Posts

Amazing parking

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 Because yesterday we had images of cars, we remain on topic today, but with an image for the weekend. The RV with parking at the drawer

Once upon a time, advertisements could argue with each other

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 Today there are advertising regulations that prohibit many things that were allowed in the old days. Anyway, there were years when creatives (and car brands) could "argue" with each other through humorous advertisements. Those times were in 2007. The "dispute" took place in the pages of numerous newspapers and magazines, where advertising was bought. BMW, Audi, Subaru and Bentley participated (or got into the conversation themselves). Other interesting things from the history of car brands on BNOF Cars blog on blogspot

Symmetries (photos from the B-Cube series)

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  Author: N.  Ï l ï e „The B-Cube photo series began as a test of a tablet app. The result was beyond expectations. It was extraordinary how architectural symmetry can be visually complemented with elements of optical symmetry to include within it (or extend it with) natural elements and primordial principles – such as sky and earth. The need for symmetry is or is not an aesthetic value. (More precisely, there are architectural aesthetics that rightly – and with spectacular results – deny the desire for symmetry). However, as a value or just a derivative of some aesthetic values, symmetry is, for us humans, a cosmic force.” Arta grafica In the many writings devoted to symmetry before it went out of fashion, it was considered, following Plato, an ingredient of beauty and harmony. Perhaps this was the mistake for which, after modernism, symmetry was considered boring and was gradually abandoned. In reality, it is not an ingredient of anything. Symmetry (like asymmetry and antisy...

Winter time on sea

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  Severe weather conditions, specifically strong winds (brisant) and high waves, which have caused the ship to become frosted, likely due to freezing temperatures and sea spray. This can be a dangerous situation for any vessel. But, in the harbour now, it's just a nice photo.

Incredible photos of an Italian old town in Calabria

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  Rocca Imperiale is a charming medieval town located in the province of Cosenza, in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The town is situated on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. Here are some key points about Rocca Imperiale: History Medieval Origins: The town has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its strategic location made it an important defensive point. Frederick II: The town is closely associated with Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, who is believed to have stayed in the area. The town's name, "Rocca Imperiale," translates to "Imperial Fortress," reflecting its historical significance. Architecture Castle: One of the most notable landmarks is the castle, which was built by Frederick II. The castle is a prominent feature of the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Churches: Rocca Imperiale is home to several historic churches, including the Church...

Amazing images from the sky: Kartoffelraekkerne in Copenhagen

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  sources of images: Facebook and Instagram, via https://drivemagazine.ro/, https://kartoffelraekkerne.dk/ et al. Copenhagen's Quirky Charm: Soaring Over the "Field-of-Potatoes" Copenhagen is a city that beautifully blends modern design with its rich history. Beyond the sleek harbors and cutting-edge architecture, lies a charming district with a character all its own, often described as the “architecture field-of-potatoes.” Tucked between Øster Søgade and Øster Farimagsgade, this unique area offers a delightful, slightly chaotic visual experience when viewed from above. But what exactly gives this neighborhood its distinctive name and why is it so beloved? A Patchwork Quilt of History The “field-of-potatoes,” is not a derogatory term. It's a loving nod to the slightly haphazard, wonderfully varied collection of older buildings that dominate this section of the city. From an aerial perspective, these homes – each a unique size, shape, and design – sprawl out like potat...

Huge demonstrations in several European countries

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 Democracy is in danger in many European countries. The rise of the extreme right, subsidized, according to many indications, by the Russian Federation, endangers most states in the region. Some of these have already been victims of "hostile takeovers", and the population is fighting in the streets for the return to democracy and the European path, both in European Union member countries and in European Union candidate countries. The moment is critical for the preservation of democracy and for the imposition of a climate of peace, in which international aggression, such as that of Russia in Ukraine, should be condemned and stopped. The population of all countries of the world (and first of all the people of all European countries, who are the main target of Russian propaganda) must take a stand.  Indeed, in all these countries there are serious and serious problems, and the old political class has often disappointed in the efficient management of economic problems and especia...

The most beautiful winter images (a very large selection of photos)

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  Winter photos are often fascinating for several reasons: Unique Beauty: Winter landscapes offer a unique and often stark beauty that is distinct from other seasons. The stark contrast of white snow against dark trees or buildings can create striking compositions. Transformative Effects: Winter transforms familiar landscapes into something almost magical. Everyday scenes become extraordinary when covered in snow and ice.

