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Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-28

The History of Ancient Rome in 20 Quick Minutes: A Primer Narrated by Brian Cox | Open Culture

Two thousand years ago, Rome was half the world. A thousand years before that, it was “a tiny tribal settlement of the Latins by the river Tiber.” So, what happened? An awful lot. But narrator Brian Cox makes the history and longevity of Ancient Rome seem simple in 20 minutes in the Arzamas video above, which brings the same talent for narrative compression as we saw in an earlier video we featured with Cox describing the history of Russian Art.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/28

#rome #roman #history #culture #architecture #etruscans #greece #greek #shared #video #youtube

The image features a central figure dressed in a vibrant red toga, adorned with a laurel wreath, and holding a staff. This figure stands out prominently against a backdrop of numerous grayscale figures, all wearing similar togas and holding staffs. The central figure is positioned in the foreground, with the grayscale figures arranged in a symmetrical formation behind them. The background is entirely black, which enhances the contrast and draws attention to the central figure. The grayscale figures are uniform in appearance, suggesting a sense of uniformity or conformity. The central figure's distinct color and adornments set it apart from the others, creating a focal point in the composition. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-27

11 creative exercises you can do in five minutes or less via Creative Bloq [Shared]

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/27

Creativity is a muscle that needs to be worked, but it can be hard to find time for creative exercises, particularly if their not part of your profession. So many people say they would love to be more creative and to develop art or design skills if only there weren't so many other things to do.

Having to the time to study from the best art books and to take online art classes is ideal. But there are things you can do to train your eye and build that creative muscle in micro doses, and they can be surprisingly satisfying.

#creative #creativity #exercise #art #artist #education #advice #shared

The image features four light bulbs drawn in a sketchy, line-art style. The bulbs are hanging from wires, with the central bulb being the most prominent and detailed. This bulb is depicted with a glowing effect, indicated by radiating lines around it, suggesting it is illuminated. The filaments inside the bulb are clearly visible, with a spiral shape. The other three bulbs are less detailed, with the central one being the most defined and the others becoming progressively less detailed towards the right. The bulbs are outlined in black, with varying line thicknesses, giving a sense of depth and dimension. The background is plain white, emphasizing the bulbs. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-23

How to understand things via Big Think [Shared]

True intelligence isn’t just about raw ability — it’s about the discipline to investigate things creatively and directly rather than settling for shallow explanations. In this essay, writer and entrepreneur Nabeel S. Qureshi explores how great thinkers developed their insights by testing ideas from multiple angles, refusing to fool themselves, and being unafraid to look stupid.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/23

#think #Thinking #thought #understanding #writing #advice #shared #education

The image contains a block of text with a bullet point format. The text discusses the concept of true intelligence, emphasizing that it involves discipline and creativity in investigating things rather than settling for shallow explanations. It mentions an essay by writer and entrepreneur Nabeel S. Qureshi, who explores how great thinkers developed their insights by testing ideas from multiple angles, refusing to fool themselves, and being unafraid to look stupid. The text concludes by inviting readers to read more of Nabeel S. Qureshi's writing on his Substack and website. The text is presented in a simple, clean format with black text on a white background. The words "Substack" and "website" are highlighted in red, drawing attention to the author's online platforms. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-21

What I Learned Photographing ‘Boring’ Places via The Photographic Eye [Shared]

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/21

#photo #photography #advice #tips #hints #education #arts #video #youtube #shared

The image features a dark blue background with two illuminated light fixtures positioned symmetrically. Each fixture has a round, black outer rim and a warm, yellowish glow emanating from the exposed filament bulbs inside. The bulbs are encased in a shallow, concave bowl that reflects the light, enhancing the warm ambiance. Above the fixtures, the text "Look Closer" is prominently displayed in bold, white letters with a slight shadow effect, creating a sense of depth. The overall composition is simple yet striking, with the warm light contrasting against the cool blue background. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-20

Papercut Artist Creates Intricate And Beautiful Designs Inspired By Natural Life via Bored Panda [Shared]

Pippa Dyrlaga, a papercut artist from the UK, has been perfecting her craft for 12 years. In an interview with Bored Panda, she shared: “In 2011, I completed my studies in art, and during the last two years of my Master's, I discovered the art of paper cutting. Since then, I have worked primarily in this medium.”

