Monday, June 30, 2008

Fireworks Iwo Jima Memorial

Fireworks Iwo Jima Memorial051106-N-0239L-510 Fall River, Mass. (Nov. 6, 2005) – Fireworks light up the Fall River Iwo Jima Memorial during the dedication ceremony. The memorial is an original work of Felix W. de Weldon, one of the 20th century's most prolific and respected sculptors. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Thomas J. Lowney (RELEASED)
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Sunday, June 29, 2008

July 4th Celebration Fireworks

July 4th Celebration FireworksYongsan gears up for July 4th celebration - YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - A fireworks display will culminate a day-long July 4th celebration at Yongsan Garrison.
The day's activities start at noon and include music performances, children's activities, and contests. Photo by David McNally, USAG-Yongsan, June 23, 2008

Images on the Army Web site are cleared for release and are considered in the public domain. Request credit be given as "Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army" and credit to individual photographer whenever possible.

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora' (Hills of Snow)

Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora' (Hills of Snow)

Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora' (Hills of Snow)
Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora' (Hills of Snow). Found in Riverside Park, near the 79th street boat basin on Manhatten's westside, New York City. Taken on an early summer morning just after a rain shower. June 23d 2008.

Image License: I, (sookietex) the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible, I grant any entity the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.
If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Hydrangea From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hydrangea (pronounced /haɪˈdreɪndʒ(i)ə/, common names Hydrangea and Hortensia) is a genus of about 70-75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia (from Japan to China, the Himalaya and Indonesia) and North and South America. The flowers are extremely common in the Azores Islands of Portugal, particularly on Faial Island, which is known as the "blue island" due to the vast number of hydrangeas present on the island. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China and Japan. Most are shrubs 1-3 m tall, but some are small trees, and others lianas reaching up to 30 m by climbing up trees. They can be either deciduous or evergreen, though the widely cultivated temperate species are all deciduous.

Hydrangea flowers are produced from early spring to late autumn; they grow in flowerheads (corymbs or panicles) at the ends of the stems. In many species, the flowerheads contain two types of flowers, small fertile flowers in the middle of the flowerhead, and large, sterile bract-like flowers in a ring around the edge of each flowerhead. Other species have all the flowers fertile and of the same size.

In most species the flowers are white, but in some species (notably H. macrophylla), can be blue, red, pink, or purple. In these species the exact colour often depends on the pH of the soil; acidic soils produce blue flowers, neutral soils produce very pale cream petals, and alkaline soils results in pink or purple. Hydrangeas are one of very few plants that accumulate aluminium. Aluminium is released from acidic soils, and in some species, forms complexes in the hydrangea flower giving them their blue colour.

Species in the related genus Schizophragma, also in Hydrangeaceae, are also often known as hydrangeas. Schizophragma hydrangeoides and Hydrangea petiolaris are both commonly known as climbing hydrangeas.

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Bee Pollenating Pink Flowers

Bee Pollenating Pink Flowers

Bee Pollenating Pink Flowers
Large Bee Pollenating Pink Flowers after a early summer rain shower June 23, 2008.

Taken in Riverside Park, New York City near the 79th street boat basin.

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

Cyclone Roller Coaster Coney Island

Coney Island Cyclone Roller CoasterJune 26, 1927 - The Cyclone roller coaster opens on Coney Island.

USGS Disclaimer Statement for this Website Image. Information presented on this website is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied.
Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. The Cyclone at Coney Island has been terrorizing riders since the late 1920s.

Henry Hudson and his men of the Half Moon landed on the stretch of beach we now know as Coney Island. In their journals they wrote about the bounty of their fishing catch, and of feasting on oysters from what is now Coney Island Creek (imagine that!). Coney Island is the heavily developed ocean front of Brooklyn. The beach and adjacent Coney Island Amusement Area (featuring the famous Cyclone roller Coaster, the Wonder Wheel, and the ever popular Nathan's Famous hotdogs) are some of the greatest attractions in Brooklyn.

Coney Island has been a popular recreational spot ever since Breukelen became Brooklyn (about the time of the American Revolution). In its early days Coney Island was a privately owned hog farm. Its cedar forest was stripped away for fence and firewood by the growing community around Gravesend Bay ("pickeled red cedar stumps still sometimes was up on the beach even though the forests are long gone). Other barrier islands likely existed further offshore and to the east about the time of European contact. Much of the Coney Island coast has been been artificially modified since development has taken place.

