Dr. Daniela Malide

 

Citric and tarteric acid by Herald Anderson, Steinberg, Buskerud, Norway, Herald Anderson,

Citric and tarteric acid by Herald Anderson, Steinberg, Buskerud, Norway, Herald Anderson

Dew on a spider web by Massimo Brizze, www.massimobrizzi.it,

Dew on a spider web by Massimo Brizze, www.massimobrizzi.it

Soap bubble, by Haris Antonopoulo, Athens, Greece

Soap bubble, by Haris Antonopoulo, Athens, Greece

 

Purple food dye, by Waldo Nell, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Purple food dye, by Waldo Nell, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

 

Pollen-crocus,by Frederic Labaune, Auxonne, France

Pollen-crocus,by Frederic Labaune, Auxonne, France

 

Small intestine of a mouse by Dr. Bryan Millis, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Laboratory of Cell Structure and Dynamics, s

Small intestine of a mouse by Dr. Bryan Millis, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Laboratory of Cell Structure and Dynamics

Mouse vertebrae section by Michael Nelson et al, Alabama, US

Mouse vertebrae section by Michael Nelson et al, Alabama, US

Fruit fly sperm by Dr. Janet Rollins, College of Mount Saint Vincent, New York

Fruit fly sperm by Dr. Janet Rollins, College of Mount Saint Vincent, New York

 

Madagascan Sunset moth by Maidstone, U.K., Laurie Knight

Madagascan Sunset moth by Maidstone, U.K., Laurie Knight

 

Sulfosalicylic Acid Crystals,by Thomas Balla

Sulfosalicylic Acid Crystals,by Thomas Balla

Hippocampal neuron receiving excitatory contacts, by Dr. Kirian Boyle, glascow

Hippocampal neuron receiving excitatory contacts, by Dr. Kirian Boyle, glascow

paramecium

paramecium

 

Rings and Circles, Vitamin-C Microcristals, by Rudolf Bauer

Rings and Circles, Vitamin-C Microcristals, by Rudolf Bauer

Here’s a chance to see more, first at this post, then the Nikon site again.

Better than Recycling?

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Re-use is better than recycling and below you will find examples of human whimsy, creativity and skill put to good use for the benefit of individuals and the planet.

recycling raft

Cello chairs

Cello chairs

recycling, dress

Chopstick dress

Chopstick dress

Chopstick lamps

Chopstick lamps

Chopstick wine rack

Chopstick wine rack

 

Chopstick canoe

Chopstick canoe

Chopstick fruit basket

Chopstick fruit basket

Book counter

Book counter

Drum chandelier

Drum chandelier

suitcase chair

suitcase chair

Tennis ball chair

Tennis ball chair

bike tire chair

bike tire chair

Belt chair

Belt chair

Bottle cap chair

Bottle cap chair

recycling, carolrecycling, boots, 2recycling, jeans

Fountain

Fountain

recycling, graterrecycling, bird foodrecycling, canoerecycling sprinklerrecycling tubs

Ladder bookcase

Ladder bookcase

door for hanging pics and clothes

door for hanging pics and clothes

Mac cat bed

Apple cat bed

 

Bike planter

Bike planter

recycling, bike wheel letsrecycling, bike wheelrecycling, bikerecycling, bikesrecycling,

Bench by Misato Kuga, Photo by Katsumi Kasahara, Tokyo, Japan

Bench by Misato Kuga, Photo by Katsumi Kasahara, Tokyo, Japan

 

bicycle chain chandelier

bicycle chain chandelier

 

Ping pong ball chandelier

Ping pong ball chandelier

recycling, rakerecycling flowers

crutches

crutches

crutch globe holder

crutch globe holder

Umbrellas provide shade on street in Portugal

Umbrellas provide shade on street in Portugal

Umbrella skirt

Umbrella skirt

Tree stump

Tree stump

recycling, tree stumprecycling, tree stump 2

tires

tires

Snowboarding bench

Snowboarding bench

Skateboarding bench

Skateboarding bench

recycling, tv better

recycling, violin

Phone book

Phone book

recycling, recipesrecycling, carol, 2Recycling, catrecycling, lamp

Teapot planter and jeans dogbed

Teapot planter and jeans dogbed

recycling, showerrecycling, piano fountainrecycling, pianorecycling, bookcasesrecycling, clockrecycling, wall

The Bottle Chapel at Airlie Gardens, North Carolina.

