stop deterioration of perceptions of the other

accommodate differences in style

avoid unnecessary economic dilemmas

manage the relationship with minimal emotionalism

prioritize short-term and long-term goals carefully

♦ Instructions available at Rebrickable ♦

 

"This is where the fun begins!"

 

My latest ship from the Prequel Trilogy has arrived, and it surely was a lot of fun to make: here's Obi Wan's Eta-2 Actis Interceptor from Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars.

 

This small unit consists of 281 pieces (stand included), and has one major feature: true Minifig scale!

 

There's a handful of beautiful MOCs of this ship out there already, but most of them are based on the huge cockpit piece from the playsets, so they're drastically oversized. So here I am with a, dare I say, more accurately scaled version.

 

It does come with a drawback, you guessed it: you can't put a fig inside. A bit ironic I know, but I chose to go for a brick-built cockpit in order to get as close to the original design as I could, prioritizing accuracy over playability, as usual.

 

The wings were pretty challenging given the ridiculously small scale, and my goal was to have them as thin as possible without compromising the SNOT look.

 

I'm quite happy with the result and I think this makes a nice little display piece. It's also very swooshable despite the intricate wing design.

 

I'm usually not a fan of stickers, but I thought this one deserved some sweet markings. I used the sticker sheet from the playset - it is included in the parts list. The color scheme can be changed to red with only a few part swaps (see last page in the instructions).

 

► Instructions for the Eta-2 Actis Interceptor are available at Rebrickable!

SPYDR47

 

ATHENA ISR Program. US Army

 

BIZJETS OF WAR - APR 07, 2024

 

Amid program delays and revamps, the first ATHENA jet started a series of test flights in early March 2024. Shortly afterwards, the director of the U.S. Army's ISR Task Force shared the first clear image of the Global 6500 jet, showcasing its large radome and SIGINT sensor suite. The ATHENA program is the bridging phase between the ARES and ARTEMIS platforms and the final HADES jets and will consist of four Global 6500 bizjets with radome and SIGINT capabilities. Delays and supply-chain issues led to a restructuring of the program, but initial flight tests are now well underway ahead of delivery later this year.

 

The Army Theater-level High-altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ATHENA) program is the bridging phase between the contractor-owned and operated ARES and ARTEMIS jets, which are already flying operational missions, and the final HADES platform.

 

When the ATHENA contracts for the four modified Global 6500s were awarded to the MAG Aerospace-L3Harris team and SNC, the program was structured into two components: ATHENA-R and ATHENA-S. The first phase, ATHENA-R (Radar) was planned to house a DoD-provided radar system and a SIGINT suite. Delivery to the U.S. Army was set for January 2024, but supply chain and program issues have resulted in delays. In parallel, the U.S. Army assessed that both ATHENA variants require both SIGINT and radar capabilities, leading to the service dropping the ‘-S’ and ‘-R’ variants and no longer prioritizing the delivery of one ‘variant’ over the other.

 

The first ATHENA jet will be deployed to South Korea, joining ARES deployed to Japan and several other COCO ISR bizjets in the region. While the specific deployment areas of the other ATHENA jets are unknown, two airframes will presumably be deployed to the Indo-Pacific theatre and the other two to Europe.

 

Besides the clear threats, the assumption that ATHENA will join the ARTEMIS jets in Europe is also based on an announcement from last year that stated ATHENA-S will ‘‘support U.S. Army missions in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.’’ However, the program revamps and the ever-changing ISR needs of the U.S. military may have changed those plans or will do so in the future.

____________________________________________

 

Also:

 

MAG Aerospace and L3Harris team to deliver the US Army Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne (ATHENA-R) ISR aircraft.

~

 

Press Release, Fairfax VA, 22 August 2023: The US Army awarded prime contractor MAG Aerospace and teaming partner L3Harris Technologies a contract to deliver two enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to support the Army’s Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR-Radar Program – known as ATHENA-R.

 

Integrated on Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, the system will help the Army meet global intelligence requirements. Operating at high altitude will provide the aircraft greater survivability and line-of-sight, both essential to help the Army achieve its long-range precision fires modernization priorities.

 

MAG Aerospace is currently the prime contractor for the Army’s Sensor Technology Operations and Readiness (STORM) contract. Being deeply embedded in these critical capabilities is core to MAG’s mission of making the world smaller and safer.

 

“MAG is honoured to support the Army’s ATHENA-R Program. Current geopolitical circumstances dictate a need for an adaptable and resolute ISR solution that can adequately address near-peer threats and future contested environments, and we are prepared to execute,” said Joseph Reale, CEO, MAG Aerospace. “MAG has an exceptional performance history of delivering and managing extensive turnkey aerial C5ISR programs in the most austere and challenging operational environments worldwide. This award is validation of the relentless work our employees execute everyday alongside our customers.”

 

Designed to close the gap between the Army’s medium and high-altitude ISR aircraft fleet, the ATHENA-R Program will provide greater endurance, more payload capacity, longer standoff ranges and leading-edge sensor technology in support of US combatant commands.

 

“We have a great track record of working with the Army,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “Our team understands the urgency of fielding these long-range, deep-sensing capabilities to support the Army’s mission needs and is positioned to deliver.”

 

Besides winning a contract in September 2022 to develop Phase 2 of the Army’s Multi-Domain Sensing System program, L3Harris supports an additional Army ISR mission: the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare aircraft known as ARES.

What is he supposed to say? Please prioritize kids over guns?

 

© Web-Betty: digital heart, analog soul

The Discovery Museum, located in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, is a renowned institution that showcases the history and heritage of the region. With a rich and diverse collection, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial, scientific, and technological advancements that have shaped the area. In this historical account, we will explore the origins, development, and significant events of the Discovery Museum up until the year 2021.