Art is everywhere: sculpture from clothes

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  Artist: Helga Stentzel (Siberia) Personal website of author:  https://www.helgastentzel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/helgastentzel (wide selection of new artworks and works in progress) Laundry art Creative Artist Turns Ordinary Clothes Into Abstracted Animal Artworks  Helga Stentzel: An Artist of Domestic Surrealism Helga Stentzel is a Russian-British visual artist known for her series of surrealist art that transforms ordinary household objects into fantastical characters and scenes. With a rich imagination and an eye for detail, Stentzel creates entire worlds using clothes, kitchen utensils, books, bread, and many more. A Diverse Creative Career Stentzel works in a wide range of mediums, including photography, illustration, video, and stop-motion animation. After studying graphic design and advertising, she began her career as an art director in the advertising industry. However, her passion for art and the desire to express her creativity in a more personal ...

Cinematic reconstruction of famous and less famous paintings

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Filmmakers and visual artists have often taken up themes and subjects that take old paintings and transform them into complex movie scenes or cinematic productions. All these approaches fall under the label "transmedia", that is, a subject or a theme is transformed from an artistic object (related to the media through which it is expressed) into another artistic object, with other means of expression and another vocabulary. (Film adaptation of a novel is a similar endeavor, but the translation from painting to cinematography, although not as easily recognized by the general public, is much more spectacular).   Cinematic reconstructions of famous and less famous paintings involve bringing the visual and narrative elements of artworks to life through film. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as live-action adaptations, animated sequences, or even incorporating the paintings into the narrative structure of a film. Here are some notable examples: Famous Painting...

The Green Ray seen in California (NASA image)

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  Let's delve into the fascinating phenomenon of the green ray, both from a scientific perspective and its captivating role in literature, particularly in Jules Verne's novel, Le Rayon vert. The Green Ray: Physics Explained The green ray, also known as the "green flash," is a rare optical phenomenon that can occur at sunrise or sunset. It's not a single ray, but rather a brief flash of green light that appears just as the last sliver of the sun disappears below the horizon or as the first sliver appears above it. Here's a breakdown of the physics involved: Atmospheric Refraction: The Earth's atmosphere acts like a prism, bending or refracting light. Different colors of light bend at different angles, with blue light bending more and red light bending less. This is why we see rainbows. Scattering: The atmosphere also scatters light, particularly blue light, which is why the sky is blue. Atmospheric Layers: The atmosphere is not uniform in density. It's ...

Solar eclipse in Mexico (fantastic picture)

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  Stunning photograph of the total solar eclipse on July 11, 1991, taken by Antonio Turok in Chiapas, Mexico. Source: The Galactic Void (FB)

Peace in Ukraine: Putin's Gambit and the Never-Ending War

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  Foto: BANKSY ART (Facebook Group): LINK Nearly three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we're all asking the same question: What was Putin thinking? More importantly, what would it take to end this conflict? Let's break it down. Putin's Puzzling Play Here's the thing - Russia's invasion of Ukraine makes zero economic sense. Ukraine's resources? Russia's got plenty. Territory? They already have more than they can handle. Economic benefits? Nada. In fact, occupying Ukraine would be a massive financial burden for Moscow. It's like buying a fixer-upper house that's on fire - not exactly a smart investment. The Real Game Plot twist: What if the war itself is the point? Russia was becoming increasingly irrelevant on the global stage, relegated to being just another energy supplier. With the world moving towards green energy, even that role was under threat. By starting this war, Putin has forced Russia back into global relevance - through bru...

Fantastic bw photos by YZA Voku

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YZA Voku is a Spanish AI visual artist and director based in Madrid. She is known for her innovative use of artificial intelligence tools to create unique and thought-provoking artwork.  [Image of YZA Voku, Spanish AI visual artist] Voku's work often explores themes of identity, technology, and the human condition. She has gained recognition for her ability to push the boundaries of digital art and create visually stunning and emotionally resonant pieces.  [Image of YZA Voku's artwork] In addition to her artistic practice, Voku is also a passionate advocate for the ethical use of AI. She believes that AI can be a powerful tool for creativity and expression, but it is important to use it responsibly and thoughtfully.  Voku's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of digital art. She is considered to be one of the most promising young artists working in Spain today.  p...

Reenactment of Seurat's most famous painting

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 The reconstruction of famous paintings with actors is an important Transmedia exercise. A great diversity of video and photographic projects, carried out over time, attracted attention. Among the most recent initiatives of this kind is that of the photographer Mark Preuschl who made in Wisconsin, USA, a modern recreation of Georges Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.  The photographer chose to use modern clothing for his characters, but the composition of the frame was careful not only by positioning the people (and accessories) in the pictorial field, but (especially) by matching the light and shadows. Thus, the performance goes beyond the simple stage of technical curiosity and translation of a subject from one medium to another and constitutes an additional element of analysis and reference for the masterpiece of pointist painting. The effects of light and shadow, their pictorial capture, was the central element of Impressionism and of the immedia...