The Bottle Chapel at Airlie Gardens, North Carolina.

recycling, room of bottlesrecycling, toiletMany thanks to Carol for getting me started on this subject by forwarding great examples.

And to  How to Recycle for many of the additional images.  I’ve picked my favorites to share but there are countless more ideas and photos if you want to browse for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Dreams

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Artist Queenie Liao combines imagination and photography to create a unique helping of Aww… Using only common household materials like plain cloths and stuffed animals, she designs a whimsical world for her sweet slumbering baby, Wengenn, and for us.

creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-1creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-2creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-5creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-4creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-6creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-7creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-9creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-10 creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-8creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-11creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-12creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-13creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-14creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-15creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-16creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-17creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-18creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-19creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-20creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-21creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-22creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-24creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-25creative-baby-photography-queenie-liao-23To visit the website of Sioin Queenie Liao, go here where she offers a book of her photographs, “Wengenn in Wonderland.”

Thanks to Rose via Will via  Bored Panda.

Mixed Species, 7

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Surprising, amusing, touching.  Here’s another opportunity to see friendships across species.  Don’t miss the moving gifs at the end.

Can't you just hear this gorilla going aww?

Can’t you just hear this gorilla going aww?

mixed species, 2mixed species, cat and slothmixed species, 4mixed species, 5

By Mustafa Öztürk

By Mustafa Öztürk

mixed species, goat and boy

 

mixed species, llama and goat

 

 

mixed species, fox and humanmixed species, monkey and person'

mixed species, zebra and elemixed species, dog and butterfly, louisemixed species, via shiramixed species, cat and turtle

 

mixed species, cat and hogmixed species, cat and dogmixed species, cat and horsemixed species, cat and iguana

O.K., cats are not only cute, friendly and cuddly.

Oops, must not forget, cats have other attributes than cute, friendly and cuddly.

mixed species, man and gorilla

mixed species, Louise

 

mixed species, pig and tigermixed species, dog and ducks from c.e.mixed species, dog and cheetamixed species, dog and elephaantmixed species, kitten and st. bernardmixed species, man and dog, shiramixed species, sheep and goatmixed species, 3mixed species, cat and ducks

note: three species

note: three species

mixed species, man and monkeymixed species, monkey and tigermixed species, lamb and goatmixed species, turtle and cat

 

mixed species, zebra and giraffemixed species, Louise, 3YOUR DOG’S REACTION WHEN YOU GET HOME

 

gif 7YOUR CAT’S REACTION WHEN YOU GET HOME

 

gif 1CAT WAKING UP

gif 2 realDOG WAKING UP

gif 8

CAT AT 6AM

gif 6DOG AT 6AM

dog12

HOW YOU KNOW A DOG IS HUNGRY

gif 9HOW YOU KNOW A CAT IS HUNGRY

cat3(1)WHEN A CAT ANNOYS A DOG

gif 4WHEN A DOG ANNOYS A CAT

gif 11

 DOG’S REACTION TO A WALK

dog11CAT’S REACTION TO A WALK

gif 5

For mixed species to your heart’s content go to:  Mixed Species 6, or Mixed Species 5, or Mixed Species 4, or Mixed Species 3, or Mixed Species 2, or Mixed Species 1.

Thanks to:  Kathleen for the gifs, and Claire Elizabeth, Shira, Louise.

Human Ingenuity Medley, 2

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The following images include whimsy, beauty, creativity and practicality.  All together they give us another glimpse of the extraordinary variety of human ingenuity.

As always, I welcome information that helps me give proper attribution regarding either the photographer or the ingenius object of the photograph.

Sculpture, Hamburg, Germany by artist Oliver Voss

Sculpture, Hamburg, Germany by artist Oliver Voss. It’s made of styrofoam and steel and measures about 12 feet high and 90 feet long.

Vegetable dress

Vegetable dress

human ingen, 4

The Troll is a 12 foot sculpture built by Kim Graham

The Troll is a 12 foot sculpture built by Kim Graham

human ingen, 5human ingen, 6human ingen, 7human ingen, 10human ingen, 12human ingen, cool sinkhuman ingen, corn bunny

Body Art Illusions By Johannes Stoetter

Body Art Illusions By Johannes Stoetter

More Body Art by Johannes Stoetter

More Body Art by Johannes Stoetter

Johannes Stoetter again

Johannes Stoetter again

Checking the alignment of the tea cups, Japanese parliament

Checking the alignment of the tea cups, Japanese parliament

human ingen, drb

human ingen, 11human ingen, cowboy boots

Monks praying

Monks praying

Soldiers marching...and waiting?

