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Anarko
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"Something wicked this way comes"🦑 Apocalypse Anonymous.
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Shapeshifting Photo © ► @skjalgen | Dancer @vivian.assal)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #blackandwhite #portraitheart #sensual #dancer "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- THE DOOMSDAY DJ: TUNES FOR THE POST APOCALYPSE image image On this day in 1966, The Mamas & The Papas single “California Dreamin’” peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 (March 12) It was originally recorded by “Mr Eve of Destruction” Barry McGuire, intending to be used as a follow-up to his big hit, but The Mamas & The Papas wrote it, and their version ended up being the one most associated with the song. Interestingly, the original Barry McGuire version featured The Mamas and The Papas on backup vocals! When the group was just starting out in 1965, their friend McGuire, already an established star, saw their potential, and helped them get a contract with his record label, Dunhill Records. “California Dreamin’” was written back in 1963 while John and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City during a particularly cold, dreary winter, and Michelle was missing sunny California. The Mamas and The Papas single was released in late 1965 but was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles, a radio station in Boston was actually the catalyst to break the song nationwide. It went on to become one of the instantly recognizable, signature songs of the California sound and the 60s counterculture era, and spawning numerous cover versions by respected artists such as America, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, George Benson, and Jose Feliciano. The Wrecking Crew, a collection of some of the great session players of the era: Hal Blaine (drums), Larry Knechtel (keyboards), Joe Osborn (bass) and P.F. Sloan (guitar) all played on the Mamas and Papas track. A jazz flute player named Bud Shank was also brought into the session to play the flute solo, and allegedly nailed it on the first take, but personally, I wish they’d used Ron Burgundy…😉 Elsewhere on the charts, the song peaked at #3 in Canada, and #14 in New Zealand. It originally peaked at #23 in the UK in 1966, but re-charted after its use in a Carling Premier commercial in 1997, peaking at #9. “California Dreamin’” is also a popular musical reference to the counterculture era in tv and the movies, such as the song’s memorable appearance in “Forest Gump”. “California Dreamin’” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, and 2021, Rolling Stone ranked it #420 in its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. #californiadreamin, #themamasandthepapas, #60smusic, #johnphillips, #michellephillips, #mamacass, #dennydoherty, #dailyrockhistory, #grammyhalloffame, #thewreckingcrew, #barrymcguire, #thecaliforniasound, #60scounterculture, #onthisday, #thisdayinmusic "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Blackness Castle is a fortified castle in the village of Blackness, Scotland, in the Falkirk council area. It was built in the 1940s by Sir George Chrichton and expanded between 1536 and 1543. 📷 : @caledonianino "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Turtle shell patterns. "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- Marine Life in The Philippines & S.E. Asia. and the World. Post #260: image We're halfway through the week, and it looks like your feed deserves a tiny ocean creatures break ... Allow us to introduce you to the spectacular ✨ yellow boxfish! ✨ With an adorable appearance that once served as inspiration for a car design (yes, really!), these fish offer far more than meets the eye. 👀 ➡️ Here's a dash of ocean trivia for your day: When threatened, what can yellow boxfish do to protect themselves? 🎈 Puff up like a balloon ☠️ Release a toxin from their skin 🌈 Instantly change colors Comment your guess below, then visit the blog to see if you’re right: 📱 Want fun ocean trivia delivered straight to your phone for more instant day-brighteners? Text TRIVIA to 52551! ✅ "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️ #islands #scuba #marinelife
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- Marine Life in The Philippines & S.E. Asia. and the World. Post #259: image Didyouknow? Marine protected areas (MPAs) do more than boost fish populations through spillover effects – they also protect and restore coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. MPAs also provide safe havens for endangered species and significantly increase biodiversity. image That’s why ASEAN ENMAPS is dedicated to building networks of MPAs through science-based conservation, ensuring resilient oceans and thriving communities. image Share this post, tag a fellow ocean lover, and watch out for activities of #aseanenmaps activities to support marine conservation efforts today! 🐠🪼🦐 The project 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘕 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘕 𝘌𝘕𝘔𝘈𝘗𝘚) is a regional initiative designed to enhance the management of networks of marine protected areas and marine corridors within selected large marine ecosystems in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is implemented by the UNDP in Asia and the Pacific through the funding of the Global Environment Facility and with the ACB as the executing agency. image #WeAreASEANBiodiversity #ASEANBiodiversity #aseancentreforbiodiversity #aseanenmaps #aseanenmapsFFF "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️ #islands #scuba #marinelife