Much of Pippa’s inspiration comes from the natural life that inhabits rivers and waterways—a tribute to her childhood spent growing up on a canal boat. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at her beautiful art—intricately hand-cut pieces that transform simple sheets of paper into breathtaking designs.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/20

#art #artwork #nature #animals #paper #papercut #shared

The image features a detailed paper cutout of a pangolin, a scaly mammal, arranged in a circular form. The pangolin is depicted with intricate lines representing its scales, creating a textured appearance. The cutout is held by a hand, providing a sense of scale. The background is a solid dark blue, which contrasts with the light-colored paper, making the pangolin stand out prominently. The pangolin's head is positioned at the top of the circle, with its body curving around to form the circular shape. The tail is visible, extending from the bottom right, and the overall design is symmetrical. The craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the lines and the delicate nature of the cutout. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-19

Wonders of Street View

Random Interesting Sights on Google Street View

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/19

#photography #travel #streetview #google #fun #quirky #geography #world #shared

The image shows a section of a tunnel wall inside the Cup and Noodle Museum in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The wall is covered with white tiles, and the text "THE INSTANT RAMEN TUNNEL" is prominently displayed in large, bold letters, with each letter in a different color. The words are arranged in a staggered pattern, with "THE" at the top, followed by "INSTANT," "RAMEN," and "TUNNEL" below. The year "1958" is also visible, likely marking a significant date in the history of instant ramen. Below the text, there are several images of instant ramen packages, showcasing different designs and brands. The wall also features a yellow line running horizontally, with additional text and graphics, including a circular design with the text "カップラーメン" (cup ramen) in Japanese. The overall design is clean and modern, with a focus on the theme of instant ramen. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-16

Download 10,000 of the First Recordings of Music Ever Made, Courtesy of the University of California-Santa Barbara via Open Culture [Shared]

Long before vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs and MP3s came along, people first experienced audio recordings through another medium — through cylinders made of tin foil, wax and plastic. In recent years, we’ve featured cylinder recordings from the 19th century that allow you to hear the voices of Leo Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky, Walt Whitman, Otto von Bismarck and other historic figures. Those recordings were originally recorded and played on a cylinder phonograph invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. But those were obviously just a handful of the cylinder recordings produced at the beginning of the recorded sound era.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/16

#recording #history #cylinders #edison #archive #first #shared

The image features a vintage Edison Records cylinder and its protective sleeve. The cylinder is cylindrical with a light brown color and a label that reads "EDISON RECORDS WHO ALL OVER THE WORLD." The label is ornate, with decorative elements and text in a serif font. The top of the cylinder is open, revealing a green paper insert with the text "No. 4705 Minstrel Record. Three Minutes with the Minstrels." The insert is partially pulled out, showing the text clearly. Next to the cylinder is a matching protective sleeve, also light brown, with a threaded top, indicating it was designed to fit over the cylinder. The background is black, providing a stark contrast to the objects. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-15

With Just A Few Lines, This Artist Creates Captivating Animal Portraits Full Of Emotion (25 Pics) [Shared]

ShouXin (手訫) is a contemporary artist from Henan, China, known for his minimalist animal sketches. His drawings, mostly of cats and dogs, use simple lines and empty space to create expressive, lifelike images. Instead of focusing on small details, he plays with contrast—bold lines, soft shading, and sharp edges—to bring out movement and personality.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/15

#art #artist #artwork #animal #pets #portrait #technique #shared

The image is a pencil sketch of a cat, rendered in grayscale. The cat is depicted in profile, facing to the right, with its head and part of its body visible. The cat's fur is represented by a series of horizontal lines, creating a sense of texture and depth. The lines vary in density and shading, with darker areas suggesting shadows and lighter areas indicating highlights. The cat's eyes are open and alert, with a focused gaze. The background is plain and unadorned, emphasizing the cat as the central subject. The overall composition is simple, with the cat occupying the right side of the frame, leaving ample negative space on the left. The drawing style is realistic, with attention to detail in the cat's features, such as the ears, eyes, and whiskers. The artist has skillfully used shading techniques to convey the cat's form and the play of light on its fur. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-14

Book Highlights Cats in Japanese Woodblock Prints

Cats been companions to people for centuries, but they've also served as creative muses for countless artists across the world. In Japan, felines have held particular importance ever since they arrived in the 6th century by way of Buddhist monks from China. Their popularity became so widespread that by the mid-1800s, kitties were frequently depicted in ukiyo-e, or Japanese woodblock prints. Artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) was especially fond of cats and created a variety of illustrations where felines are the stars.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/14

#cats #history #prints #woodblock #feline #art #artist #artwork #shared

The image is a traditional Japanese triptych artwork featuring a variety of cats in different poses and expressions. The background is a light beige color, and the cats are depicted in a detailed and realistic style, with a focus on their fur patterns and postures. The cats are shown in various activities, such as sitting, lying down, playing, and interacting with objects like baskets and balls of yarn. Each cat is accompanied by red text boxes, likely containing Japanese characters that may describe the cat or its characteristics. The artwork is divided into three panels, with the rightmost panel featuring a vertical column of text. The overall composition is dense with cats, creating a lively and engaging scene. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
KitKatkitkat321
2025-05-14
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-13

You don't know these 10 Mozart works - but you really should via BBC Music [Shared]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is best known for his iconic symphonies, operas, and piano concertos, but beyond these masterpieces lies a treasure trove of lesser-known works that showcase his genius in unexpected ways. From hidden gems in chamber music to overlooked choral pieces and theatrical curiosities, these compositions reveal different facets of Mozart’s creativity.