Soldiers marching…or waiting too long?

Birdbath

Birdbath

San Francisco stairs

San Francisco staircase

human ingen, drb,

Succulent garden

Succulent garden

Rock garden

Rock garden

human ingen, phone-sheep via Dean, from Germany

 

Pedestrian bridge near Fort de Roovere in the Netherlands divides the water like Moses.. Designed by RO architects

Pedestrian bridge near Fort de Roovere in the Netherlands divides the water like Moses.. Designed by RO architects

human ingen, 8

Hardhat, softhat

Hardhat, softhat

Scotch tape hinges

Scotch tape hinges

human ingen

eggs chicken

eggs chicken

Pepper turkey

Chilis turkey

 

human ingen, statue, from c.e.human ingen, tulip and dancer

via wordlesstech team

via wordlesstech team

human ingen, chimney

Traffic light tree has 75 sets of lights, by Pierre Vivant in London

Traffic light tree has 75 sets of lights, by Pierre Vivant in London

 

Short Stories by Jim Roseneau, This Into That

“Very Short Stories” by Jim Roseneau, This Into That

Too good to be true, by Jim Roseneau

Too good to be true, by Jim Roseneau

 

By Sayoko ERI

By Sayoko ERI

Photographer Karsten Wegener, designer Silke Baltruschat and food stylist Raik Holst recently collaborated on german sausages

Photographer Karsten Wegener, designer Silke Baltruschat and food stylist Raik Holst recently collaborated on german sausages

human ingen, medley, by

By Brad Downey in Berlin, Germany

By Brad Downey in Berlin, Germany

Boston-based artists Kenji Nakayama and Christopher Hope interviewed and photographed a number of homeless people on the streets of Boston, replacing their signs.

Boston-based artists Kenji Nakayama and Christopher Hope interviewed and photographed a number of homeless people on the streets of Boston, replacing their signs.

human ingen, signs, 3human ingen, signshuman ingen, signs 2

In Águeda, Portugal some streets are decorated with colorful umbrellas protecting walkers from the summer sun.

In Águeda, Portugal some streets are decorated with colorful umbrellas protecting walkers from the summer sun.

 

Using a neglected street underpass in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, artist Bill Fitzgibbons created an installation controlled by a computerized LED light system. -

Using a neglected street underpass in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, artist Bill Fitzgibbons created an installation controlled by a computerized LED light system. –

 

The Park of the Monsters (Parco dei Mostri in Italian-language), also named Garden of Bomarzo is the work of Pier Francesco Orsini,(1523–1585), a patron of the arts, greatly devoted to his wife Giulia Farnese. When she died, he created the gardens. The design is attributed to Pirro Ligorio, and the sculptures to Simone Moschino.

human ingen, Parco di Bomarzo, 5human ingen, Parco di Bomarzo 9Human ingen, Parco di Bomarzo from Jillhuman ingen, Parco di Bomarzo, 2human ingen, Parco di Bomarzo, 4human ingen, Parco di Bomarzo, 3Manhole covers in Japan present a fascinating array of artistic expression representing the city or neighborhood in which they appear.

Tokyo

Tokyo

 

Chiba

Chiba

 

Kobe

Kobe

Souka city Saitama

Souka city Saitama

 

Tokyo adachi ku

Tokyo adachi ku

 

kaitacho manhole

kaitacho

 

Gotenba city Shizuoka

Gotenba city Shizuoka

 

Yokkaichi city port

Yokkaichi city port

 

Hakone

Hakone

 

Otsu city

Otsu city

 

Toyohashi city

Toyohashi city

The following images have NOT been photoshopped.human ingen, no photoshop

 

human ingen, cloudhuman ingen, shadowshuman ingen, dancehuman ingen, man

To browse other examples of human ingenuity go here.  Many thanks to:  Johannes Stoetter for body painting, Takika Yoda on Pinterest for manhole covers, and to Judy G.A.