 

Origins and Early Years:

 

The roots of the Discovery Museum can be traced back to the late 19th century when the Newcastle upon Tyne Corporation established a museum and art gallery in the city. In 1899, this original museum moved to a new building on Westgate Road, designed by the prominent architect Oliver Hill. The structure, known as the "Newcastle Museum and Municipal Art Gallery," aimed to provide educational and cultural resources for the community.

 

The Move to Blandford Square:

 

In the late 1970s, plans were made to relocate the museum to a larger premises in Blandford Square, a historic part of the city center. The move aimed to accommodate the growing collection and provide improved exhibition spaces for visitors. After extensive renovations and adaptations, the new Discovery Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 18, 1993.

 

Collection and Exhibitions:

 

The Discovery Museum boasts an impressive collection that spans various disciplines, reflecting the industrial and scientific achievements of the region. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding, coal mining, engineering, electricity, and local history. One of the museum's highlights is the iconic Turbinia, a steam-powered vessel designed by Charles Parsons, which became the fastest ship in the world in 1897.

 

The museum also features the Newcastle Story, a permanent exhibition that delves into the city's history, culture, and people. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that depict Newcastle's evolution from a Roman settlement to a thriving industrial hub.

 

Notable Events and Partnerships:

 

Over the years, the Discovery Museum has hosted numerous events, collaborations, and special exhibitions. These initiatives aim to engage and educate visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. The museum has often collaborated with local organizations, universities, and artists to create unique displays and interactive experiences.

 

In recent years, the Discovery Museum has embraced technology to enhance its offerings. It has incorporated digital displays, virtual reality, and interactive installations to provide an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.

 

Community Engagement and Outreach:

 

The Discovery Museum has always prioritized community engagement and outreach programs. It has partnered with schools, colleges, and community organizations to deliver educational initiatives, workshops, and events that cater to different age groups. Through these endeavors, the museum has played a vital role in fostering an appreciation for science, history, and culture among the local population.

 

Recognition and Legacy:

 

The Discovery Museum has garnered several accolades and recognition for its contribution to the field of museums and heritage. It has been praised for its innovative exhibitions, dedication to education, and community involvement. The museum continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its visitors, remaining a prominent institution in the cultural landscape of Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

Looking Ahead:

 

As we reach the present day, the Discovery Museum remains an important cultural institution, continuously striving to preserve and showcase the region's history. With ongoing efforts to expand its collection, improve accessibility, and develop engaging exhibits, the museum aims to inspire future generations to explore and appreciate the remarkable heritage of Newcastle upon Tyne and Tyne and Wear.

 

In conclusion, the Discovery Museum in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, stands as a testament to the region's industrial and scientific achievements. With its diverse collection, educational initiatives, and commitment to community engagement, the museum offers a captivating journey through history, making it a vital part of Newcastle's cultural landscape.

Parámetros :: Parameters :: Paramètres: Canon EOS 7D; ISO 100; 0 ev; f 5; 1/160 s; 70 mm Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS.

 

Título :: Title :: Titre ::: Fecha (Date): Priorizando :: Prioritizing :: Prioriser ::: 2015/03/15 12:07

 

(Es). Historia: San Juan de la Arena. Asturias. España. La playa es la de San Juan de la Arena - Bayas. La marea está comenzando a bajar. El día está nublado. Aquello de la derecha es una Canon EOS 7D en un trípode, con un objetivo Canon, donde todo ello viene a sumar unos 2.500 € a fecha de hoy. Miguel se entusiasma con una toma concreta de rocas y espuma, así que aprovecha la retirada de la ola para entrar lo máximo posible hacia el agua; confiaba en que la siguiente ola tardaría en volver. Pero al mar hay que respetarlo incluso más allá de los límites que creemos que tiene… y ese día estaba juguetón. Hacía una media hora que habíamos pasado por una zona donde apenas había espacio en la arena para pasar y sólo quedaba un paso estrecho por las rocas; más allá estaba una pared muy inclinada y plagada de arbustos bajos con abundantes espinas de unos 2 o 3 cm; una zona poco recomendable en la que introducirse. Yo pasaba por las rocas y Fray iba tranquilamente con sus pensamiento por la poca arena que había entre el agua y esas rocas. De pronto vino esa séptima ola y Fray se encontró súbitamente entre las rocas y la ola que se le acercaba muy deprisa. Corrió hacia atrás y le perdí de vista. Subió el agua hasta más allá de las primeras rocas y Yo ya estaba dejando la mochila en lugar seguro esperando a la retirada del agua. Sospechaba que Fray aparecería arrastrado por el retorno de las olas y que tendría que salir corriendo a por Él; pero las olas volvieron solas. Luego apreció Fray, pero ahora nada de paso tranquilo, volvía corriendo por el mismo estrecho margen de arena buscando la zona segura, a unos 20 metros más adelante. Cuando me acerqué a Él estaba lleno de arena por la espalda y cabeza. Estuvo sacudiéndose un largo rato… creo que le entró agua hasta por las orejas. Pues eso, que el Mar es el Mar… con su macabro carácter juguetón.

 

Toma: Yo estaba alejado unos metros, y Fray, después del susto que se llevó, por supuesto que también. De pronto veo a Miguel totalmente decidido comportarse como Alfonsina, directo hacia el mar y a paso ligero. Observa las olas, se detiene, fija el trípode y mira por el visor hacia las rocas del fondo. Enfoca, encuadra y de pronto, dejando la cámara sola, sale corriendo hacia el interior de la playa. Mientras se alejaba miraba más al agua que a la cámara. Luego, ya en zona segura, su vista no se quitaba del trípode. Yo no podía dejar de sonreír mientras hacía las fotos pensando en: ¿se caerá?, ¿no se caerá?, y si comienza a caerse ¿irá a por ella?, ¿por que no la cogió cuando se retiró hacia la playa?, ¿lo está haciendo intencionadamente?… ¿necesitaba Miguel una subida de adrenalina?. Luego vi las fotos; muy bonitas (y un tanto arriesgadas si sabes cómo se hicieron)

 

Tratamiento: Con Aperture. Original en RAW. Aplico una subida de contraste y definición. Luego recorte en los extremos del histograma para dejar detalle de lo que creo importante: el rostro y las estelas de agua en los apoyos del trípode; el resto lo dejo como accesorio. La vibración de color la reduzco ligeramente.