Amazing architecture: the floating house from Ukraine

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  One of the strangest buildings, which has fascinated Internet users for decades, is located in Ucriana. The so-called floating house is located in Krasnosilka, Odessa region. It is originally a potato sorting station. The construction rests on a huge concrete block, but it is located on the side, not in the center, which makes the construction visually illogical and amazing. The builders made such a design to allow trucks to enter under the platform of the sorting station to be loaded automatically by opening hatches under the platform. Construction in the Odessa region is not unique. In the last years of the USSR several similar constructions were built, predominantly in Ukraine and Belarus. Because they have a wider "foot" and are clad in wood structure, they are not nearly as spectacular. In the floating house in Krasnosilka, the concrete foot has a color that at first sight is lost in the landscape, giving the impression that the house is levitating. Image from Belarus,...

Boboteaza (Epiphany) - in Orthodox tradition

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  (Boboteaza) Epiphany is a celebration of all Christians. The way it is celebrated differs greatly from one area to another. In the tradition of the Eastern Church, January 6, on which the event is celebrated, is considered, folklore, as the coldest day of the year. There is talk of the "frost of Epiphany". That's why, but also being related to water, I also baptize John the Baptist, the celebration includes many rituals related to water. Among them, swimming in frozen waters is a test of endurance undertaken by the most resistant and fanatical believers. Such traditions are pre-Christian, but have been adopted by Christians, often officially. In Romania, priests throw a wooden cross into flowing waters, and some parishioners jump into the water to retrieve it and bring it to shore. (However, the custom is practiced only in a few localities. Commonly, the priest immerses the cross in containers of water and thus performs the ritual.) There are many variations of such cus...

On the ice

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  Photo by Ádám Jakab,  https://www.facebook.com/groups/minimalistphotography Two figures, holding hands, are silhouetted on a frozen lake. The ice surface is a light, muted blue-gray, exhibiting a pattern of cracks and variations in texture. The figures are centered in the image and are seen from an overhead, high-angle perspective, walking across the flat expanse of ice. Their clothing appears dark, likely dark jackets, and their movements indicate they are skating or walking on the frozen surface. No facial details are visible. Their silhouettes suggest a couple of similar height and build, likely young adults. Reflections from their silhouettes are visible on the ice, adding depth and enhancing the overall effect. The lighting is soft, and the atmosphere conveys a tranquil and serene winter scene. The overall style is minimalist and emphasizes the contrast between the figures and the vast, icy landscape. The image's composition is simple and direct, focusing on ...

Winter landscapes of Norway

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The Dance of the Forest (videos)

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  In the heart of the wilderness, there exists a mesmerizing dance that unfolds between the forest and the wind. This ballet, captured beautifully in windy forest videos, is a testament to nature's harmonious rhythm and grace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyIuKj9IQH8 As the wind begins to whisper through the trees, the forest comes alive with movement. The tall, stately pines and the delicate birches sway gently, their leaves rustling like the soft murmurs of a secret language. The dance starts slowly, with the wind's gentle caress causing the branches to bend and sway in a graceful waltz. The sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows that dance along the forest floor, adding a visual symphony to the performance. The wind picks up, and the dance intensifies. The trees, rooted firmly in the earth, bend and twist with a fluidity that belies their strength. The leaves flutter and spin, creating a whirlwind of color and motion. The underbrush joins in, with...

Voyage, voyage - one of the most important pop songs used on the soundtrack of numerous films

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  Video: Remastered sound from the original 1986 version The song "Voyage, voyage" by Desireless has appeared on the soundtrack of several films and TV series. These include: Leg! (1993) FBI Frankie (1995) French Lessons (2008) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) - Compartment no. 6 (2021) - Supersex (season 1, episode 2, 2024) It is a very popular song and has been used in various film contexts due to its distinct atmosphere. While it is difficult to provide an exhaustive list of all the films in which the song "Voyage, Voyage" has appeared, here are some notable examples: Parodic or comic uses: The tune has often been used in comic or parody scenes, emphasizing its catchy and versatile character. Think of movies or TV shows where a dance scene or funny sequence is accompanied by this song. Retro or Nostalgic Movies: Due to its popularity in the 80s, "Voyage, Voyage" is often included in movies that aim to recreate the atmosphere of that period. It c...

How money is made (full story)

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  video> How money is made in different countries Full story> in USA Money creation involves several processes, depending on whether we’re talking about physical currency or digital money. Physical Money (Coins and Banknotes)Design and Engraving: Artists and engravers create detailed designs, including security features like watermarks and holograms. Printing and Minting: Special paper or polymer is used for banknotes, while coins are minted from metal. Advanced printing techniques ensure durability and security. Quality Control: Each note and coin is inspected to ensure it meets strict standards before being released into circulation. Central Banks: Central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S., create money by purchasing government securities, which increases the reserves of commercial banks. Commercial Banks: When commercial banks issue loans, they create money. The loan amount is credited to the borrower’s account, effectively creating new money. Security Features ...