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Art by Richard Hescox. image 🎨 (born in 1949) 🐚 🎨 "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐁𝐲 @matitectura 🏔️ Our team is fascinated by the seamless transition between the industrial corten steel and the ancient stone surroundings. image 🌲 The way the structure bridges the rugged terrain proves that architecture can truly coexist with nature. image 🏗️ Every detail, from the board-formed concrete to the volcanic stone coffee table, speaks to a deep respect for raw materiality. ✨ image Would you prefer the warmth of the concrete fireplace or the view from the poolside lounge? 🌿 image Absolutely love this 💕 @Helen Yrmom "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Mark Schultz (born in 1955) is an acclaimed American comic artist, writer, and illustrator best known for Xenozoic Tales (1986–1996), a cult-favorite series set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans coexist with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. image 🎨 image 🎨 The comic earned multiple Eisner Awards and became widely admired for its lush pen-and-ink artwork and cinematic pulp atmosphere. Influenced by artists like Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and Alex Raymond, Schultz developed a distinctive style rooted in classic adventure illustration, combining dynamic action with highly detailed linework. image Beyond comics, he has worked as a concept artist and illustrator for major studios, including contributions to projects related to Jurassic Park, where his expertise in depicting dinosaurs and retro-adventure aesthetics proved especially influential. image 🦖 image 🎨 "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- Diving In The Philippines & S.E. Asia/World Dive Gear Post #058- Akuana - SCUBA 🤿 image "It's a good day to dive". 🤿 🤿 "Something wicked this way comes" Pura Vida 🏝️ Scuba diving is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Swipe ➡️ to see the signs it’s time to get certified! 🤿 image Send this to a friend who needs a new hobby. 🌊 Learn more 🔗 #PADI #NewDiver #ScubaDiving #DivingAdventure "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image How to Stockpile Emergency Food on a Budget. Inflation is having numerous impacts on society and people’s ability to buy the things they need. That includes prepping. Being able to afford extra food for a stockpile is challenging enough as it is, and it keeps many potential preppers from taking the plunge. With people’s budgets stretched more than ever by rising costs, even those of us who are committed to being prepared are wondering how to make it all work. One obvious answer is to change our buying habits, readjusting how we use the money we have and finding ways of cutting unnecessary expenses. That’s challenging and can cause family members to resent your prepping efforts. While I’m all in favor of living on less and having more money available for the more important things in life, there are other things we can do to make our prepping budget go further. Before cutting things out of the prepping budget, it’s a good idea to try and find ways of spending less on prepping. There are things we can do to continue stockpiling, even when money is tight. It’s just a matter of using our imagination, the resources available to us and a bit of patiience. 12 Ways to Stockpile Emergency Food on a Budget. Use Windfalls Even in tough financial times, there are still opportunities where you might receive a windfall, whether that be your income tax return or a bonus at work. When you do, working on your survival stockpile should be high up on your list, rather than buying that new television set. Of the two, the food is going to ultimately be a bigger blessing for your family. Avoid “Survival Food” I’ve got nothing against the companies which package food for survival. Nevertheless, when I look at the prices they charge, one thing is imminently clear – I can do it cheaper myself. Much of what you’re paying for isn’t the food itself, as what they provide is actually rather inexpensive food, but rather the labor required to turn those ingredients into “one pan meals.” That’s something that any of us can do, and we can probably make taste better than they do. One pan meals are great for survival and basically consist of a combination of ingredients that can be cooked together, essentially turning them into a soup or casserole. Think of Rice-a-Roni, which isn’t sold as survival food, but is great for it. Any variety of Rice-A-Roni you buy will have rice, cut up spaghetti and spices in the package. You cook them together in water and you’ve got your dish. Take that idea and repeat, using different ingredients to make soup mixes, casserole mixes and side dishes. The one place where those survival food companies are great is when it comes to food items that you just can’t get most places, like freeze-dried meats, shelf-stable butter, TVP (textured vegetable protein) and dehydrated eggs. Buy in Bulk Shopping Cart in Wholesale Store It’s always a good idea to buy in bulk whenever you can. Sam’s Club and Costco make this easy, as they basically sell things in larger packages. But don’t just assume their prices are the best on everything. While they usually have the best price, I’ve found better prices on several items. If