 

¡Eso es todo amigos!

 

(En). The History: San Juan de la Arena. Asturias. Spain. The beach is San Juan de la Arena - Bayas. The tide begins to go down. The day is cloudy. That one of the right is a Canon EOS 7D in a tripod, with an objective Canon, where all this comes to add approximately 2.500 € to date of today. Michael gets enthusiastic with a concrete capture of rocks and foam, so he takes advantage of the retreat of the wave to enter the possible maximum area towards the water; he was trusting that the following wave would be late in returning. But to the sea it is necessary to respect it even beyond the limits that we think that it has … and this day it was playful. It was doing a half hour that we had spent for a zone where scarcely there was space in the sand to walk and only a narrow step along the rocks was staying; beyond there was a wall very sloping and riddled with low shrubs with abundant thorns of approximately 2 or 3 cm; a slightly advisable zone in which to get. I was happening for the rocks and Fray was going calmly with his thought for small sand that existed between the water and these rocks. Suddenly this seventh wave came and Fray was suddenly between the rocks and the wave that was approaching him very fast. It ran backward and I lost him of sight. It raised the water up to beyond the first rocks and I already was leaving the rucksack in sure place waiting to the retreat of the water. He was suspecting that Fray would turn out to be dragged by the return of the waves and that it would have to go out running for Him; but the waves returned alone. Then Fray appears, but now nothing of calm step, it was returning running for the same narrow margin of sand looking for the sure zone, to approximately 20 meters hereinafter. When I approached Him it was full of sand for the back and head. A long moment was shaken … I think that it entered water up to for the ears. So it, that the Sea is the Sea … with his macabre playful character.

 

Taking up: I was removed a few meters, and Fray, after the fright that removed, certainly that also. Suddenly I see totally determined Michael to behave as Alfonsina, directly towards the sea and light step. It observes the waves, stops, fixes the tripod and gun-sight for the visor towards the rocks of the bottom. It focuses, fits and suddenly, leaving the alone camera, goes out running towards the interior of the beach. While it was moving away was looking more at the water than at the camera. Then, already in sure zone, his sight was not removing itself of the tripod. I could not stop smiling while I was doing the photos thinking in: will it fall?, will not it fall?, and if it begins to fall: will it go for her?, for that it did not take her when he moved back towards the beach?, is it doing it meaningfully? … did Michael needed a raise of adrenaline?. Then I saw the photos; very nice (and rather risky if you know how they were done)

 

Treatment: With Aperture. Original RAW. I apply a raise of contrast and definition. Then cut away in the ends of the histogram to leave detail of what I believe importantly: the face and the water stelas in the supports of the tripod; the rest I leave it as accessory. I reduce the vibration of color lightly.

 

That's all folks !!

 

(Fr). Histoire: San Juan de la Arena. Asturias. L'Espagne. La plage est celle-là du San Juan de la Arena - Bayas. La marée commence à baisser. Le jour est nuageux. Cela de la droite est un Canon EOS 7D dans un trépied, avec un Canon objectif, où tout cela vient à additionner environ 2.500 € à une date d'aujourd'hui. Miguel s'enthousiasme pour une prise concrète de roches et écume, ainsi que la retirée de la vague met à profit pour entrer le maximal possible vers l'eau; il espérait que la vague suivante tarderait à revenir. Mais à la mer il faut le respecter même au-delà des limites que nous croyons qu'il a … et ce jour il était joueur. Il faisait une demi-heure que j'avais passé pour une zone où à peine il y avait un espace dans le sable pour marcher et seulement un pas étroit restait par les roches; plus loin un mur très incliné et était, couvert de bas arbustes avec épines abondantes d'environ 2 ou 3 cm; une zone peu recommandable à laquelle s'introduire. Je passais pour les roches et Fray allait tranquillement avec son une pensée par le peu de sable qui existait entre l'eau et ces roches. D'un vin prompt cette septième vague et Fray s'est subitement trouvé entre les roches et la vague qui le s'approchait très vite. Il a couru en arrière et je l'ai perdu d'une vue. Il a monté l'eau même au-delà des premières roches et Je laissais déjà le sac à dos dans un lieu sûr en attendant la retirée de l'eau. Il soupçonnait que Fray apparaîtrait traîné par le retour des vagues et qu'il aurait à sortir en courant par Lui; mais les vagues sont revenues seules. Tout de suite Fray a apprécié, mais maintenant rien d'un pas tranquille, il revenait en courant par la même marge étroite en sable en cherchant la zone sûre, à environ 20 mètres plus loin. Quand je me suis approché j'étais plein d'un sable par le dos et la tête. Un long moment se secoua … je crois qu'il a entré de l'eau même par les oreilles. Puisque cela, que la Mer est la Mer … avec son caractère macabre joueur.

