Do you remember learning how to count?

What a gift, thank you teachers, for the learned ability to recognize numbers, those building blocks really, that quantify much of our structure in life.  Get to know mathematicians, numbers must dance around in their heads as they see connections and derivatives of such complexity, their work, has helped humankind to better understand and explain the world around us.

Even time and space, as we record history, or just look at our calendars or watches, are charted and referenced by numbers.  Yes, these same numbers could signify albums sold or career touchdown throws, at the same time, mediated, those followers, and fortunes, ultimately earned with unbridled talent, focus, and strong work ethic.  RIP Michael and Steve.

Or a bunch of Zeros and Ones that could come together to produce what you are looking at right now, think about it for a minute, life is digital.

Especially on this day, @ the 12th hour, 34th minute, and 56th second on the calendar date of 07.08.09, to note an interesting and rare alignment of numbers.

“O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.”

This week a special shout out to the good neighbors to the north.  Yes, The first week of July marks two important dates in the US and Canadian histories.  Independence Day on July 4th and Confederation or Canada Day on July 1st are, for lack of better words, the birthdays of two free and allied Nations in North America.

But what do Americans and Canadians really know/think about each other’s country?

Well not many Americans learn about Canadian history, their Film Board and media systems that help comprise its national identity and stories of its people.  And in Canada, for example many American films, media broadcasts, combined with cable and satellite technologies have transcended its boarders throughout the years.

Hmmm, I guess images of a Maple Leaf or Hockey Action could be considered fairly generic stereotypes of a country that is much more culturally rich than meets the eye.

But, at least, it can extend a hand, a friendly gesture, or maybe just lead to good discourse.  This, so we will always continue working hard to better understand our neighbors and continue to respect each other and what makes national identity so delicate yet so powerful at the same time.

Is The Autobot Leader in the World of Transformers. Photographed here is an original OP produced by The Takara Corporation in Japan ©1980, 1982.

These popular toys, which transform from an object into a robot, have been favorites of kids and adults alike since the first part of the 1980s.  They were so well received that comics, after-school cartoon series and a feature length animated movie were produced for its widespread audience.

Jump forward to The 21st Century. Transformers are still as popular as ever. New releases of the classic Autobots and Decepticons, along with new characters are in high demand, now being produced by the toy/game giant Hasbro.  Much of this buzz sparked by two new live-action style movies from the minds of many talented people, including those of Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay.

The second movie of the series in theaters this summer, check out Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen and share what you think of Transformers here @ Rankin Images Blog…

This one is in celebration of Central Washington University’s Class of 2009.

Yes, this time of the year new groves of students are earning their diplomas all around the world.  As these people get ready to take the next steps in their lives, the commencement ceremonies are pause-buttons to allow friends, families and loved ones to take the time to reflect and honor the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the students.

Because in the end, when you share what you have learned and teach it on the street, in a classroom, via experiences, coaching or mentoring, you will rest assured because people can celebrate each and every day in The Spirit of Education.

A special shout out to CC (you’re going to be a great Teacher!) and all of this year’s graduates worldwide, it’s a bright future.

This one in the town of Sunnyside, WA is a 1 million gallon fresh water reservoir. Maybe you have seen it perched atop the residential hill on Skyline Drive. Take a look around where you live and you will see these structures that help ensure a supply of flowing water into your home.

Water towers are generally used for reserve water flow during a case of failed powered water pumps. They also can be used to subsidize the pumps during peak water usage hours, in the morning times, for example, then refilled during off-peak hours.

It’s interesting to think about the importance of infrastructure, water towers, pipes and gravity to the thirst of living things all around the world.

Made its 38th annual visit to The Yakima Valley.  Head coaches Lorenzo Romar (Men’s Basketball), Tia Jackson (Women’s Basketball) and new this year Steve Sarkisian (Men’s Football) (none pictured here) were welcomed to visit and meet with local alumni, supporters and future students of The University of Washington at this scholarship fundraising event.

It was a beautiful day at The Yakima Country Club for a round of golf followed by a dinner, a program, and all this with a spectacular view of this part of the world.

And there was plenty to talk about too, because at the same time, positive thoughts were directed to The Huskies playing in Oklahoma City at The Woman’s College World Series.  All The Husky Faithful cheering on The UW Softball Team, a special shout out to this group of ladies, 2009 NCAA Division I National Champions!

The Beauty of Education, for more information about what The University of Washington has to offer click here.

Plane lands in a desert,
Known grown up in one,
Amongst friends a familiar place,
Open up the laptop social networking,
Pay close attention to image and sound,
Those rich sharing thoughts and imagination,
Washington trifft Franz meets Arizona salut France,
A Great Mountain rises from the ground,
*From a mess to the masses*,
Reaching out to Heaven,
As a Phoenix.

S.

*lyrics courtesy Phoenix ©2009*

9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Lift-Off

A Mission, Launched past The Moon, to The Heavens Beyond, Sinatra singing in the Earphones, holding on to Faith, Luck and a Blueprint…

Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep, goes the Alarm Clock…

[…Stretch…Yaaaawn…]

Hmm, just a bunch of Dreams, or waitt a Minute…

Have you ever walked a Labyrinth?

They are classic patterns constructed with a broad range of materials and found in various locations all around the world, check it, there might be one in your neighborhood. For centuries people have walked these transcending pathways for spirituality, faith, or simply personal knowledge or improvement.

This year’s Summer Solstice marks The Decade Anniversary Celebration of Labyrinths in the region to be held at Allied Arts of Yakima Valley. For more information about Labyrinths and Allied Arts, You, with your Family and Friends are welcome at the event with light refreshment provided, Monday, June 22nd 2009 from 7-8pm.

Come early and stay late to hear interesting stories from enthusiasts’ young to old, historical information, and see Allied Art’s Labyrinth for yourself!

Because everybody has a unique journey on “A Stone Path to Walk with Intention for Calmness, Gratitude, a Concern, Prayer, Hope, Energy, or Just for Fun.”

For directions to Allied Arts of Yakima Valley click here, see You there June 22nd 2009!

Also known for this variety’s light purple color, Lilacs.

As spring moves towards summer The Lilacs are in bloom. For all of you, around the world, who have witnessed and appreciate the color and sweet honey-like fragrance of Lilacs, now preserved to enjoy all the year round, these Rankin Images are for You.