A model of excellence. Perfection. The best possible version of a thing. Nerd alert: "paragon" has two origins. One of them, an old Italian word, means to test against a whetstone to distinguish good from bad. Then there's a French definition which means to compare or match something. foreshadowed the challenges that the European Union, paragon of theoretical nationhood, would have half a millenium later.
Japanese animator Toyoi Yuuta makes wonderful 8-bit gifs that depict day to day life in Japan. They're a perfect blend of mundanity and whimsy. You know what? Let's post more of them. Bonus day!
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The National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest always produces many stunning submissions, and this year is no exception. All the photos at the link are worth a look. Here's the overall winner, "Whale Whisperers":
ArtPhotographyNatureNational GeographicTravelWhalesDesktop backgrounds