Coney Island first prospered as a resort when Ocean Parkway was completed, connecting the beach with the East River ferry docks just before the Civil War. Its sand dunes gave way to boardwalks, beginning the long history of storm damage along the water front. Its earthy attractions, cheap motels, and steady Sunday morning traffic gave it its reputation as "Sodom by the Sea." Coney Island later became a high risk experiment by New York City's Urban Development Corporation in the construction of a great densely spaced, urban high rise complex during the 1950s to 1960s. Coney Island became one of the most densely populated shore front areas in North America. Despite all of its urban problems, Coney Island persists. On the western end of the Coney Island peninsula is Sea Gate, a gated community that, like so many shore developments, draws much media attention during coastal storms.

Coney Island beach is no longer a natural feature. Its natural sand supply has been cut off by the construction of the Breezy Point jetty. To maintain the beach, sand must be pumped in occasionally from offshore sand reservoirs. The community seems to thrive with utter contempt for potential disaster. After all, the old wooden Cyclone roller coaster has operated continuously since 1927 U.S. Geological Survey

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Triborough and Hell Gate Bridges New York City

Triborough and Hell Gate Bridges New York CityThe Triborough and Hell Gate Bridges New York City. Taken from Manhatten looking north-east over the East River towards Wards Island and Queens
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Red Ducati Motorcycle Dirt bike

Red Ducati Motorcycle Dirt bike

Red Ducati Motorcycle Dirt bike
Red Ducati Motorcycle Dirt bike. Taken at Park Avenue an 71st street, New York City, June 14th 2008

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Ducati Motor Holding From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A (Borsa Italiana:DMH) is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer located in Bologna, Italy.

From their first post-Second World War bicycle-like low-displacement motorbikes Ducati has gained prominence in motorcycle racing and in the motorcycle industry.

In the 1960s, Ducati earned its place in motorcycling history by producing the then fastest 250 cc road bike available, the Mach 1. In the 1970s Ducati began producing large-displacement L-twin (i.e. a 90° V-twin) motorcycles and in 1973 released an L-twin with the trademarked desmodromic valve design. In 1985, Cagiva bought Ducati and planned to rebadge Ducati motorcycles with the lesser-known Cagiva name (at least outside of Italy). By the time the purchase was completed, Cagiva kept the "Ducati" name on its motorcycles. In 1996, Texas Pacific Group bought a 51% stake in the company for US$325 million then in 1998, bought most of the remaining 49% to become the sole owner of Ducati. In 1999, TPG issued an IPO of Ducati stock and renamed the company Ducati Motor Holding SpA. TPG sold over 65% of its shares in Ducati, leaving TPG the majority shareholder. In December 2005 Ducati returned to Italian ownership with the sale of Texas Pacific's stake (minus one share) to Investindustrial Holdings, the investment fund of Carlo and Andrea Bonomi.

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Leafy sea dragon (Phycodurus eques)

Leafy sea dragon (Phycodurus eques) High Resolution Image‎ (1,030 × 1,001 pixels, file size: 80 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)

Source: Illustrated Catalogue of the Fishes of South Australia Pub. Info.: Adelaide, Australia : G.Hassell & Son, 1921,
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Leafy sea dragon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The leafy sea dragon, Phycodurus eques, is a marine fish related to the seahorse. It is the only member of the genus Phycodurus. These creatures are found around southern and western Australia and generally remain in shallow, temperate waters. Their name comes from their appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. The leafy sea dragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end. These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see as they undulate minutely to move the creature sedately through the water, completing the illusion of floating seaweed.

Much like the seahorse, the leafy sea dragon's name is derived from its resemblance to another creature (in this case, a mythical sea monster from irish legends, called the "Cler"). While not large by sea monster standards, they are very large for sea horses, growing at least 18 inches (45 cm). They feed on plankton and small crustaceans. Females deposit eggs on the tail of the male where they grow to maturity. They have become endangered through pollution and industrial runoff as well as collection by fascinated divers who are entranced by their unique appearance. In response to these dangers they have been officially protected by the Australian government.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)High Resolution Image (2,348 × 1,284 pixels, file size: 2.02 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg). A young Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis). Thoiry zoo.
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Komodo dragon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard that inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in central Indonesia. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2–3 meters (approximately 6.5–10 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (154 lb). Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards are apex predators, dominating the ecosystems in which they live. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Red Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

Red Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

Red Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)
Red Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) found on the Park avenue meridian at 70th street. New York City, June 21, 2008

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Begonia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Begonia is a genus in the flowering plant family Begoniaceae. The only other member of the family Begoniaceae is Hillebrandia, a genus with a single species in the Hawaiian Islands. The genus Symbegonia is now included in Begonia. "Begonia" is the common name as well as the generic name for all members of the genus.