you happen to live in an area with a sizeable Amish or Mennonite population, look around for one of their grocery stores. These small, simple operations operate like a co-op, buying in bulk and repackaging it for their community. Usually, the doors are open to anyone, so you can get a fairly decent variety of food at really incredible prices. Some grocery stores, like Sprouts, offer bulk foods, stocked in barrels and sold by the pound. The savings here comes from the fact that you’re not paying for packaging. Considering that you’ll probably want to repackage the food for long-term storage anyway, that’s a savings worth grabbing. One of the really great things to buy in bulk are spices. I firmly believe in having a good stock of spices on hand. You’re going to be eating a lot of unfamiliar food in a survival situation, and the best way to make that food palatable for your family is to season it, so that it tastes like something they’re familiar with. You can buy restaurant-sized containers of spices from Sam’s Club, much cheaper than the little ones at the grocery store. If you live in an area with a large Mexican-American population, buy the Mexican spice brand; it’s a whole lot cheaper. Go Out in the Country There are a number of farmers who sell their produce directly from their farms or at farmer’s markets. You don’t have to limit your buying to the grocery store. Not only will the produce you buy from them be cheaper, but it will be fresher as well. Much of what is picked for the grocery store is picked early, so that the produce doesn’t go bad. What these farmers sell directly is usually left to grow a bit longer, allowing for much better flavor. You can also get meat the same way. You might not save a bunch of money buying meat that way, but you will generally get a better cut of meat. Considering that you’re going to be preserving the meat, the better cut will result in better preserved foods. Restaurant Supply Another good source for bulk food is any restaurant supply. Most will require that you set up an account with them, but it’s worth the hassle. The money you’ll save on buying large quantities of foodstuffs will pay for the time you have to invest in setting up that account. A lot of the food that restaurant supplies sell these days is premade frozen food that restaurants only need to heat and plate. But they still sell more basic things, like flour and butter. They’re also a great place to buy things like aluminum foil and food wrap, which comes in restaurant-sized rolls. It’s not a food item, but you might want to consider buying at least one restaurant-sized stock pot. When it comes to living off of what you can grow, gather, and hunt, there will probably be times when you need to cook a large amount of something. Start Couponing Couponing seems to be becoming a lost art, but food manufacturers are still sending coupons out by the truckload. Not only that, but you can find them online, where they are much easier to collect. That’s not to say you shouldn’t gather them from your newspaper if you’re already getting the Sunday paper, just that doing it online is faster. Catch the Sales Sale Signs at Supermarket Food goes on sale, just like anything else. Sometimes on really good sales. That’s a real boon for preppers, who might want to buy more of an item than the store will be comfortable with. But there are ways around those limits they put on your purchases, like having the whole family go in and each buy the limit. I’ve picked up mac & cheese for a dime a box, canned chicken for a buck, and a host of other great buys. These sales follow a pattern, so it is worthwhile to learn when things are normally on sale, not just for the sake of building your stockpile, but also for your family’s regular food budget. Anything you can save on your grocery bill will allow you to buy a little more for your stockpile. One of the best food deals you can grab in the grocery store is frozen turkey, just before Thanksgiving. It seems that every grocery chain puts turkey on sale then, usually for less than half the normal price. Buy several and cut them up as they thaw, to make jerky out of. Can Your Own While canned foods are reasonably cheap, you can still save money if you are already growing the food in your garden. For canning purposes, you’re best off growing a lot of the same thing, so that you can do your food preservation in batches, rather than just a few jars full of each veggie. The more you can do at one time, the more cost- and labor-effective it is. One of the big advantages to home canning is that you don’t have to go with the same dull food that you find in the grocery store. If you’re going to can beans, go ahead and add the ham to them now, so that the flavors can mix. The same idea can extend to mixing some bacon bits into your sting beans or pimentos into your corn. Make Your Own Don’t just stop with canning, though. The real money savers come in when you make other kinds of food and preserve them. Dried meat and fruit are expensive, but it’s much less costly to dehydrate your own, especially if you get the foods to dehydrate on sale or directly from the farm. I regularly make my own jerky, including the turkey jerky I just talked about, as well as apple butter, pumpkin butter, nut butters, fruit roll-ups, and various other things. Keep in mind that any time you’re buying something that’s already done, you’re paying for someone else’s labor. While commercial food processing is largely automated, there is still some