Jack Vettriano Tuesday's child

Jack Vettriano Tuesday's childJack Vettriano Traffic Light MomentJack Vettriano the_Tourist_trap
watched for a moment in silence, but Zaphod was fidgety with excitement. "We are now traversing the night side ..." he said in a hushed voice. The planet rolled on. "The surface of the planet is now three hundred miles beneath us ..." he continued. He was trying to restore a sense of occasion to what he felt should have been a great moment. Magrathea! He was piqued by Ford's sceptical reaction. Magrathea! "In a few seconds," he continued, "we should see ... there!" The moment carried itself. Even the most seasoned star tramp can't help but shiver at the spectacular drama of a sunrise seen from space, but a binary sunrise is one of the marvels of the Galaxy. Out of the utter blackness stabbed a sudden point of blinding light. It crept up by slight degrees and spread sideways in a thin crescent blade, and within seconds two suns were visible, furnaces of light, searing the black edge of the horizon with white fire. Fierce shafts of colour streaked through the thin atmosphere beneath them. "The fires of dawn ... !" breathed Zaphod. "The twin suns of Soulianis and Rahm ... !" "Or whatever," said Ford quietly floated through the bridge: Marvin was humming ironically because he hated humans so much.

Hughes Lucy Hill

Hughes Lucy HillHughes The Heavenly StairHughes The Lady of ShalottBierstadt Bahama Cove
Some think infinitesimal particles called gravitons exude the force in all matter, but whether or not they could ever be detected is questionable.
Still, a massive hunt is on for major shake-ups in the universe called gravitational waves. If detected (perhaps from a merger of black holes), Albert Einstein's concept that the universe has a "fabric" of spacetime would be on solid ground.
Caption: Artist depiction of gravity waves around merging black holes. Credit: NASA
and energy abound in the universe, but only in a few places is the roll of the cosmic dice perfect enough to
The basic ingredients and conditions necessary for this strange phenomenon are better understood than ever before, thanks to abundant access to on Earth.
But the exact recipe -- or to go from the basic elements of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur to an organism is a prevailing mystery.
Scientists seek out new areas in the solar system where life could have thrived (or still may, such as below the surface of watery moons), in hopes of arriving at a .
Caption: E. coli bacteria. Credit: NIH

Gockel A Light Repast II

Gockel A Light Repast IIGockel 3 Yellow TulipsKandinsky Composition LXKandinsky On Points
Hazard had to bend close to puzzle meaning from the words: “Laputa ... killed my wife ... daughter.”“Rachel? Emily?” Hazard asked.Dalton hand tightened slightly on his rescuer’s, and from somewhere his desiccated body found the moisture to flood his eyes with tears.As moved as he was nauseated, Hazard examined the dangling infusion bag, the drip line, the cannula inserted in Dalton’s vein. He wanted to strip all this away, for surely none of it was doing the man good. But he was afraid of inadvertently harming Dalton. This had best be left to the paramedics.[552] Originally, Hazard had entered the house with the intention of conducting an illegal and clandestine search, after which he would have closed up and gone away to ponder squeezed his eyes shut lower lip, and nodded shakily.“I don’t know what he told you, but they’re not dead,” Hazard assured him.Dalton’s eyes opened as snap-quick as camera shutters.“I saw them only today, at continued. “Only a few hours ago. They’re sick with worry about you, but they’ve not been harmed.”For a moment the prisoner appeared reluctant to believe this news, as though convinced that it must be yet another cruelty with which he would be tormented. Then he discerned truth in Hazard’s forthright stare. His bony