With ca. 1500+ species, Begonia is one of the ten largest angiosperm genera. The species are terrestrial (sometimes epiphytic) herbs or undershrubs and occur in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia. Terrestrial species in the wild are commonly upright-stemmed, rhizomatous, or tuberous. The plants are monoecious, with unisexual male and female flowers occurring separately on the same plant, the male containing numerous stamens, the female having a large inferior ovary and two to four branched or twisted stigmas. In most species the fruit is a winged capsule containing numerous minute seeds, although baccate fruits are also known. The leaves, which are often large and variously marked or variegated, are usually asymmetric (unequal-sided).

Because of their sometimes showy flowers of white, pink, scarlet or yellow color and often attractively marked leaves, many species and innumerable hybrids and cultivars are cultivated. The genus is unusual in that species throughout the genus, even those coming from different continents, can frequently be hybridized with each other, and this has led to an enormous number of cultivars. The American Begonia Society classifies begonias into several major groups: cane-like, shrub-like, tuberous, rhizomatous, semperflorens, rex, trailing-scandent, or thick-stemmed. For the most part these groups do not correspond to any formal taxonomic groupings or phylogeny and many species and hybrids have characteristics of more than one group, or fit well into none of them.

The genus name honors Michel Bégon, a French patron of botany.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Wilt Chamberlain Harlem Globetrotters

Wilt Chamberlain Harlem Globetrotters[Wilt Chamberlain, three-quarter length portrait, wearing uniform of Harlem Globetrotters basketball team] / World Telegram & Sun photo by Fred Palumbo.

CREATED, PUBLISHED 1959. NOTES NYWT&S staff photo. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection.
MEDIUM 1 photographic print. CALL NUMBER NYWTS - BIOG--Chamberlain, Wilt--Basketball [item] REPRODUCTION NUMBER LC-USZ62-115428 DLC (b&w film copy neg.) PART OF African American Odyssey

Digital ID: cph 3c15428 Source: b&w film copy neg. Retrieve higher resolution JPEG version (90 kilobytes) Retrieve uncompressed archival TIFF version (12 megabytes)

PERMISSIONS AND CREDITS: Photographs taken by New York World-Telegram & Sun staff photographers are in the public domain and may be used without restriction.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wilton Norman Chamberlain grew to be seven feet one inches tall. From his youth he dominated the basketball courts. Attending the University of Kansas for two years, Chamberlain led his team through twenty-four wins and three losses in 1956, his first year on varsity.

He became a Harlem Globetrotter briefly, and signed with the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959. Although he was lured away to other teams, Chamberlain dominated the National Basketball Association (NBA) for fourteen years. Named to the NBA Hall of Fame, he still holds many records, including the honor of being the first player to earn thirty thousand points.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Untermyer Fountain Conservatory Garden Central Park

Untermyer Fountain Conservatory Garden Central ParkThe three dancing maidens of the Untermyer Fountain at the Conservatory Garden, North Garden entrance inside the Park at 106th Street and Fifth Avenue; main entrance at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue Untermyer Fountain

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Harlem Meer in Central Park, New York City

Harlem Meer in Central Park, New York CityLooking north over the Harlem Meer in Central Park, New York City. In the north eastern edge of the park. (110th Street) between Fifth Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue)
The building is the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. June 14th 2008.

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is host to many Central Park Conservancy seasonal exhibits, community programs, and holiday celebrations, often in collaboration with other City cultural institutions. Dana Discovery Center

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

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Monday, June 16, 2008

General Robert Edward Lee

Robert E. LeeRobert E. Lee full-length, standing, April 1865. Photographed by Mathew B. Brady

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See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain In the United States,

This inage is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris in this case January 15, 1896) and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 100 years from December 31st of that year.

Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19, 1807, at "Stratford" in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the fifth child born to Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee and his second wife, Ann Hill (Carter) Lee. He grew up in an area where George Washington was still a living memory. Robert had many ties to Revolutionary War heroes.

Educated in the Alexandria, Virginia, schools, he obtained appointment to West Point in 1825. In 1829, Robert E. Lee graduated second in the class without a single demerit against his name. He was commissioned a brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers.

On June 30, 1831, he married Mary Ann Randolph Custis. They had seven children. All three of their sons served in the Confederate army. George Washington Custis and William Henry Fitzhugh ("Rooney") attained the rank of Major General and Robert E. Lee, Jr., that of Captain. The latter served as a private in the Rockbridge Artillery at the Battle of Antietam.

During the Mexican War, Robert E. Lee was promoted to Colonel due to his gallantry and distinguished conduct in performing vital scouting missions.

In 1852, he became Superintendent of the Military Academy. In 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis transferred Lee from staff to line and was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel 2nd Cavalry. He was then sent to West Texas, where he served from 1857-1861. In February of 1861, General Winfield Scott recalled Lee from Texas when the lower South seceded from the Union.

Politically, Robert E. Lee was a Whig. Ironically, he was attached strongly to the Union and to the Constitution. He entertained no special sympathy for slavery.

When Virginia withdrew from the Union, Lee resigned his commission rather than assist in suppressing the insurrection. His resignation was two days following the offer of Chief of Command of U.S. forces under Scott. He then proceeded to Richmond to become Commander-in-Chief of the military and naval forces of Virginia. When these forces joined Confederate services, he was appointed Brig. Gen. in the Regular Confederate States.

Lee returned to Richmond in March of 1862 to become military advisor to President Davis. Whenever he had a plan, General Lee took the initiative and acted at once. Cutting off supplies and reinforcements executed by Jackson at Seven Pines was a successful Confederate venture. He also stopped McClellan's threat to Richmond during the Seven Days Battle (June 26-July 2, 1861). At the Battle of Second Manassas, Lee defeated Pope. At the Battle of Antietam, his Northern thrust was checked by McClellan; however, he repulsed Burnside at Fredericksburg in December of 1862. In May of 1863, Gen. Lee defeated Gen. Hooker at Chancellorsville, but was forced onto the strategic defensive after Gettysburg in July. On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House.

After the surrender, Lee returned to Richmond. He assumed the presidency of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). His example of conduct for thousands of ex-Confederates made him a legend even before his death on October 12, 1870. General Robert E. Lee is buried at Lexington, Virginia. Antietam National Battlefield

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Rocco Mediate Lightning Safety

Rocco Mediate pro golferRocco Mediate pro golfer speaks up for lightning safety. Pro Golfer Rocco Mediate High Resolution Version in PDF format.

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Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce unless otherwise instructed to give credit to the photographer or other source.

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

John McCain

John McCainThis United States Congress image is in the public domain.

This may be because it is an official Congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress.

As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.
Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1958, John McCain began his career as a Naval aviator. In 1982, he was elected to Congress representing what was then the first congressional district of Arizona. In 1986, he was elected to the United States Senate to take the place of Arizona's Senator Barry Goldwater. Senator McCain is currently the senior senator from Arizona.

In 2000, Senator McCain ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. He is currently the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. He also serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Senator McCain has seven children and four grandchildren. He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Phoenix.

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Barack Obama

Barack ObamaThese United States Congress images are in the public domain.

This may be because they are an official Congressional portraits, because they were taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because they have been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress.

As a works of the U.S. federal government, these images are in the public domain.

Higher Resolution Image 147.01 kb
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Sworn into office January 4, 2005, Senator Obama serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and Senator Obama serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.In 2005 and 2006, he served on the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Obama is a husband and father of two daughters, Malia, 9 and Sasha, 6. Obama and his wife, Michelle, married in 1992 and live on Chicago’s South Side.
Barack Obama official Congressional portraitBarack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii to Barack Obama, Sr. and Ann Dunham. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983, and moved to Chicago in 1985 to work for a church-based group. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.