 

Prendre: J'étais éloigné quelques mètres, et Fray, après la frayeur qu'il a emportée, bien entendu qu'aussi. De tôt je vois Miguel totalement décidé se comporter comme Alphonsin, direct vers la mer et un léger pas. Il observe les vagues, s'arrête, fixe le trépied et regarde par le viseur vers les roches du fond. Il met au point, encadre et de tôt, en laissant la chambre seule, il sort en courant vers l'intérieur de la plage. En attendant il s'éloignait regardait plus à l'eau qu'à la chambre. Tout de suite, déjà dans une zone sûre, sa vue ne retirait pas du trépied. Je ne pouvais pas cesser de sourire tandis que je faisais les photos en pensant dans : tombera-t-il ?: ne tombera-t-il {elle} pas ?, et s'il commence à tomber : ira-t-il par elle ?: pourquoi ne l'a-t-il pas prise quand il s'est retiré vers la plage ?: il le fait intentionnellement ? … : Miguel avait-il besoin d'une montée d'adrénaline ?. Tout de suite j'ai vu les photos; très jolies (et un peu á risque si tu sais comment ils ont été faits)

 

Traitement: Avec Aperture. Origine RAW. J'applique une montée de contraste et de définition. Tout de suite découpez dans les extrémités de l'histogramme pour laisser un détail de ce que je crois important: le visage et les sillages d'eau dans les appuis du trépied; le reste l'a laissé comme accessoire. Je réduis légèrement la vibration de couleur.

 

Voilà, c'est tout!

 

Hungry for Victory

 

" Beware the dangers of those relentless in their pursuit of triumph."

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

. . . Femdom Tale . . .

 

Chaper: Level Rules & The Chaos of Poly Life

 

Your Miss leaves you for a man or a new sub who is at a higher level than you. Is there any way to get her back?

 

1. Prioritize self-respect, let her go and move on with a woman who is at her level or higher. (she may pursue you to win your new girl.) or...

 

2. Improve yourself to surpass her new boyfriend. Then, make an effort to win her back.

 

3. If you don't want to take the first or second steps, if you refuse to move on, if self-improvement isn't your priority, and if you're hesitant to compete directly knowing you might lose to her new partner, then consider these options: winning her back without necessarily surpassing her new partner through self-improvement.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

A: Dear, I need your help. This guy, he's way more awesome than me, and he stole my Miss! No way I'm letting that happen. Gotta get her back.... but she's crazy about him.

 

B: Hold up, my man. Is your Miss into the whole "one person at a time" thing, or is she more open-minded? (Mono or poly?)

 

A: Nah, she's totally poly. Just like you are.

 

B: Okay, trying to break up a poly relationship...not ideal. Listen, if you're not throwing cash around (sugar baby situation?), you gotta seriously up your game, you know? Is she more into guys who pay (Findom) or guys she just clicks with (Femdom)?

 

A: More like a domme, actually.

 

B: Alright, that changes things! There's still some luck, then. Don't lose hope!

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

The triumph of a low-level loser

 

☑ Lazy folks who don't want to level up themselves.

☑ Not flirting with a new girl to make his ex chase after him.

☑ Not interested in investing more in himself

 

But he wants to win over her new partner, who's of a higher level than him and her, and ultimately get her back.

 

This is how it went down: There was an ex who managed to mess up her poly relationship really badly until it fell apart. I can share his tactics with you, if that could be helpful.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

" When a woman leaves her ex for a new, better man, it's seen as fair and in line with nature's laws. But some folks want to go against this and try to break this rule."

 

To break this rule, you must know the basic nature of Polys.

 

Her inventory is easily divided into 3 groups:

1. Main dishes 2. Desserts 3. Trash bins.

 

1. Main dishes

☑ Official Boyfriend (with status)

☑ Lovers (no status)

** For giving her Best, sharing passion and romance

 

2. Desserts

☑ Sex Toys, FWB, Bad Boys (sex only)

** For Variety

 

3. Trash bin, Toilet

☑ Nice Guys (supporters)

** To support her Negativity

These low-level guys are there for her bad emotions, to absorb all her negative, rotten feelings that she wants people to listen to. They must endure all her uncomfortable issues, problems with her partners, the place where she wants to vent all the issues of her life, and they must pay attention, cheer her up, and provide comfort. They are where she goes to release her boring, complaining, weak, negative sides, ones that she doesn't want her main course and desserts to know.

** Endure all negativity for 100-200 days in exchange for having sex with her just 2-5 times a year. (at her mercy)

** This group of men plays a crucial role. They take care of her, helping her wash away her negative emotions until she feels better. They encourage her until she's positive and in a wonderful, beautiful state. They, like important tools, take care of her so well, just to send the wonderful woman to the Alphas' hands (main dishes).

 

Main Games:

☑ What she likes to do when she already has official partner is to find lower-level men to keep in stock.

☑ Things you need to be careful of - Don't let her perceive you as low-status. 'AVOID' being categorized as her Dessert or Trash bin.

 

" Remember, your goal is to become her boyfriend again. Always maintain a high level to position yourself as the main dish. "

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

1. At first, she may be infatuated with her new boyfriend. Let it be. Avoid contacting her at all. Wait until they reach the settling-down stage, where boredom sets in between them. This typically happens around 3-4 months. If the new boyfriend is attractive and holds a very high status, you may need to wait for 7 months or even a year. Use this time to gather new experiences, engage in self-discovery, and enjoy trying new things while you wait.

 

Stay patient and stick to the 'no contact rule' firmly. If she keeps reaching out, consider blocking her. Trying to reconnect while she's all into her new boyfriend will make you seem low-status. She'll still see you the same way she did before.

 

2. When she enters the settling-down period with her partner (where they're starting to get bored and the passion begins to fade between them) That's when you should say 'Hello'

 

Just have a general conversation, avoid flirting. Talk and ask about stories. Ask how her relationship is going. She might complain. Listen like a good friend, without flirting or encouraging negative thoughts to make her break up with him. Always maintain a positive and upbeat attitude.

 

Talk about new things you discovered. Show off your new qualities. Share new stories from your life. Don't tell bad stories about yourself. Avoid mentioning that other women have treated you poorly or that you've been dumped by anyone. Instead, focus on positive things. Talk about how kind other people are to you, how well they treat you, and how happy you've been.