 

Animals, Exquisite, Amusing and Aww, 6

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Time for another animal post.  It’s been awhile and so far at least, there is no shortage of candidates for wonderful animal images.

animalsanimals, 4animals, 5animals, 2animals, 7animals, elephant and babeanimals, horsesanimals, 15animals, bird landinganimals, sleep 3

White Dragon King Crown Betta

White Dragon King Crown Betta

fennec, large

Fennec foxes can be found purring like a cat when they are content.

animals, polar divinganimals, 10

Via National Geographic

Via National Geographic

By Pam Chambers

By Pam Chambers

animals, alaskan flat tireanimals, 13animals, giraffesanimals, jumpinganimals, catanimals, 14animals, noseporkipine

 

exqui image, crowsexqui image, stingrays

 

animals, lizard

By Ray Lagstein

By Ray Lagstein

exqui image, 5

red panda

By Y. Yamazaki

animals, 9animals, 8animals, 1animals, 3animals, 6 mo. old chimpsloths-cuddling-between-blankets-biganimals, 12

animals, sleepingskunkr-CATS-IN-BOXES-large570

animals, squirrelanimals, pumpkinanimals, on fenceanimals, many squirrelsanimals, sleep 4animals, black

animals, 11If you are up for more animal images and haven’t seen the other ones on this site:

Go to Animals 5,or # 4, or #3, or #2, or #1

 Thanks to Louise

 

 

Long Exposure Magic

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By Lincoln Harrison

By Lincoln Harrison

 

At first these spectacular swirls of color may look like clever computer graphics.  Actually they are the product of hour after hour of painstaking night-time shooting by photographer Lincoln Harrison.   His stunning pictures of star trails across the Australian night sky were taken over periods of up to 15 hours.

long and short, lincoln h, 3Amazing star trails in Australialong and short, lincoln h. 2According to wikipedia, long exposure photography involves using a long-duration shutter speed to capture the stationary elements of images while blurring, smearing or obscuring the moving parts.  The paths of moving light sources become clearly visible.

That sounds simple and straight-forward enough.  But what these artists exhibit is pure magic.  Various techniques and subject matter open an astounding variety of visual effects.

Where I can find them, I’ve included links to further images and to more technical explanations for the curious and geeky visitor.  Please let us know your favorites in the comments below.By David Johnson

By David Johnson

David Johnson has devised a way to photograph fireworks that is other-worldly and unique.

long and short, david jlong and short, david johnson 2long and short, david j. 5long and short, david johnson, 4long and short, david johnson, 3long and short, david j. 6long and short, David Johnsonlong and short, dClick here if you want to read about how these images were made and here for more images by David Johnson.

Photographer Bill Wadman has captured 9 dancers in flowing motion.Photographer Bill Wadman captures 9 dancers in flowing motion. long and short, Photographer Bill Wadman has captured 9 dancers in flowing motion, 3

long and short, Photographer Bill Wadman has captured 9 dancers in flowing motionlong and short, Photographer Bill Wadman has captured 9 dancers in flowing motion 4long, wadmanlong, wadman, 2

by IBRoomba on Flickr

by IBRoomba on Flickr

Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner that is able to autonomously vacuum the floor while navigating a living space and avoiding obstacles.

It also comes equipped with color-changing LEDs that indicate things like remaining battery power and dirty spots. The LED lights combined with a seemingly random cleaning path has led some intrepid photographers to take long exposure photographs. The results are a kind of ‘light painting.’

By Chris Bartle (bartlec on Flickr)

By Chris Bartle (bartlec on Flickr)

By reconscious on Flickr

By reconscious on Flickr

 

By Mike Bala (mikebala on Flickr)

By Mike Bala (mikebala on Flickr)

 

By-reconscious-on-Flickr.

By-reconscious-on-Flickr.

Seven Roombas operating simultaneously, by IBRoomba

Seven Roombas operating simultaneously, by IBRoomba

long and short, swinging burning steel aroundFrom Eric S. at  Wildammo:

Light painting is an awesome technique that can be created in a variety of ways such as using LEDs (like Roomba) or fireworks.   But for some, steel wool is a great choice. Steel wool grade 0 and finer (00, 000) is flammable. You can attach a pad to a wire or string and spin it around and create a shower of sparks.   The faster you swing the more sparks you get.

long, steel-wool-long-exposure-wildammo-4long, steel-wool-long-exposure-wildammo-10long, steel-wool-long-exposure-wildammo-7long, steel-wool-long-exposure-wildammo-6long, steel-wool-long-exposure-wildammo-13long and short, ISS star trailsThis is a composite of a series of long exposure images photographed from a mounted camera on the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, from approximately 240 miles above Earth by  Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Don Pettit.  For details on his technique go to webodysseum.

long, by NASA, Don Pettitlong, nasa, don pettitlong, iss, 3

By 2careless on Flickr

By 2careless on Flickr

People create gorgeous long exposure images of ferris wheels.

