Foto Friends
Thursday June 18th 2026 - Printable Version

+- Foto Friends (https://www.fotofriends.net)
+-- Forum: Photo Forums (https://www.fotofriends.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=14)
+--- Forum: Daily pub chat (https://www.fotofriends.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: Thursday June 18th 2026 (/showthread.php?tid=1320)

Thursday June 18th 2026 - Man From Ironbark - 06-18-2026

Don't you hate it when there are at least half a dozen of similar shots that you cannot decide which one is best?

[Image: 55342152120_026af3a4d3_c.jpg]

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Dave - 06-18-2026

Beautiful calming photo.

I understand what you mean about choosing the best from a bunch of similar shots. But it beats having nothing but a bunch of poor shots too choose from.

I don't remember posting this one (from March 2018) but if I have, please  excuse the duplication...

   

What follows is about the World Cup currently going on. If that's of no interest to you, feel free to ignore.

Today ended the first round of group play, in which all 4 teams in each of the 12 groups plays the other three teams in the group once. And there have been some surprises, with some highly ranked teams under-performing and some lower ranked teams excelling: 4 of the top 10 ranked teams (based in FIFA world rankings just before the World Cup began were tied by lower ranked (some much lower) teams. I commend these 4 lower ranked teams.

But it's just round 1 and expect most of the top ranked teams to do better in the next round.

So even though it's too early to make predictions, here's what I think (with world rankings for each team):

Group A: Mexico (13), S. Korea (22), Czechia (43), and S. Africa (61)
Mexico should win this group, either S. Korea or Czechia second and third, and S. Africa 4th.

Group B: Switzerland (19), Canada (30), Qatar (56), and Bosnia and Herzogovina (64)
I pick Switzerland as #1, Canada #2, Qatar #3, and Bosnia and Herzogovina #4

Group C: Brazil (6), Morocco (7), Scotland (41), and Haiti (83)
I pick either Brazil or Morocco #1, with the other #2, Scotland #3, and Haiti #4

Group D: USA (17), Türkiye (23), Australia (27) and Paraguay (40)
I pick USA #1 (after a tough game with Australia), Australia #2, Türkiye #3, and Paraguay #4

Group E: Germany (10), Ecuador (24), Ivory Coast (33), and Curacao (82)
I pick Germany #1, Ivory Coast #2, Ecuador #3, and Curacao #4

Group F: Netherlands (8), Japan (18), Sweden (38), and Tunisia
I pick either Netherlands or Japan #1 with the other #2, Sweden #3, and Tunisia # 4

Group G: Belgium (9), Iran (20), Egypt (29), and New Zealand (85)
I pick Belgium #1, Iran #2, Egypt #3, and New Zealand #4

Group H: Spain (2), Uruguay (16), Saudi Arabia (60), and Cape Verde (67)
I pick Spain #1, either Saudi Arabia or Uruguay #2 with the other #3, and Cape Verde

Group I: France (3), Senegal (15), Norway (31), Iraq (57)
I pick France #1, Norway #2, Senegal #3. and Iraq #4

Group J: Argentina (1), Austria (25), Algeria (28), and Jordan (9)
I pick Argentina #1, either Algeria or Austria #2 withe the other #3, and Jordan #4

Group K: Portugal (5), Colombia (14), Congo DR (46), and Uzbekistan (50)
I pick Portugal #1, Colombia #2, Congo DR #3, and Uzbekistan #4

Group L: England (4), Croatia (11), Panama (34), and Ghana (73)
I pick England #1, Croatia #2, Ghana #3, and Panama #4 Argentina (1), Austria (25), Algeria (28), and Jordan (9)

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Rich - 06-18-2026

As I was shutting my drapes last night getting ready for bed, I noticed this arrangement in the NW sky. Got the camera out and got lucky standing on my condo balcony. This is hand held so really lucky. Line up is Moon, Venus, Jupiter, too dim to see and Mercury. Will try tonight if there is no cloud cover.

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Man From Ironbark - 06-18-2026

Nice nightime shot Rich. I might see if the clouds clear enough tonight but I doubt it. No rain in it but obscured by clouds is the weather lately.

Dave, that image reminds me of Norfolk Island pine.

and as for Group D, I'm still backing Australia. Wink

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Dave - 06-19-2026

Very cool astronomical formation, Rich. Must have been neat to see.

MFI, yes it sure does resemble the Norfollk Island Pine.

I halfway agree with you about Australia vs USA. Australia's aggressive style can be very troublesome to opponents. And if US star Pulisic is able to play, he may not be in top form. It should be a good game.

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Man From Ironbark - 06-19-2026

Unfortunately, we weren't aggressive enough.

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Rich - 06-19-2026

Peter, thanks for the comment.
I thought I commented on your beautiful photo of the lake. The sharp reeds draw your eyes into the duck and foggy background. As Dave said, very calming.

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Man From Ironbark - 06-19-2026

Thanks Rich. Smile
There's more of that. Wink

[Image: 55345799530_2c70ab2ace.jpg]

[Image: 55345596099_2c53558574.jpg]

RE: Thursday June 18th 2026 - Rich - 06-22-2026

(06-19-2026, 12:16 AM)Dave Wrote: Very cool astronomical formation, Rich. Must have been neat to see.

It was Dave, thanks!