labor involved. That’s especially true when it comes to foods that are made in small batches. Take Advantage of the Food Pantry You can find a food bank in pretty much any city in the country. These non-profit organizations receive excess stock, damaged shipments, government surplus, food that isn’t selling quickly enough, and any other food that commercial sellers need to get rid of. It is offered to local food pantries for pennies on the dollar, so that they can use it to feed the community. The question is: Can you get that food? If you’re already on the lower end of the income scale, you likely can; but even if you’re not, there’s a chance that you can still get food from the local food pantry. That’s a moral question that you will have to decide for yourself. Woman Holding Food Donation Box Another way to take advantage of this is if you’re part of a small church that has a food pantry. Befriend whoever is in charge of that food pantry and ask if you can piggyback on their order, adding a case or two of different things that they’re already buying. Sweetening the deal by offering to buy some food for the pantry will go a long way towards making that idea palatable to them, and you’ll still get the food much cheaper than you can anywhere else. Gifts Christmas and birthday gifts can often be a disappointment, especially when family members are buying us gifts that we really don’t want. The solution to this problem is to drop a few hints in the form of a “wish list” for them to use. While it might be tempting to put a new gun or pair of binoculars on that list, you can also put food for your stockpile on it. That might not seem like an exciting gift to them, but it will probably be much more exciting to you than a new tie or a bottle of after-shave. Cut Your Own Wood It’s not food, but you need it for food, so I’m going to include it here. I’m talking about firewood. Heating the average home through the winter with wood takes four to six cords of good hardwood firewood. That comes to quite a chunk of money, if you pay someone else to cut and haul it for you. But you can do it yourself a whole lot cheaper. Actually, if you’ve got a chainsaw and a pickup, you shouldn’t have to pay more than gas and time to get all the firewood you can use. Just drive around your community and look at how many dead trees there are, which are still standing. Another option is to drive around after a big storm and look for tree limbs that are down. In either case, offer to cut that up and haul it off. Most homeowners will not only let you, but will probably offer to pay you something for it, even if you tell them you’ll do it for free. You can extend this to other areas as well. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, like trees in public places which need to come down or which have limbs down after a storm. Talk to your city works department and get their permission to cut up any down limbs you see. They’ll probably appreciate the help. But don’t just go and cut them without making that contact first; you don’t want to get hassled for being a public-spirited citizen. Another good source for wood is construction sites. You really don’t want construction scrap, but if you find some land that’s being cleared for a housing development, shopping center, or school, chances are that there will be trees that need to come down. Talk to the contractor first to find what trees need to be cut. He may be planning on taking them down with a bulldozer (that’s common), but they’ll still need to be cut up and hauled off. That’s where you come in. "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Romblon, Philippine, featured in a new movie 🍿 out on Netflix this April... image 🍿 Netflix's 18th Rose featuring Romblon Wonders! 🏝️⛰️ image #18thRose
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- Diving In The Philippines & S.E. Asia./World Post #450- Dive Instructor Candidates in training at Wicked Squid 🦑 "It's a good day to dive". 🤿 🤿 "Something wicked this way comes" Pura Vida 🏝️ "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️ #dive #scuba
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image The Dancing Fox, a stained ivory netsuke from the Edo period, Japan. 18th century. "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- Marine Life in The Philippines & S.E. Asia. and the World. Post #258: image At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, leaders from Colombia announced the protection of two remote coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea, remarkable for their diverse marine life. image Together, the new Serranilla and Bajo Nuevo marine protected area encompasses 3,800 square kilometers. In 2022, Pristine Seas partnered with the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Colombian Ocean Commission to study the health of these ecosystems. image The team documented a dazzling array of sealife: Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla are home to over 150 species of fish and 40 species of coral. Researchers observed a remarkable diversity of sharks, including four endangered species. image Given the dire status of sharks across the Caribbean, the sightings signal that the reefs in Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla are among the best-conserved in the region. image Photos by Manu San Félix/National Geographic Pristine Seas. "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️ #islands #scuba #marinelife