 

3. Make an appointment to meet and talk openly with her. Don't focus on sex, flirting, or showing neediness. Avoid allowing her to perceive you as a desperate beggar seeking sex from her. Present yourself as desirable. She shouldn't view sex as a means to satisfy a craving, but rather as an experience with someone who is fulfilled and confident.

 

Before the appointment, prepare to introduce her to a special menu she has never tasted from you before. Offer a delicious new menu that surpasses anything you've presented previously. Ensure it's not the same dull fare she's accustomed to.

 

During the meeting, focus on being attentive and engaging in meaningful conversation. When the time feels right, smoothly transition to intimacy (sex), ensuring it's 'a well-planned' and thoughtful experience that 'showcases your newfound' confidence and allure.

 

4. If it's really good, it clicks, it's impressive. Poly's first bad idea was wanting to lock you into her new sex toy stock. This is where the game gets tough because she will TRY TO KEEP you at a lower status than her boyfriend. What you have to do is not allow it to happen. Remember that women are hypergamous. They will only be paired with superior - men of higher status. (so don't be her toy.)

 

During this time, she will chase you, flirt with you, and be nice to you. Be careful not to have sex with her, instead, avoid it during this period. However, you can playfully tease her, give her hope, and make her invest in you as much as possible, causing her to feel a sunk cost.

 

Make her invest a lot of time, care, love, or anything she offers into you. Accept all she offers and encourage her to offer more. Avoid engaging in sex, refrain from providing it to her.

 

After investing heavily with high hopes and pursuing you relentlessly, she may ask to confirm your status as her sex partner or FWB. At this stage, be firm and clearly DENY her request. Do not allow her to keep you as her backup plan or dessert.

 

Your refusal will make her feel that you're on a Higher Level than her. You're not cheap, you're not someone who can be easily persuaded with sweet words, sex, care, and concern.

 

5. Engage with her as a good friend, always ready to listen. However, don't always be available for her when she seeks sex, as you're not just her sex toy. She can have sex with you at the right time that you've planned, as you control the game.

 

When she sees you as superior, she will ask you to be her lover, her main course.

 

Agree to be her lover, but withhold the status — no announcements, no revelations, and keep her boyfriend unaware. Don't settle for being beneath her boyfriend, maintain secrecy and avoid displaying neediness or pursuing a relationship with her.

 

Don't move into her house. Don't join the family to be under her boyfriend. Do not let her succeed in doing it.

 

6. Remember..........

 

☑ People don't easily break up due to boredom, monotony, or dullness.

 

People break up because of:

1. Fights. 2. Serious problem that can't be solved.

 

☑ Time is their relationship

 

Time is Relationship.

Time is Togetherness

Time is Creation.

Time is Growth.

Time is Life.

 

Take His Time:

Starting to always be unavailable, only available when he had to be with her.

 

Share His Time:

The main reason why you shouldn't lower your level is because it's about the right to share.

 

Her boyfriend is of a higher level. She avoids risks and doesn't share her time with a high-level boyfriend to spend it with lower-level men. However, if she sees that you are of a high level, she will be willing to share the time she spends with her superior with you.

 

Shared time is kept secret. She may use a different account to share his time with you, then claim to her boyfriend that she was busy, so she needs to be online less with him.

 

Pick a time before she meets him. Our hormones are limited. When they're gone, it's too late to create new ones.

 

She'll try to keep things this way forever. She might invest heavily in her alt account to lock you down. Don't let that happen. Don't grant her any status. Don't allow her to use that account to secure you as her partner. Keep your position elevated and independent.

 

7. As she spends less time with her boyfriend, her energy fades, hormones drop, and sometimes her words don't make sense and fall out of reality. They avoid each other often. Her boyfriend begins to ignore her more. They get frustrated and bored, and he might start cheating. Being of a higher level, he may grow to dislike her. He talks without caring, they argue, and she feels sad. The passion and love between them fade away.

 

Before their fading passion revives and ignites again, make other beautiful women your close friends. Make it seem like these other women are starting to become her competitors. Make her afraid of losing you. She will feel stressed from both sides - his and yours. Eventually, she will break up with someone of high level like him and choose you, who never needed to improve your level at all.

 

8. People who cheat with you will cheat on you, you stole her from others, and others can steal her from you. At this stage, enjoy the moment together to the fullest, knowing it's a time-bomb relationship that could end anytime. Finally, you will face your settled moment, get bored with each other, face higher-level competitors, and drift apart like the cycle you've ever seen. So take it as much as you can, enjoy everything to the fullest, knowing things are impermanent.

 

How long or short it lasts depends on the choices you make and how you utilize this period:

 

Choice 1

Embrace it fully, make it beautiful, enjoyable, and memorable, recognizing that it will eventually come to an end.

 

Choice 2

Enhance your skills and level up yourself to diminish competition. (although there will always be competitors.)

 

Choice 3

☑ Consider manipulating, hypnosis, brainwash, dominating, controlling, enslaving or even drugging her mind to ensure she becomes reliant on you, you alone, no one can take your place.

☑ Change, modify her sexuality and taste till those must depend on you alone.

 

" Ugh, this isn't what I wanted to do at all, but... well, let's just say you're making things pretty tough. I didn't want to go down this route, but who you are is leaving me with no other choice. I've invested too much to give up. I've put in a lot to get this far, and giving up was never really an option for me. I need to come out on top. Honestly, having you on my side would be the real win. If I couldn't be the best at everything and win over all men, then I just had to win you over to win it all. "

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

The Big Lesson

 

" In the Race to Win, Learn from the chaos, but beware the dangers of blind ambition. "

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

The Augusta Clothing Company is a luxury women's fashion boutique located at 601 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102. Opened in March 2026, this flagship storefront marks the brand's primary expansion from its historic roots in Missouri's wine country to Florida's Gulf Coast.