In Japan by Les Taylor

In Japan by Les Taylor

San Mateo, CA by Thomas Hawk.

San Mateo, CA by Thomas Hawk.

Santa Monica by Asim Bharwani

Santa Monica by Asim Bharwani

 

New York by Jordan Confino

New York by Jordan Confino

Other Amusement Park Rides

CAMERAAirplane takeoffs

long and short, sf airport planeslong and short, sf airport, 2Streets

long and short, streetlong and short, street, 2

Photo by Dan Anderson, a bottle rocket

Photo by Dan Anderson, a bottle rocket

Not sure how they did this:

long and short, 1

by breeyerbs

by breeyerbs

By Martin Zalba Ibañez

By Martin Zalba Ibañez

By Martin Zalba Ibañez

By Martin Zalba Ibañez

 

 

long and short, 2

 

by Miles Morgan

by Miles Morgan

by mshobi

by mshobi

 

by samopotamous_street

by samopotamous_street

Even a wedding photo using sparklers.

By Lindsay Bumpass

By Lamb and Lark photography

That’s if for LONG EXPOSURE images.  In case you are interested, here’s a taste of a SHORT EXPOSURE or high speed image from another post on this site.

By Jim Kramer

By Jim Kramer

Go here if you want to explore what photographic whizzes can do with high speed photography.

Thanks to Twistedsifter for the roomba images.  And to wildammo for the steel wool images.  And to webodysseum for the images from the international space station.

 

Birds, 5

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As you can tell by the title, this is the 5th post on birds–not counting a couple entries about specific species.  Each time I publish a bird post I am sure I must have exhausted all the most spectacular bird species and photographs.  Once again I find more to share.  I hope you enjoy and at the end, if you don’t want to stop, you can follow the links to all the previous bird entries.

 

 

bird, pink

Roseate Spoonbill

birds, 3

Tufted puffin

birds, black swans and fish

Black swans

Lorikeet

Lorikeet

birds, duckbirds, blue, 2

Gray Peacock Pheasant

Gray Peacock Pheasant

Himalaya glansfazant

Himalaya glansfazant

Guira cuckoos

Guira cuckoos

Jacobin pigeon

Jacobin pigeon

birds, joyce r m

Secretarybird

birds, joyce pint

King Bird of Paradise

He might be a blue-legged King Bird of Paradise but he sure has tiny wings….are those the wings or decorations?

birds, Formosan Magpie, patty s.

Lilac breasted roller

Lilac breasted roller

Golden Pheasant

Golden Pheasant

 

via national geographic

via national geographic

bird, baby washing

Yellow Warbler

bird 4, owls

Burrowing owls

African Bateleur

African Bateleur

birds, orange (3)

manzaralar

manzaralar

Purple Gallinule

Purple Gallinule

Silver-eared Mesia

Silver-eared Mesia

birds, owls cuddle

Male Crested Wood Partridge

Male Crested Wood Partridge

birds, 5

Plover chick

birds, flower

Hungarian Grison Rouge Pigeon.

Hungarian Grison Rouge Pigeon.

Goliath Heron

Goliath Heron

birds, 4

Ooops, sorry kid.

birds, many

Bluebirds

birds, 2

Snowy egret via National Geographic by Graham McGeorge

Snowy egret via National Geographic by Graham McGeorge

Mr. and Mrs.Red-bellied Grackle

Mr. and Mrs.Red-bellied Grackle

Grenadiers finches preening.

Grenadiers finches preening.

peacock in flight

peacock in flight

birds, peacock in flight 2birds, peacock in flight 3birds, Peacock in flight.birds, peacocksbirds, peacock in 2 colors

Polish hen

Polish hen

 

Another Polish Chicken

Another Polish Chicken

birds, susan b 3birds, susan b, 2

pink pigeon, manzaralar

pink pigeon, manzaralar

via National Geographic

via National Geographic

birds, threebirds, owls (2)birds, owlsbirds, 3 owlsbirds, owlbirds, two owls

AREN’T OWLS GREAT?

Quetzal

Quetzal

Lady Amherst's Pheasant

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

 

Violet-Ear Hummingbird....Hummingbirds have ears?