Here are ten remarkable yet underappreciated Mozart works that deserve a closer listen. And, by the way, which is your favourite Mozart work? We asked several top performers for their favourite piece by Mozart - the results are intriguing...

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/13

#music #mozart #history #video #performance #bbcmusic #shared

The image depicts a painting of two individuals seated at a piano. The person on the left is wearing a dark brown dress with white lace trim and a large, elaborate hat with a red ribbon. The person on the right is dressed in a red coat with gold trim and white lace cuffs, and has white powdered hair. Both individuals are playing the piano, with their hands on the keys. The piano is positioned on a wooden stand, and there is sheet music on a music stand in front of them. The background features a muted green wall with a framed portrait above the piano. The overall style of the painting is reminiscent of 18th-century European portraiture, with attention to detail in the clothing and accessories. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-12

Snow Crystals | Wilson Bentley via Iconic Photos [Shared]

When Wilson Bentley died in 1931, his hometown newspaper eulogized him thus: “Longfellow said that genius is infinite painstaking. John Ruskin declared that genius is only a superior power of seeing. Wilson Bentley was a living example of this type of genius.”

A fine accolade for a photographer. Born in Vermont to a family prosperous enough to gift him a microscope at his 15th birthday, Bentley, for the next half a century, would go on to perfect a process of photographing snowflakes on black velvet...

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/12

#snow #snoflake #photo #photography #history #micro #education #shared

The image displays a collection of twelve snowflakes arranged in a 3x4 grid against a black background. Each snowflake is intricately detailed, showcasing unique patterns and structures. The snowflakes vary in design, with some featuring more complex and symmetrical patterns, while others have simpler, more delicate structures. The central snowflake in the middle row is particularly prominent, with a complex and symmetrical design. The snowflakes are monochromatic, with white details on a black background, emphasizing their intricate designs. The image appears to be a page from a book, as indicated by the page number "180" at the bottom center. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-11

These Lifelike Paper Portraits Shine a Light on Endangered Parrots via My Modern Met [Shared]

Parrots are known for being cheerful and colorful birds with a chatty side. To spotlight these beautiful birds and the many visually arresting hues they come in, Nayan Shrimal and Venus Bird from The Paper Ark have launched The Parrot Project, in which they create lifelike paper portraits in their likeness for a good cause.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/11

#parrot #paper #arts #crafts #design #artist #endangered #charity #fundraiser #shared

@altbot

The image features a detailed, handcrafted illustration of two black cockatoos perched on a branch. The cockatoos have black feathers with yellow speckles on their heads and bright red markings on their tails. One cockatoo is holding a small red object in its beak, while the other looks on. The branch is adorned with green leaves and small buds, and two butterflies are present, one on a leaf and another near the branch. The background is a plain, light color, emphasizing the intricate details of the illustration. A hand is visible in the lower right corner, holding the branch, showcasing the miniature size of the artwork. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-10

Top 20 quick drawing tips to make you a better artist via Gathered

If you’re a beginner, there’s lots to learn about perspective, shading and composition – including what all of those terms mean! It can feel daunting, but you probably instinctively use some of these techniques already without knowing what they’re called.

We’re here to demystify some of the jargon that you’ve come across and explain some simple drawing hacks that will improve your work.

In this guide, we’ll reveal some quick drawing tips and theories that will shake up your approach to your work and inspire your next creative project.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/10

#art #tiops #tricks #drawing #artist #advice #help #shared

#altbot

The image shows a close-up of a hand holding a black pencil, drawing on a piece of paper mounted on a wooden easel. The drawing depicts a figure with a draped garment, focusing on the shoulder and upper arm area. The pencil is being used to add shading and texture, particularly around the folds of the fabric. The paper is light gray, and the background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting. The hand is steady, indicating a careful and deliberate drawing process. The pencil appears to be a standard graphite pencil, with a sharpened tip, and the drawing shows a range of tones from light to dark, creating a sense of depth and form. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-09

Artist Meticulously Cuts Delicate Leaves Into Playful Mini Storybook Scenes from My Modern Met [Shared]

Japanese artist Lito proves that you don’t need fancy tools to create amazing art. Using fallen leaves as his canvas, he intricately carves delicate designs, turning each leaf into a unique piece that tells its own story.