 

Brand Concept and Curated Style

The Founder: The boutique features collections personally curated by Jerri Hoffmann, matriarch of the family-run private equity firm, Hoffmann Family of Companies.

 

Target Audience: The wardrobe selection focuses primarily on styling women spanning from their late 20s through their 70s.

 

Style Profile: Offerings prioritize a professional, polished mission blended with fun, on-trend seasonal items built for long-term wardrobe assembly.

 

Inventory: Hand-picked items focus heavily on high-quality ready-to-wear dresses, sportswear, premium footwear, jewelry, and distinct accessories.

 

Store Leadership: The Naples flagship is led by Store Director Andrea Pereira, who brought extensive high-end luxury retail experience from previous management roles at Gucci and Hermès.

 

Strategic Background

Origin: The brand initially debuted in April 2022 inside a 150-year-old Wine Hall building located in Historic Augusta, Missouri.

 

Scale: The 5th Avenue South storefront is three times larger than the original Missouri location. The building was purchased by the Hoffmanns for $6.5 million as part of a broader corporate footprint in downtown Naples.

 

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:

theaugustaclothingcompany.com/

www.google.com/search?q=the+augusta+clothing+company+napl...

www.google.com/search?q=who+is+the+architect+of+601+fifth...

www.google.com/search?q=what+year+was+the+building+at+601...

www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+architectural+style+o...

www.google.com/search?q=who+was+the+architect+of+601+fift...

 

© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.

   

23250 McKay Avenue

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

 

A Harbour Authority (HA) is a non-profit, locally controlled organization which operates under a head lease with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to operate and maintain a DFO-owned public commercial fishing harbour in the best interests of the commercial fishing fleet.

 

The harbour facility consists entirely of the property and water lots under the ownership of DFO – Small Craft Harbours (SCH).

 

An HA must operate the harbour as a public facility in accordance with the terms of the head lease and must at all times prioritize the needs of the commercial fishing industry above all else.

 

This image is best viewed in Large screen.

 

Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated.

Sonja

The Festival Inn in London stands as a remarkable testament to post-war British optimism, anchoring the historic Chrisp Street Market in Poplar with a presence that spans over seven decades. Built in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations, this Grade II listed establishment captures a pivotal moment in London's architectural and social history, when the city was rebuilding both its physical landscape and its communal spirit.

 

Situated near All Saints DLR station in East London, The Festival Inn's significance extends beyond its role as a local watering hole. It was conceived as an integral component of Britain's first purpose-built pedestrian shopping area, representing a bold vision for modern urban living in the aftermath of World War II. The pub's very name commemorates the nationwide Festival of Britain, a gesture of post-war optimism that sought to celebrate British innovation and resilience.

 

The architectural integrity of The Festival Inn remains remarkably intact, offering contemporary visitors a genuine glimpse into the design sensibilities of 1950s Britain. Its two-bar layout - a traditional arrangement featuring separate Saloon and Public bars - reflects the social distinctions of its era while simultaneously serving as a living museum of post-war pub architecture. The original wood paneling, stretching servery, and thoughtfully preserved interior details create an atmosphere that's increasingly rare in London's rapidly modernizing pub landscape.

 

What sets The Festival Inn apart is its authentic commitment to maintaining its character as a traditional East End pub. The Saloon Bar, with its expansive servery and comfortable banquette seating, provides a welcoming space for both regulars and curious visitors. Meanwhile, the Public Bar, complete with pool table and dartboard, maintains the recreational aspects that have long been central to British pub culture. This dual-space arrangement, increasingly uncommon in modern establishments, preserves a vital piece of London's social architecture.

 

The beverage offering at The Festival Inn emphasizes accessibility over pretension, focusing on well-known brands rather than craft selections. This straightforward approach, combined with reasonable pricing, reinforces the pub's role as a genuine community hub rather than a trendy destination bar. It's a wet-led establishment that prioritizes drinks and conversation over dining, maintaining a traditional pub atmosphere that's becoming increasingly scarce in contemporary London.

 

The pub's clientele reflects its deep community roots, with a loyal following of local patrons who contribute to its welcoming atmosphere. Afternoon visits often reveal a mix of longtime residents sharing stories alongside curious visitors drawn by the pub's historical significance. The cash-only policy, while perhaps inconvenient for some, adds to the establishment's old-school charm and helps maintain its traditional character.

 

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful integration of modern amenities - multiple TVs for watching matches - within the historical setting. This balance between preservation and practicality demonstrates how The Festival Inn has adapted to changing times while maintaining its essential character. The presence of comfortable seating areas and spaces for both quiet conversation and livelier gatherings shows an understanding of how contemporary pub-goers use these spaces.

 

The Festival Inn's location within the larger Chrisp Street Market complex positions it at the heart of one of London's most interesting urban renewal stories. As the area continues to evolve, the pub serves as both an anchor to the past and a gathering place for the present community. Its Grade II listed status ensures that this piece of post-war social history will continue to serve future generations.

 

For those seeking an authentic London pub experience, The Festival Inn offers something increasingly precious - a genuine connection to the city's post-war history and the opportunity to participate in a living tradition of East End pub culture. Whether you're a student of architectural history, a lover of traditional pubs, or simply someone who appreciates spaces where community still matters, The Festival Inn in London invites you to step back in time while remaining firmly rooted in the present moment.

I think that the modern obsession with pets is a sign of a lonely generation of men and women, desperate to nurture a creature that gives them the love that is not forthcoming from more traditional sources. I often ask the most obsessive pet owners why they are so attached to their pets. I usually hear the same response. The pet gives them more love than any person. More than a spouse, a sibling, or even parents. The dog loves you just the way you are. But the boyfriend tells you that your butt looks fat and you should go to the gym. As my friend Roger explained, “When I come home after a long day’s work, my wife is usually on the phone and the kids are watching TV. Almost no one even notices that I walked through the door. But Laraby, my golden retriever, goes nuts. He runs up to me and almost knocks me down. He wags his tail. It’s like he’s been the waiting the whole day for me. And it makes me feel incredibly special.”