Blum Four Potted Orchids

Blum Four Potted OrchidsBlum Floral Sentiments IVBlum Floral Sentiments IIIBlum Floral Sentiments II
I tried to explain Maxwell, they couldn’t believe in him—a husband so reliable. They were sure he would turn up in time, with bloodshot eyes, a sheepish look, and a venereal disease.”Eventually, when Maxwell Dalton had been gone long enough for even contemporary authorities to consider the length of his absence unusual, the police had allowed the “I’m sure you’ve been asked already, but did your husband have any enemies?”“He’s a good man,” Rachel said, as he expected she would. Then she added what he had not expected, “And like all good people in a dark world, of course he has enemies.”“Who?”“A gang of thugs at that sewer they call a university. Oh, I shouldn’t be so harsh. Many good people work there. Unfortunately, the English Department is in the hands of scoundrels and lunatics.”“You think someone in the department might ...”official filing of a missing-persons report. This had led to little or no activity in search of the man, which had frustrated Rachel, for she had wrongly assumed that a missing-persons case triggered an investigation only a degree less vigorous than a homicide.“Not when it’s an adult,” Hazard said, “and not when there are no indications of violence. If they had found his abandoned car ...”His car had not been found, however, nor his discarded wallet stripped of cash, nor any item that might have indicated foul play. He had vanished with no more trace than any ship that had sailed into but not out of the Bermuda Triangle.Hazard said,

Gustav Klimt Danae (detail) painting

Gustav Klimt Danae (detail) paintingSalvador Dali The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory paintingSalvador Dali The Crucifixion painting
This is still the dream,” Ethan suggested.“I told you, I wake up, there’s someone in the room with me,” Hazard reminded him. “I didn’t get a good look at him, his back to me, just a glimpse in the mirror, but I think it was Dunny Whistler. I had to be connected somehow to the contents of the six black boxes and the threat against Manheim.open the closet door. He’s not in there. Where is he—in the damn mirror!”“Sometimes in a dream,” Ethan said, “you wake up, but the waking up is just part of the nightmare, and you’re really still dreaming.”“I search the apartment. Don’t find anybody. Back in the bedroom what I do find are these.”Ethan heard the sweet silvery ringing of small bells.He looked away from the concrete wall.Hazard held up an array of three concentrically strung bells like those that had hung in the ambulance.Their eyes met.Ethan knew that Hazard had instantly read not the nature of his secrets but certainly the fact that he had secrets.The astonishing things that had happened to Ethan in less than [378] thirty hours, and now also to Hazard, plus the inexplicable case of dead Dunny walking and possibly orchestrating the murder of Reynerd: All this

Claude Monet Weeping Willow painting

Claude Monet Weeping Willow paintingRene Magritte The Son of Man paintingMarc Chagall I and the Village painting
he realized that the eyes in his reflection were not the green that he’d grown up with, the green that he had inherited from Nominal Mom. These eyes were gray, a luminous satiny gray, with only flecks of green.They were the eyes of the mirror man.The instant that Fric recognized this terrifying difference in his reflection, a third floor, he quaked as he passed closed doors that might be flung open by any monster the mind could imagine. He cringed from the sight of age-clouded antique mirrors above old-as-dirt consoles.Repeatedly, he looked back, looked up, in fearful expectation. Surely Moloch would be floating toward him, an unlikely reached the main stairs without being harmed or pursued, but he was man’s two hands came from the mirror, seized him by the wrist, and passed something to him. Then the man’s hands closed over his hand and compressed it into a fist, crumpling the bestowed object before shoving him away.In terror, Fric threw down whatever had been given to him, shuddering at the simultaneously slick and crackled texture of it.He sprinted along the end aisle, to the attic stairs, around and down the spiral staircase, feet slamming with such panic-powered force that behind him the metal treads thrummed like drumskins quivering with the memory of thunder.From east hall to north, along the lonely

Bartolome Esteban Murillo Annunciation painting

Bartolome Esteban Murillo Annunciation paintingGuan zeju Reflecting paintingWilliam Bouguereau The Song of the Angels painting
perfumed air as still as that in a sealed jar.They spoke less in conspiratorial whispers than in the hushed voices of men humbled by awesome experience.“So I told the OIS team I went to see Reynerd to ask about his friend Jerry Nemo, who happens to be a my mug will be on the front pages under the nine-letter headline.”Ethan knew what the nine-letter headline would be—KILLER COP—because they had talked about the power of anti-cop prejudice over the years. When a dirty politician and the sensation-hungry press discovered a shared agenda in any case, truth was stretched tighter than the skin of any Hollywood dowager with four face-lifts, and the blindfold over Lady Justice’s suspect in the murder of this coke peddler name of Carter Cook.”“They believe you?” Ethan asked.“They seem like they want to. But suppose tomorrow I get a lab report that superglues Blonde in the Pond to that city councilman I told you about.”“That girl dumped in the sewage plant.”“Yeah. So the bastard councilman will start looking for a way to [236] get at me. If any guys on the OIS team can be bought or blackmailed, they’ll turn that hit man with the coke-spoon earring into a crippled choirboy who got shot in the back, and

