Saturday, July 30, 2011

Clever cat (and a horned altar!)

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In Israel's ancient deserts, boulders have long provided respite from the burning sun, for man and beast . . .
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Oh, wait . . . this was just the Hebrew U. Medical School campus at Hadassah Hospital.
But man, was it hot!
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You might have to enlarge the above photo to find the cat.

Here's the boulder "in situ."
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I never understand why they make the roofs of some bench and bus shelters like this.
It lets the rain or too much sun come through.
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Anyway, it's a fun picture for Camera-Critters, Summer Stock Sunday, and Shadow Shot Sunday.
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And here is something YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! The blog of Tell Es-Safi/Gath Excavations announced their discovery of a horned stone altar from the Iron Age!
And then the archaeologist, Aren Maeir, made a hilarious aerial photo, using volunteers, shadows, and himself as the sacrificial lamb.
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34 comments:

  1. I clicked through to the photos of the altar. Absolutely amazing. Such significant and meaningful work. There is so much under the earth that we don't even know about.

    Living around all of this greenery, I don't even think about the usefulness of boulders for shade from the sun.

    Have a great start to your week, Dina.

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  2. Greensboro Jan, shalom. Hope you also clicked on the second link to the Tell Safi blog. An archaeologist with a sense of humor!

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  3. I love the kitty cat! happy SSS Dina. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  4. I visited the 2nd link first. What a hoot!

    Love both your captures. I too wonder what the purpose is to a roof that isn't fully covered.

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  5. Smart kitty sleeping under the overhang of the rock.
    You're right about those roofs that barely provide shade and certainly don't keep out rain.
    I checked out the archaeology blog, both links, and was tempted to save it, but I have too many diversions now without going back to being an archaeological nut. Still, I love reading about finds like this altar. Thanks, Dina.

    —Kay, Alberta, Canada

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  6. NIce picture;D Cats enjoy resting in shadow;D

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  7. The kitty looks quite comfy taking her rest in the shade!


    COMPADRES

    Shadows above me,
    Shadows below;
    Some shadows swift and
    Some shadows slow;
    All of these shadows,
    It’s plain to see,
    Are my compadres—
    Sweet company!


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

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  8. I like both photos -- the close-up and in situ. Gives perspective.

    We have those open bench covers as well and I'm with you. I guess the "ideal" is that some kind of vine will grow over to provide shade, but absent someone making the effort to plant it, I don't think that will occur. Or, around here, it will be a poison ivy vine!

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  9. Wise cat! Love the funny aerial view... and the benches!

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  10. After admiring your shadows, I clicked on the links - I'm still chuckling at 'altar ego' ..... a nice play on words!

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  11. great shadows Dina...and yes a very smart cat! Shabbat Shalom (well, maybe shavuah tov already for you!)

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  12. Kitties are smart and know where to find the best snoozing places.

    I read " Horned Altar" and thought "St Jerome? Again?" but I can see why they call it this way.

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  13. Those roofs may look prettier than something more solid, but they are more useless, too. I think kitty has found the perfect spot to be left alone! Off to check out your links (which, by the others' comments should be most enjoyable)

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  14. I'll bet its quite cool there kitty .. Here its 95 and climbing at 4 pm

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  15. I love the shade design it makes though even if dysfunctional for real shelter.

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  16. look at kitties!



    Aloha from Waikiki;


    Comfort Spiral

    ><}}(°>


    > < } } ( ° >

    < ° ) } } > <

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  17. I went straight to the link on the horned altar (sorry kitty). Fascinating, the theory that there might be a connection to Minoan?Cypriote culture.

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  18. Cats are so good at finding the right spot...

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  19. A lot of juice in one post. Great link, thank you!

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  20. Such exciting discoveries! An altar and a kitty!

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  21. Cool altar! The cat reminds me of a friend here who used to live in Israel. She always makes her husband walk on the shady side of the street. Too hot for her recently in New Jersey. She can understand the cat's approach.

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  22. I love the cat sheltering in the shade of the boulder. Thanks for visiting my blog today. It's always good to see you. Off to click on the links. Greetings, Jo

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  23. I am glad the kitty found some shade from the hot sun. Great photos.

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  24. Nice altar! I love the textures within the photos...and the capture of light. Lovely

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  25. Awesome photo. That cat seems to be enjoying his shelter from the sun. The roof of the shelter doesn't seem to be very practical, but it sure does make for wonderful shadow shots.
    I took a look at the other photos, too. I love the aerial photo. What a fun shot.
    Thank you for sharing!!

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  26. Well, I think the boulder is a bit low:-) Nice benches, but not the roof.
    Hope you have a blessed weekend Dina

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  27. Clever cat indeed!
    And I agree with you about roofs, same here, though more rain than sun coming through those spaces.
    I also love the reflections in your first photo.

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  28. Goodness! I enlarged the photo and still can't find the cat. I need to go find my glasses.

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  29. He's found himself a great spot in the shade, hasn't he?

    Hope you're not sweltering too badly over there.

    -----------------------------------
    My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

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  30. It is always a curious wonder to me why some things are designed as they are It doesn't make much sense to design bus stop shelters or other shelters, like they do in most places. Hope you're keeping cool enough :-)

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