High Resolution Image 2037.94 kb
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Cold Harbor

Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Cold Harbor Title: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant standing by a tree in front of a tent, Cold Harbor, Va., ca. 06/1864 by photographs taken by Mathew Brady (1823-1896) and his associates High Resolution Image and Alternate version

Other Names: Second Cold Harbor. Location: Hanover County. Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864). Date(s): May 31-June 12, 1864.
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]. Forces Engaged: 170,000 total (US 108,000; CS 62,000). Estimated Casualties: 15,500 total (US 13,000; CS 2,500)

Description: On May 31, Sheridan’s cavalry seized the vital crossroads of Old Cold Harbor. Early on June 1, relying heavily on their new repeating carbines and shallow entrenchments, Sheridan’s troopers threw back an attack by Confederate infantry. Confederate reinforcements arrived from Richmond and from the Totopotomoy Creek lines. Late on June 1, the Union VI and XVIII Corps reached Cold Harbor and assaulted the Confederate works with some success. By June 2, both armies were on the field, forming on a seven-mile front that extended from Bethesda Church to the Chickahominy River. At dawn June 3, the II and XVIII Corps, followed later by the IX Corps, assaulted along the Bethesda Church-Cold Harbor line and were slaughtered at all points.

Grant commented in his memoirs that this was the only attack he wished he had never ordered. The armies confronted each other on these lines until the night of June 12, when Grant again advanced by his left flank, marching to James River. On June 14, the II Corps was ferried across the river at Wilcox’s Landing by transports. On June 15, the rest of the army began crossing on a 2,200-foot long pontoon bridge at Weyanoke. Abandoning the well-defended approaches to Richmond, Grant sought to shift his army quickly south of the river to threaten Petersburg. The American Battlefield Protection Program

Result(s): Confederate victory. CWSAC Reference #: VA062. Preservation Priority: I.1 (Class A) . National Park Unit: Richmond NB

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Woolly Mammoth

Woolly Mammoth by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins (8 February 1807- 27 January 1894) from Johnsons Natural History 1871 United States. Originally published in 1859, with title: Illustrated natural history of the animal kingdom.

Woolly mammoths, descended from ancestors in Africa, were widespread in northern Europe, Asia, and North America during the last Ice Age. However, by 11,000 years ago, they all had died out, except for tiny isolated populations that held out for another few thousand years.

A large genetic study of the extinct woolly mammoth has revealed that the species was not one large homogenous group, as scientists previously had assumed, and that it did not have much genetic diversity.

Woolly Mammoth Clip Art


Woolly Mammoth

Woolly Mammoth

"The population was split into two groups, then one of the groups died out 45,000 years ago, long before the first humans began to appear in the region," said Stephan C. Schuster, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State University and a leader of the research team. "This discovery is particularly interesting because it rules out human hunting as a contributing factor, leaving climate change and disease as the most probable causes of extinction." - Woolly-mammoth gene study changes extinction theory.

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See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain In the United States,

This inage is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris in this case January 27, 1894) and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 100 years from December 31st of that date.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Frick Museum



The Frick Museum at 1 East 70th Street New York City, May 17th 2008.

One longstanding misperception about The Frick Collection is the notion that works of art cannot be moved around by its present-day staff. Fortunately, this is not true. The flexibility with which the curators may juxtapose in fresh ways Frick-owned works within the mansion is the cornerstone of its thriving program of critically acclaimed special exhibitions, large and small.
However, one gallery in particular, the Living Hall, has seen very few changes—even temporarily—since Mr. Frick moved into the mansion ninety-three years ago. Most of the paintings he installed there in 1915, among masterpieces by Bellini, Holbein, Titian, and El Greco, have seldom—if ever—left the room or been presented to the public in any other manner. As such, the Living Hall always offered visitors the closest representation of the mansion and display of art during the family’s period of residence. The Frick Collection and Frick Art Reference Library

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Monday, June 09, 2008

The USS George Washington (SSBN 598)

The USS George Washington (SSBN 598) was the world’s first nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine. High Resolution Image
Arguably, it can be considered the submarine that has most influenced world events in the 20th Century. From its launching on June 9th 1959, at Groton, Conn, to its entry into service in December the United States instantly gained the most powerful deterrent force imaginable, a stealth platform with enormous nuclear firepower.