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Briseis. Ancient Greek: Βρισηίς, lit. 'daughter of Briseus'. also known as Hippodameia (Ἱπποδάμεια) is a significant character in the #Iliad. Her role as a status symbol is at the heart of the dispute between #Achilles and #Agamemnon that initiates the plot of Homer's epic. She was married to Mynes, a son of the King of Lyrnessus, until the #Achaeans sacked her city and she was given to Achilles shortly before the events of the poem. Being forced to give Briseis to Agamemnon, Achilles refused to reenter the battle. Briseis receives the same minimal physical description as most other minor characters in the #Iliad. She is described with the standard metrical epithets that the poet uses to describe a great beauty, though her appearance is left entirely up to the audience's imagination. Her beauty is compared to that of the goddesses. Picture: Briseis, from the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, fresco, 1st century AD, now in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples. "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- THE DOOMSDAY DJ: TUNES FOR THE POST APOCALYPSE image Experience the blues mastery of Eric Clapton – “Black Magic Woman” from The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions. Recorded in an intimate setting during the lockdown sessions, this stripped-down performance highlights Clapton’s signature tone, expressive phrasing, and effortless feel. Surrounded by a tight, soulful band, he reimagines the classic with warmth and subtle groove, letting every note breathe in a way only a true blues legend can. "Pure signal,no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- The Daily Stoic. Read aloud daily for you. 12 March 2026. $70,451 market price of bitcoin in USD 1,419 value of 1 USD measured in satoshis. image 940,387 blocks in the blockchain. image 1,085 blocks until next difficulty adjustment. 'Pure signal,no noise' Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image "The Book of the Courtier (1528)" By Baldassare Castiglione✍️ 1️⃣. Introduction: The Book of the Courtier is one of the most important prose works of the Renaissance. Written by Baldassare Castiglione and first published in 1528, the book presents a detailed picture of courtly life during the Italian Renaissance. It explains the qualities and behavior expected from an ideal gentleman and lady in a noble court. The work reflects the cultural values of Renaissance humanism, which emphasized education, moral character, artistic ability and graceful conduct. Castiglione wrote the book after many years of experience in Italian courts, especially the famous court of Urbino, which was known for its culture, refinement and intellectual life. Unlike a simple guidebook, the work is written as a series of conversations among noble men and women. Through these dialogues, Castiglione describes the qualities that make a person admirable in society. 2️⃣. Historical Background: The early sixteenth century was a period when Italian city-states such as Florence, Venice and Urbino were centers of art, literature and political power. Courts became places where rulers gathered scholars, poets, artists and diplomats. These courts were not only political institutions but also cultural centers where learning and refinement were highly valued. The court of Urbino, where Castiglione spent many years was particularly famous for its intellectual atmosphere. Under the rule of Duke Guidobaldo da Montefeltro and his wife Elisabetta Gonzaga, the court attracted many scholars, poets and artists. Conversations about philosophy, art, literature and politics were common in this environment. Castiglione observed these discussions carefully and later used them as the basis for his book. His purpose was to describe the ideal behavior of a courtier someone who served a prince while also maintaining dignity, intelligence and moral integrity. The Renaissance belief in the development of the “complete individual” strongly influenced the work. According to humanist thinkers, a well-educated person should possess knowledge of literature, philosophy, history, music and physical training. 3️⃣. Structure of the Work: The Book of the Courtier is written in the form of a dialogue and divided into four books (sections). Each section contains conversations that supposedly took place in the palace of Urbino around the year 1507. The main speakers in the dialogue include several historical figures from the court, such as Ludovico da Canossa, Giuliano de’ Medici, Ottaviano Fregoso and others. Through their discussions the qualities of the perfect courtier gradually emerge. 4️⃣. Summary of the Four Books: ♦️Book I: The Ideal Courtier: The first book discusses the basic qualities that an ideal courtier must possess. According to the speakers, a courtier should be noble by birth and well educated. He should be skilled in military training because courage and physical strength were highly respected in Renaissance society. At the same time, he must also possess intellectual qualities such as knowledge of literature, philosophy and history. Another important concept introduced in this section is “sprezzatura.” This Italian term refers to a kind of effortless grace. A courtier should perform difficult actions with such ease that they appear natural and unforced. True elegance lies in making everything seem simple. The courtier should also be polite, witty and able to engage in intelligent conversation. ♦️Book II: Social Behavior and Conversation: The second book focuses