Violet-Ear Hummingbird….Hummingbirds have ears?

birds, with fish, 2

Atlantic Puffin

Via National Geographic by Helmut Ignat

Via National Geographic by Helmut Ignat

Antillean Crested Hummingbird

Antillean Crested Hummingbird

birds, manzalarar

by Paul Smith

by Paul Smith

 

Hooded Oriole

Hooded Oriole

birds, ostrich

Ostrich

birds, turkeys

For more birds go to Birds 4,  Birds 3, Birds 2, or Birds 1

Thanks to Kathleen, Patricia S.,

And to Iva for a lot of help with naming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are They Crazy?, 2

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4

Or am I?

More images of death-defying, breath-stealing endeavors of possibly crazy people–or crazy viewers.  As I’ve said before:

When I see these photos, I don’t see beautiful nature or glorious view–all I can think of is “Are these people crazy or am I?”  I know I feel if I get within 6 feet of a cliff I will fall over and slip off the edge (falling over is not something I worry about much standing in my living room)  I shift between staring at them in amazement and shuddering with dread at the idea of anyone being where these people have decided to go–at huge effort.

So, are they crazy or do you wish you could join these people in their mighty endeavors?

I understand why this person is standing with his back against the wall, looking terrified. What I don't understand is how and especially WHY he put himself there. This 40-foot-long sliver of granite is on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, in California.

I understand why this person is standing with his back against the wall, looking terrified. What I don’t understand is how and especially WHY he put himself there. This 40-foot-long sliver of granite is on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, in California.

 

Summit of the Gross Glockner, Austria

Summit of the Gross Glockner, Austria

Image by Ondrej Hruby

Image by Ondrej Hruby

Mt. Rushmore, USA

Mt. Rushmore, USA

 

Mt. Nimbus, canada

Mt. Nimbus, Canada

 

Banos, Tungurahua, Ecuador. Photo by Andres Altamirano

Banos, Tungurahua, Ecuador. Photo by Andres Altamirano

Skogafjoss, Iceland

Skogafjoss, Iceland

 

Sky Dinner in Japan. This would definitely take my appetite away.

Sky Dinner in Japan. This would definitely take my appetite away.

The Dolomites , Trentino alto Adige region Italy. I guess walking across this cliff wasn't adventurous enough.

The Dolomites , Trentino alto Adige region Italy. I guess walking across this cliff wasn’t adventurous enough.

crazy people

crazy, 2

Via National Geographic

Via National Geographic

California Redwoods

California Redwoods

 

 

Nepal

Nepal

©Matt House on flickr

©Matt House on flickr

 

Trango Summit in northern Pakistan's Karakoram range was taken from a camera mounted to a remote-controlled helicopter -- a drone

Trango Summit in northern Pakistan’s Karakoram range was taken from a camera mounted to a remote-controlled helicopter — a drone

 

It's not just cliffs that make me squeemish. I'd never sit under this boulder. Would you?

It’s not just cliffs that make me squeemish. I’d never sit under this boulder. Would you?

I think these poor people had to brave this bridge.

I think these poor people had no choice but to brave this bridge. Some of them look used to it. Note the people moving something, a rug?

This person could have sat on the other side of the road where I'd be.

This person could have sat on the other side of the road where I’d be.

crazy people, 3

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

crazy people, sampry

 

Heavens, the tiny path isn't bad enough. It's broken. Camanito del Rey, by Gabirulo on Flickr

Heavens, the tiny path isn’t bad enough. It’s broken. Camanito del Rey, by Gabirulo on Flickr

roads, 7

Really? Do you think hard-hats would help? Photograph by Claudio Campa, Italy

Really? Do you think hard-hats would help? Photograph by Claudio Campa, Italy

I know why no one's crossing this bridge. Hunza River, Pakistan

I know why no one’s crossing this bridge. Hunza River, Pakistan

This I could almost image attempting.

This I could almost imagine attempting.

Do not miss spotting the climber. Austrian athlete Mich Kemeter climbs the 300m high Verdon cliffs without a rope or any safety equipment. Durandal route by Alexandre Buisse

Do not miss spotting the climber. Austrian athlete Mich Kemeter climbs the 300m high Verdon cliffs without a rope or any safety equipment. Durandal route by Alexandre Buisse.

crazy, from awelltraveledwomanIf you’re not exhausted from looking at these daredevils, go here for more.

Thanks to:  Most Beautiful Pages, 

Sam Pryor at Pinterest,

and Susan B. T.