Lito began creating his leaf art in 2020 as a way to manage his ADHD, and soon found that the practice helped him focus. He quickly made it part of his routine, sharing a new piece almost daily. With hundreds of intricate designs now in his portfolio, Lito’s work has gained widespread attention, amassing over 500,000 Instagram followers. His unique creations have even been featured on TV programs, in newspapers, and magazines across Japan.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/09

#art #artist #crafts #paper #japan #cute #fun #shared

The image features a hand holding a rust-colored metal cutout shaped like a leaf. The cutout depicts a scene from the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro," with characters such as Totoro, a small creature, and a tree with a crescent moon hanging from its branches. The scene includes various elements like mushrooms, plants, and insects, all intricately cut out to create a silhouette effect. The background shows a clear blue sky with some clouds and a lush green landscape, providing a natural contrast to the metal cutout. The hand holding the cutout is visible, with fingers gently gripping the leaf-shaped object. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
10bmnews10bmnews
2025-05-09

Reporter’s Notebook: Shared hope for the new pope

Reporter's Notebook: Shared hope for the new pope - CBS News Watch CBS News The new pope had a lot to answer for before he even opened his mouth. But before that, something took hold in the rush to St. Peter's Square. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On …

10bmnews.com/2025/05/reporters

Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-08

This Venn diagram-inspired AI image generator is strangely satisfying via Creative Bloq [Shared]

There are already more AI image generators than the world could possibly ever need, even if AI art does become the norm. But that's not stopping people from experimenting with new ways to present them.

Many AI image generators let you request a particular artistic style or combine several to influence the look of the image you want to generate. Super Random Studio has come up with a clever UI design to allow styles to be quickly changed and compared along with environments.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/08

#ai #image #generator #software #web #venn #diagram #shared

@altbot

The image features a small bird perched on a bird feeder. The bird has a bright yellow head and chest, with a black cap on its head and a grayish-white belly. Its beak is short and conical, typical of seed-eating birds. The bird is gripping a white perch with its feet, and its tail feathers are slightly fanned out. The bird feeder is cylindrical, filled with seeds, and has a metal attachment. The background is a blurred green, suggesting a grassy area. The bird appears to be looking directly at the camera, with its head slightly tilted. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8BThe image features a small bird perched on a bird feeder. The bird has a bright yellow head and chest, with a black cap on its head and a grayish-white belly. Its beak is short and conical, typical of seed-eating birds. The bird is gripping a white perch with its feet, and its tail feathers are slightly fanned out. The bird feeder is cylindrical, filled with seeds, and has a metal attachment. The background is a blurred green, suggesting a grassy area. The bird appears to be looking directly at the camera, with its head slightly tilted. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B
anemoianemoi@mstdn.social
2025-05-04

#handmade #shared

two hand-embroidered pendants lying in grass
narrowbotrnarrowbotr
2025-05-03

📍: Lock, Blowers Green Lock
ℹ️: lock
🗺: openstreetmap.org/?mlat=52.497
📸: Photo by stevenbates on Flickr flickr.com/photos/39233891@N05

:by=stevebates :visibility=public

A photo titled "20210328-124428-00451", taken near Lock, Blowers Green Lock by stevenbates on Flickr.
Douglas E. Welchdouglaswelch@nerdculture.de
2025-05-02

I Ditched the Algorithm for RSS—and You Should Too - Joey's Hoard of Stuff

I waste too much time scrolling through social media. It's bad for my health, so why do I keep doing it?
Because once in a while, I'll find a post so good that it teaches me something I never knew before, and all the scrolling feels worth it. But I've stumbled upon an old piece of free and open source tech, relatively unknown today, which is THE solution of solving the problems with modern media without sacrificing accessible, good content: RSS.

welchwrite.com/blog/2025/05/02

#rss #feed #socialmedia #algorithm #Reading #blog #blogging #shared

The image is a two-panel cartoon. In the first panel, a stick figure is holding a fishing rod with a fish at the end, and the text above reads, "I sure wish there was an easier way..." The stick figure appears to be struggling with the fishing rod. In the second panel, a different stick figure wearing a wizard hat is casting a spell, with several fish appearing magically around them. The stick figure in the first panel looks surprised and is raising their hands in disbelief. The background is plain white, and the drawing style is simple and cartoonish. Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8B

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