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Sunday, June 08, 2008

Central Park Wall in Spring New York City

Central Park Wall in Spring New York CityWall above Bethesda Terrace highlighted by spring flowers, greenery and light. Central Park New York City at the 72d street traverse, June 7th 2008.
Bethesda Fountain The Angel Of The Waters is on the lower level of the terrace
Also see Azaleas flowering shrubs at Bethesda Terrace

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Michigan Bulb Logo

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Great horses in a great race

Great horses in a great raceDigital ID: pga 03207 Source: digital file from original print, Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-pga-03207 (digital file from original print) , LC-USZC2-3414 (color film copy slide)
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA . Retrieve higher resolution JPEG version (91 kilobytes)

TITLE: Great horses in a great race / J. Cameron. CALL NUMBER: PGA - Currier & Ives--Great horses in a great race (D size) [P&P] REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-DIG-pga-03207 (digital file from original print) LC-USZC2-3414 (color film copy slide) RIGHTS INFORMATION: No known restrictions on publication.

SUMMARY: Print showing race between Salvator and Tenny at Sheepshead Bay, New York, June 25th 1890. MEDIUM: 1 print : chromolithograph. CREATED, PUBLISHED: N.Y. : Published by Currier & Ives, c1891. CREATOR: Currier & Ives.

NOTES: 34927 U.S. Copyright Office. Title from item.

Caption continues: The finish in the great match race for $5,000 a side and $5,000 added money, one mile and a quarter, at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y. June 25th 1890, between Salvator and Tenny. J.B. Haggin's Ch. c. Salvator by Prince Charlie Murphy 1. D.T. Pulsifer's B. c. Tenny by Rayon d'Or Garrison 2. Won by a neck only -- time 2:05.

Copyright 1891 by Currier & Ives, N.Y. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / compiled by Gale Research. Detroit, MI : Gale Research, c1983, no. 2841

REPOSITORY: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. CONTROL #: 2006676683

MARC Record Line 540 - No known restrictions on publication.

Credit Line: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, LC-DIG-pga-03207]

Friday, June 06, 2008

Red Tulips

Red Tulips

Red Tulips
Red Tulips in Verdi Square bordered by Broadway and Amsterdam between west 72d and 73d streets. New York City, April 28th 2008.

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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Click the Image for Tulips T-Shirts and Gifts
Click the Image for Tulips T-Shirts and Gifts

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Thursday, June 05, 2008

July Is National Park and Recreation Month

July Is National Park and Recreation Month
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ASHBURN, Va.-May 2008-Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated the month of July as Park and Recreation Month. Recreation facilities and parks across the country annually use July to celebrate the kick-off of summer programming as well as a time to pull their communities together to volunteer, get involved in great outdoor physical activities and advocate for parks and recreation.

This year, NRPA has developed several resources for local agencies and park and recreation supporters to utilize in proclaiming Park and Recreation Month in their own communities. An official proclamation, letter and local release are currently available, and can be personalized by each community to encourage local leaders to proclaim July is Park and Recreation month in their own town—in their own way.

As we observe Park and Recreation Month, we recognize the vital contributions of employees and volunteers throughout the country and abroad who assist public parks and recreation facilities. These dedicated supporters keep public parks clean and safe for visitors, organize and coach youth sports teams, provide educational programming on health, nutrition, first aid and gardening, advocate for more open space and better trails, and fundraise for local improvements. They ensure that public parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy.

As part of a summer full of nationwide activities and community celebrations, help NRPA celebrate this month that highlights the hard work and dedication of public park and recreation supporters across the country, and the joy that comes from our places and spaces.

For more information on Park and Recreation Month, log on to www.nrpa.org. ###

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Headquartered in Ashburn, Va., NRPA works closely with local, state, and national recreation and park agencies, citizen groups and corporations to carry out its objectives. Priorities include advocating favorable legislation and public policy; continuing education for park and recreation professionals and citizens; providing professional certification, university accreditation, research and technical assistance; and increasing public awareness of the importance of parks and recreation. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Montgolfier brothers Hot Air Balloons

Montgolfier brothers Hot Air BalloonsDigital ID: ppmsca 02562 Source: digital file from original print. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ppmsca-02562 (digital file from original print) , LC-USZ62-12731 (b&w film copy neg.) Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Retrieve higher resolution JPEG version (214 kilobytes)
TITLE: [Collecting cards with pictures of events in ballooning history from 1783 to 1883] CALL NUMBER: LOT 13416, no. 31 [P&P] Check for an online group record (may link to related items)

REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-DIG-ppmsca-02562 (digital file from original print)
LC-USZ62-12731 (b&w film copy neg.) RIGHTS INFORMATION: No known restrictions on publication.