on the behavior and manners expected from a courtier. A courtier must know how to behave appropriately in social situations. He should speak with intelligence and humor but avoid arrogance or excessive pride. Good conversation is considered an important social skill. The speakers discuss the importance of storytelling, jokes, and polite humor. However, they warn that humor should never insult others or damage harmony in the court. Another important point is loyalty to the prince whom the courtier serves. The courtier should always act with respect toward authority while also maintaining his own dignity. ♦️Book III: The Ideal Court Lady: The third book shifts attention to women in the court. It describes the qualities of the ideal court lady. According to the discussion, a noble lady should possess beauty, grace and dignity. However, Castiglione emphasizes that beauty alone is not enough. The ideal lady should also be intelligent, educated and capable of participating in intellectual conversations. She should know literature, music and art. At the same time, she should maintain modesty and elegance in her behavior. The presence of cultured women was considered an essential part of refined court life. ♦️Book IV: The Courtier’s True Purpose: The final book moves from social manners to moral responsibility. Here the speakers discuss the deeper purpose of the courtier. The ideal courtier should not only entertain the prince but also guide him toward wisdom and justice. Through polite advice and intelligent discussion, the courtier should influence the ruler to govern wisely. The section also includes philosophical discussions about love, inspired by the ideas of Platonic philosophy. Love is described not simply as physical attraction but as a spiritual force that inspires moral and intellectual improvement. Thus the book concludes by connecting social refinement with moral and philosophical ideals. 5️⃣. Major Themes: 🔸The Ideal Renaissance Gentleman: The book presents a model of the “Renaissance man.” Such a person combines physical strength, intellectual ability, artistic talent, and moral virtue. 🔸Education and Culture: Castiglione strongly supports education in literature, history, music, and philosophy. A well-educated person was considered essential for a refined society. 🔸Sprezzatura: One of the most famous ideas in the book is the concept of effortless elegance. True refinement appears natural and free from effort. 🔸Courtly Society: The work reflects the culture of Renaissance courts, where conversation, art, and intellectual discussion were highly valued. 🔸Moral Responsibility: Castiglione argues that a courtier should help guide the prince toward justice and good government. 6️⃣. Style and Literary Form: Castiglione uses the dialogue form, a style inspired by classical Greek philosophy, especially the works of Plato. This method allows different speakers to present various viewpoints, making the discussion lively and engaging. The language of the book is refined and elegant. Castiglione wrote it in Italian rather than Latin, which helped the work reach a wider audience. The tone of the book is calm, thoughtful, and sophisticated, reflecting the polite atmosphere of Renaissance court culture. 7️⃣. Influence and Importance: The Book of the Courtier became one of the most widely read books of the Renaissance. It was translated into several European languages and influenced social behavior across Europe. The work shaped the idea of the “gentleman” in many countries, including England, France, and Spain. It influenced writers, politicians, and members of royal courts. Even centuries later, the book remains an important historical document because it provides a detailed picture of Renaissance culture, manners, and intellectual life. 8️⃣. Conclusion: The Book of the Courtier is not simply a manual of etiquette; it is a reflection of Renaissance ideals about human character and social responsibility. Through elegant dialogue and thoughtful discussion, Baldassare Castiglione presents a vision of the perfect courtier someone who combines education, grace, moral wisdom, and loyalty. The work remains a valuable source for understanding the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of Renaissance Europe and continues to be studied as one of the great prose works of the period. #renaissance #englishliterature #englishliteraturestudent "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️
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Anarko 4 months ago
🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️ -THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE- image Calling all photographers. 📸 image The Gold Coast is full of moments worth capturing — sunrises over the ocean, mist drifting through the hinterland, city lights sparkling after dark and our incredible wildlife. image The 2026 Gold Coast Photography Awards submissions are now open, inviting photographers to showcase the beauty and character of this incredible city we call home. image If the Gold Coast has ever inspired you to pick up your camera, this is your moment to share it. We can’t wait to see how our city shines through your lens. image 📆 Submissions close 31 March 2026 👉 image #GCPA2026 #ExperienceGoldCoast #goldcoastphotographers image 📸 David Bostock Photography | IG/eviewilderness | IG/hannahandersonmedia | IG/louiserumian_seascapes | IG/k_bro74 | IG/oz_nippon_images_ "Pure signal, no noise" Credits Goes to the respective Author ✍️/ Photographer📸 🐇 🕳️