Berthe Morisot The Harbor at Lorient painting

Berthe Morisot The Harbor at Lorient paintingBerthe Morisot The Butterfly Chase paintingPeter Paul Rubens Cimon and Pero paintingPeter Paul Rubens The Straw Hat painting
Having exotic knowledge rare in other people made Fric feel like a wizard. Or at least like a wizard’s apprentice.Aside from Mr. Jurgens, who came to the estate two days every month to clean and maintain the large collection of contemporary and antique electric trains, only Fric knew everything about the train room and its operation.The trains belonged to that world-renowned movie star, Channing Manheim, who also Neither did Fric. He’d been meaning to look it up ever since he’d learned about Tuvalu.The train room was in the higher of two basements, adjacent to the upper garage. It measured sixty-eight feet by forty-four feet, which amounted to more] The lack of windows ensured that the real world could not intrude. The railroad fantasy happened to be his father. In the private world of Fric, the movie star had long been known as Ghost Dad because he was usually only here in spirit.Ghost Dad knew very little about the train room. He had spent enough money on the collection to purchase the entire nation of Tuvalu, but he rarely played here.Most people had never heard of the nation of Tuvalu. On nine islands in the South Pacific Ocean, with a population of just ten thousand, its major exports were copra and coconuts.Most people had no idea what copra might be.

Unknown Artist heda Still Life painting

Unknown Artist heda Still Life paintingJohn William Waterhouse The Siren paintingJohn William Waterhouse The Lady Clare paintingJohn William Waterhouse The Awakening of Adonis painting
The blade that is drawn from this sheath shall not be stained or broken even in defeat,' she said. `But is there aught else that you desire of me at our parting? For darkness will flow between us, and it may be that we shall not meet again, unless it be far hence upon a road that has no returning.'And Aragorn answered: 'Lady, you hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the house of Elendil! 'Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders. `For the gifts that you have given me I thank you,' he said, 'O Lady of Lórien of whom were sprung Celebrían and Arwen Evenstar. What praise could I say more? 'know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only treasure that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would; and only through darkness shall I come to it.'`Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,' said Galadriel; `for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.' Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. `This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this

Brent Heighton After Hours painting

Brent Heighton After Hours paintingClaude Monet Weeping Willow painting
treasuries down in the deep places: they are drowned in water--or in a shadow of fear.'`Then what do the dwarves want to come back for? ' asked Sam.'For mithril,' answered Gandalf. `The wealth of Moria was not in gold and jewels, the toys of the Dwarves; nor in iron, their servant. Such things they found here, it is true, especially iron; but they did not
Rene Magritte The Son of Man paintingMarc Chagall I and the Village painting
shining spears were laid in hoard.
Unwearied then were Durin's folkBeneath the mountains woke:The harpers harped, the minstrels sang,And at the gates the trumpets rang.
The world is grey, the mountains old,The forge's fire is ashen-coldNo harp is wrung, no hammer falls:The darkness dwells in Durin's hallsThe shadow lies upon his tombIn Moria, in Khazad-dûm.But still the sunken stars appearIn dark and windless Mirrormere;There lies his crown in water deep,Till Durin wakes again from sleep.`I like that! ' said Sam. `I should like to learn it. In Moria, in Khazad-dûm! But it makes the darkness seem heavier, thinking of all those lamps. Are there piles of jewels and gold lying about here still? 'Gimli was silent. Having sung his song he would say no more.`Piles of jewels? ' said Gandalf. `No. The Orcs have often plundered Moria; there is nothing left in the upper halls. And since the dwarves fled, no one dares to seek the shafts and