We can never make ourselves feel special. Someone else has to do it for us. And that’s what human love is all about. It’s about someone prioritizing you, focusing on you, pampering you all because you’re special. But in an age that is as self-absorbed and as narcissistic as ours, we’re finding it incredibly difficult to make others feel special. We don’t love ourselves enough to love others.

In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a fortified port city on the Atlantic coast of southwestern Morocco in the Marrakesh-Safi region. Its medina exemplifies a late-18th-century fortified town constructed according to principles of contemporary European military architecture, adapted to a North African context, and serves as a major international trading seaport linking Morocco with its Saharan hinterland, Europe, and beyond. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Essaouira reflects a multicultural heritage shaped by diverse ethnic groups including Amazighs, Arabs, Africans, and Europeans, as well as religious communities of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Founded in the mid-18th century by Alaouite Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah (r. 1757–1790), the city was established as a royal port and commercial center, dubbed the "Port of Timbuktu" for its role in trans-Saharan trade. The fortifications and urban layout were designed by a French architect influenced by the works of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, incorporating bastioned walls, harbor defenses, and a grid-patterned medina that prioritized defense and commerce. Archaeological evidence indicates earlier occupation by Phoenician traders, followed by Carthaginians and Romans, underscoring the site's longstanding maritime importance. Today, Essaouira's economy centers on fishing, tourism, and artisanal production, bolstered by its well-preserved historic fabric and consistent Atlantic winds that draw watersports enthusiasts. The city's medina meets UNESCO criteria (ii) for demonstrating significant interchange of influences in architecture and urban planning, and (iv) as an outstanding example of 18th-century fortified seaports in North Africa. Its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network since 2019 highlights its ongoing cultural vitality.

 

from Grokipedia

Rovingian Council - Nomadic Monks - A Different Tomorrow - Conscious Evolution by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Rovingian Council - Nomadic Monks - A Different Tomorrow - Conscious Evolution

 

More than great technological advances or interfaces that learn to be and create like humans, we increasingly need to preserve what truly makes us human, such as a universal spiritual consciousness with free will and the right to evolve on its own.

 

This vision of the Rovingian Council and the Nomadic Monks evokes a future where progress is not measured by gigahertz or algorithmic perfection, but by the depth of conscious experience. Ultimately, it advocates peaceful resistance – the ability to navigate the technological future without being enslaved by it, protecting the autonomy of consciousness.

 

In a world where artificial intelligence can mimic creativity, true value shifts to the disadvantages of the human soul and our capacity to be "permanently insubordinate."

 

The Pillars of "A Different Tomorrow" - Conscious Evolution

 

For this future to manifest, these three axes seem fundamental:

 

- The Resistance of Sensitivity:

While machines optimize efficiency, the "Nomadic Monks" protect the divine inefficiency of art, creative error, and spiritual contemplation.

 

- The Ethics of Insubordination:

Freedom ceases to be a legal right and becomes a daily practice—the refusal to be merely a data point in a predictive system.

 

- Spiritual Neo-humanism:

The search for truth and love not as abstract concepts, but as survival technologies to keep our species connected to the transcendental.

 

The Role of the Nomadic Monks

 

These guardians are not isolated in stone monasteries, but in constant movement. They must be the pollinators of culture and the guardians of hope:

 

- The Preservation of Memory (Cognitive Sovereignty): Keeping alive the philosophies that fast interfaces attempt to simplify. Protecting the space of original thought against the bias of artificial intelligence.

 

- Prioritizing the Architecture of Encounter:

Promoting sharing and tolerance in physical spaces where touch and gaze cannot be simulated.

 

- Prioritizing Human-Centered Technology:

Placing human needs and values at the center of innovation. Using technological tools as extensions and not as substitutes for the soul.

 

- The Preservation of Spirituality:

Maintaining practices that nourish universal consciousness and the search for truth, regardless of digital connectivity. Meditation and contemplation of nature are vital tools for accessing universal consciousness and preventing the mind from becoming merely a repository of "sterile information".

 

"The greatest innovation of the future will not be a new interface, but the human capacity to remain unpredictable, passionate, and free in a system that demands order and obedience."

 

Thus, it's not about entirely rejecting everyday technology, but using it as a secondary tool, ensuring that the "human spark" always remains in command.

 

Wisdom is knowledge applied with compassion. Maintaining this spiritual connection reminds us that we are part of a whole, independent of dogmas or algorithms.

  

________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

Conselho Rovingiano - Monges Nómadas - Um Amanhã Diferente - A Evolução Consciente

 

Mais do que grandes avanços tecnológicos ou interfaces que aprendem a ser e a criar como humanos, precisamos cada vez mais de preservar o que realmente nos torna humanos, como uma consciência espiritual universal com livre-arbítrio e com o direito a evoluir por ela própria.

 

Esta visão do Conselho Rovingiano e dos Monges Nómadas evoca um futuro onde o progresso não é medido pelo gigahertz ou pela perfeição algorítmica, mas pela profundidade da experiência consciente. No fundo defende uma resistência pacifica - a capacidade de transitar pelo futuro tecnológico sem se deixar escravizar por ele, protegendo a autonomia da consciência.

 

Num mundo onde a inteligência artificial pode imitar a criatividade, o verdadeiro valor desloca-se para as desvantagens da alma humana e para a nossa capacidade de sermos "permanentemente insubordinados".

 

Os Pilares de "Um Amanhã Diferente" - A Evolução Consciente

 

Para que este futuro se manifeste, estes três eixos parecem fundamentais:

 

- A Resistência da Sensibilidade:

Enquanto as máquinas otimizam a eficiência, os "Monges Nómadas" protegem a ineficiência divina da arte, o erro criativo e da contemplação espiritual.