On 4 June 1783, the Montgolfiers flew this craft as their first public demonstration at Annonay in front of a group of dignitaries from the Etats particulars. Its flight covered 2 km (1.2 mi), lasted 10 minutes, and had an estimated altitude of 1.600 - 2.000m (5,200 - 6,600 ft). Word of their success quickly reached Paris.

Etienne went to the capital to make further demonstrations and to solidify the brothers' claim to the invention of flight. Joseph, given his unkempt appearance and shyness, remained with the family. Etienne was the epithome of sober virtues ... modest in clothes and manner... He was dressed stylishly in black.

In collaboration with the successful manufacturer, Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, Etienne constructed a 37,500 cubic foot envelope of taffeta coated with a varnish of alum. The balloon was sky blue and with golden flourishes, signs of the zodiac, suns. The design was the influence of Réveillon, a wallpaper maker.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article, Montgolfier brothers SEE FULL License, Credit and Disclaimer

CONTENTS: No. 1. Les frères Montgolfier ... (1883) -- No. 2. 1re expérience aerostatique a Annonay (1783) -- No. 3. Charles lance ... à Paris le premier aérostat (1783) -- No. 4. Premier voyage aérien ... Pilâtre de Rozier et d'Arlandes (1783) -- No. 5. Premier voyage aérien ... par Charles et Robert (1783) -- No. 6. 1er essai de direction de ballons ...(1784 Guyton de Morveau) -- No. 7. Traversée en balon du Pas-de-Calais par Blanchard et Jefferies (1785) -- No. 8. Mort de Pilâtre de Rozier et de Romain (1785) -- No. 9. Les Aérostiers de la première République -- No. 10. L'Entreprenant, ballon monté par Coutelle ... bataille de Fleurus.

MEDIUM: 10 prints (ephemera) (1 sheet) : chromolithograph.

CREATED, PUBLISHED: Paris : Romanet & cie., imp. edit., [between 1890 and 1900] NOTES: Title devised by Library staff. Sheet of 10 uncut cards; individually numbered and issued as "Collection 476", "1re série." Captions in French are printed on the verso of each card. Tissandier collection.

REPOSITORY: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. CONTROL #: 2002717348

MARC Record Line 540 - No known restrictions on publication.

Credit Line: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, LC-DIG-ppmsca-02562]

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Azaleas flowering shrubs

Azaleas flowering shrubs

Azaleas flowering shrubs
Azaleas flowering shrubs part of the genus Rhododendron. seen on Bethesda Terrace overlooking the lake in Central Park, New York City May 31st, 2008.

Bethesda Fountain The Angel Of The Waters is on the lower level of the terrace which is just off the 72d street traverse
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If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

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Monday, June 02, 2008

Dogwood

he Dogwoods comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous woody plants

he Dogwoods comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous woody plants
Dogwoods in full bloom at west 72d street subway station on Broadway, New York City. Late spring May 31st 2008

Dogwood From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Dogwoods comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous woody plants growing as shrubs and trees, some species are herbaceous perennial plants and a few of the woody species are evergreen. They are in the family Cornaceae, divided into one to nine genera or subgenera (depending on botanical interpretation).
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article, Dogwood SEE FULL License, Credit and Disclaimer

Image License: I, (sookietex) the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible, I grant any entity the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Wild Rose (Rosa virginiana)

Wild Rose (Rosa virginiana)

Wild Rose (Rosa virginiana)
This sweet deceptively delicate rose is actually tougher than it looks. The Virginia rose can be planted in almost any soil from sandy to clay. This shrub is also good as a ground cover because it is low growing. It prefers full sun to light shade and can tolerate dry to moderate moisture regimes. For best result, plant in well-drained soil. No spraying, pruning or any other special maintenance is required!
The Virginia rose is a terrific addition to the meadow, bird or butterfly garden. Its flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and its fruit is wonderful food for mockingbirds, catbirds, brown thrashers, American robins, eastern bluebirds, grouse, white-footed mice, and squirrels. Its foliage and young stem is favored by cottontail rabbits and deer. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Image License: I, (sookietex) the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible, I grant any entity the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

If This image is subject to copyright in your jurisdiction, i (sookietex) the copyright holder have irrevocably released all rights to it, allowing it to be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, used, modified, built upon, or otherwise exploited in any way by anyone for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution of the author, as if in the public domain.