Warren Kimble paintings

Warren Kimble paintingsWilliam Merritt Chase paintings
simple men at night, if the Dúnedain were asleep, or were all gone into the grave?`And yet less thanks have we than you. Travellers scowl at us, and countrymen give us scornful names. "Strider" I am to one fat man who lives within a day's march of foes that would freeze his heart or lay his little town in ruin, if he were not guarded ceaselessly. Yet we would not have it otherwise. If simple folk are free from care and fear, simple they will be, and we must be secret to keep them so. That has been the task of my kindred, while the years have lengthened and the grass has grown.`But
William Bouguereau paintingsYue Minjun paintings
now the world is changing once again. A new hour comes. Isildur's Bane is found. Battle is at hand. The Sword shall be reforged. I will come to Minas Tirith.'`Isildur's Bane is found, you say,' said Boromir. `I have seen a bright ring in the Halfling's hand; but Isildur perished ere this age of the world began, they say. How do the Wise know that this ring is his? And how has it passed down the years, until it is brought hither by so strange a messenger?'`That shall be told,' said Elrond.But not yet, I beg, Master!' said Bilbo. `Already the Sun is climbing to noon, and I feel the need of something to strengthen me.'`I had not named you,' said Elrond smiling. `But I do so now. Come! Tell us your tale. And if you have not yet cast your story into verse, you may tell it in plain words. The briefer, the sooner shall you be refreshed.'

Pissarro Lavoir de Pontoise 1872

Pissarro Lavoir de Pontoise 1872Pissarro La Varenne de St. HilairePissarro Hay Harvest at EragnyPissarro Entree du village de Voisins 1872
Frodo on his right sat a dwarf of important appearance, richly dressed. His beard, very long and forked, was white, nearly as white as the snow-white cloth of his garments. He wore a silver belt, and round his neck hung a chain of silver and diamonds. Frodo stopped eating to look at him.'Welcome and well met!' said the dwarf, turning towards him. Then he actually rose from his seat and bowed. `Glóin at your service,' he said, and what brings four hobbits on so long a journey. Nothing like it has happened since Bilbo came with us. But perhaps I should not inquire too closely, since Elrond and Gandalf do not seem disposed to talk of this?''I think we will not speak of it, at least not yet,' said Frodo politely.He guessed that even in Elrond's house the matter of the Ring was not one for bowed still lower.'Frodo Baggins at your service and your family's,' said Frodo correctly, rising in surprise and scattering his cushions. 'Am I right in guessing that you are the Glóin, one of the twelve companions of the great Thorin Oakenshield?'`Quite right,' answered the dwarf, gathering up the cushions and courteously assisting Frodo back into his seat. 'And I do not ask, for I have already been told that you are the kinsman and adopted heir of our friend Bilbo the renowned. Allow me to congratulate you on your recovery.'`Thank you very much,' said Frodo.'You have had some very strange adventures, I hear,' said Glóin. 'I wonder greatly

Volegov Tuesdays Stroll

Volegov Tuesdays StrollVolegov Tropical AfternoonVolegov Thoughts of SpringtimeVolegov The Sweetest Moment
out to the Inn for a night or two, but even that was becoming less and less usual. The Shire-hobbits referred to those of Bree, and to any others that lived beyond the borders, as Outsiders, and took very little interest in them, considering them dull and uncouth. There were probably many more Outsiders scattered about in the West of the World in those days than the people of the Shire imagined. Some, doubtless, were no better than tramps, ready to dig a hole in any bank and stay only as long as it suited them. But in the Bree-land, at any stone houses of the Big Folk, mostly above the Road, nestling on the hillside with windows looking west. On that side, running in more than half a circle from the hill and back to it, there was a deep dike with a thick hedge on the inner side. Over this the Road crossed by a causeway; but where it pierced the hedge it was barred by a great gate. There was another gate in the southern comer where the Road ran out of the village. The gates were closed at nightfall; but just inside them were small lodges for the gatekeepers.rate, the hobbits were decent and prosperous, and no more rustic than most of their distant relatives Inside. It was not yet forgotten that there had been a time when there was much coming and going between the Shire and Bree. There was Bree-blood in the Brandybucks by all accounts.The village of Bree had some hundred