 

- A Ética da Insubordinação:

A liberdade deixa de ser um direito legal e passa a ser uma prática diária — a recusa de ser meramente um ponto de dados num sistema preditivo.

 

- Neo-humanismo Espiritual:

A busca da verdade e do amor não como conceitos abstratos, mas como tecnologias de sobrevivência para manter a nossa espécie ligada ao transcendental.

 

O Papel dos Monges Nómadas

 

Estes guardiões não estão isolados em mosteiros de pedra, mas em movimento constante. Eles devem ser os polinizadores da cultura e os guardiões da esperança:

 

- A Preservação da Memória (Soberania Cognitiva) : Mantendo vivas as filosofias que as interfaces rápidas tentam simplificar. Proteger o espaço do pensamento original contra o enviesamento da inteligência artificial.

 

- Privilegiar a Arquitetura do Encontro :

Promover a partilha e a tolerância em espaços físicos, onde o toque e o olhar não podem ser simulados.

 

- Dar Prioridade à Tecnologia Humanocêntrica:

Colocar as necessidades e valores humanos no centro da inovação. Utilizar as ferramentas tecnológicas como extensões e não como substitutos da alma.

 

- A Preservação da Espiritualidade :

Manter práticas que alimentem a consciência universal e a busca pela verdade, independentemente da conectividade digital. A meditação e a contemplação da natureza são ferramentas vitais para acessar a consciência universal e evitar que a mente se torne apenas um repositório de "informação estéril".

 

"A maior inovação do futuro não será uma nova interface, mas a capacidade humana de permanecer imprevisível, apaixonada e livre num sistema que exige ordem e obediência."

 

Assim, não se trata de recusar inteiramente a tecnologia do dia-a-dia , mas utilizá-la como uma ferramenta secundária, garantindo que a "centelha humana" permanece sempre no seu comando.

A sabedoria é o conhecimento aplicado com compaixão. Manter essa conexão espiritual nos lembra que somos parte de um todo, independente de dogmas ou algoritmos.

   

In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.

23250 McKay Avenue

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

 

A Harbour Authority (HA) is a non-profit, locally controlled organization which operates under a head lease with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to operate and maintain a DFO-owned public commercial fishing harbour in the best interests of the commercial fishing fleet.

 

The harbour facility consists entirely of the property and water lots under the ownership of DFO – Small Craft Harbours (SCH).

 

An HA must operate the harbour as a public facility in accordance with the terms of the head lease and must at all times prioritize the needs of the commercial fishing industry above all else

 

Image best viewed in large screen.

 

Thank-you for your visit, and any comments or faves are always very much appreciated! ~Sonja.

Elida V is a top-modern performance 45m long megayacht, and with the launching of this ketch-rigged beauty, a new epoch began in the history of Elida.

 

The old schooner model, which had followed us since the start of the organization in 1963, was then replaced by more modern sailing yacht features, even though there is still some resemblance with Elida I.

 

With the new model, the maintenance and running costs are lowered significantly, and environmental issues are prioritized. Thanks to modern materials and construction principles, the performance of the new ship is of the class of sail racing yachts.

 

With its 45 meter (148 feet) tall mast, Elida V raises curiosity and attention wherever she comes, and many are drawn to the ship to learn more about her construction and purpose.

 

My first visit to MRL in 2015 I remembered seeing a flame cut whistle post on the mainline somewhere east of Garrison. We (Welch and I) had places to be seeing as we were racing towards Helena to get the local with an SD45 leader and I didn't remember seeing another one. I didn't prioritize it but I didn't forget it. So, since my experience on MRL's branch lines was nonexistent until this spring I had assumed that was a one-off. Imagine my surprise as I arrived at Sappington and saw this beauty!

Effective Range: Medium

Classification: Intelligence / Recon

Armaments: (1) SMG-UZ01A, (1) HR-HIBMSU01

 

One reason why the New Earth Strategic Trust faction is such a dominant force in the Quorus Wars is due to their supreme tactics and efficient strategies and have outfitted specific units like the Eagle EWAC to prioritize recon and intelligence gathering.

 

The Eagle EWAC is actually based on the NESF-M05E Eagle, a standard combat type reFrame that is deployed in heavy combat areas and serve as a main unit in NEST Special Forces ranks. The EWAC (Early Warning And Control) unit allows for efficient intelligence gathering that is sent to NEST's tactical HQ as data to create up-to-date battle strategies. Extra thrusters were equipped on the Eagle EWAC to give it better mobility in order to move faster to key locations for data scanning as well as avoid enemy units. It is equipped with a light submachine gun (SMG-UZ01A) and a hand cannon mounted on its left arm for emergency combat purposes.

 

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Build notes:

You can find more about the build in my blog article :D

 

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More info, WIP details, and other LEGO mechs over at my blog:

messymaru.wordpress.com/

 

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For those interested in LEGO mech building, I put out an eBook over at Amazon Kindle a while back called Mech Wars Instructional Primer. If you’re looking for a resource that could help you start or even improve your mech building skills, you might find this eBook useful :D

Each year, the Tonle Sap lake, fed by monsoon rains and the Mekong River system, spills onto a vast floodplain, that covers a number of provinces in Cambodia. Some of the villages close to the lake are permanently flooded, and are literally floating villages. Others further away from the lake's edge are flooded only seasonally, and houses are linked to the ground, but raised on stilts by as much as 5 meters, as is the case in this image. Here people are more fortunate than those who have been pushed off the land, since both fishing and dry season agriculture are possible. Yet, with diminishing fish stocks and small farm sizes (about half a hectare per family), most families survive on little more than a few dollars a day. The floods are both a blessing and an added problem. While it brings the fish closer to the villages, the declining fish stocks have halved the quantity of fish a household is able to catch if they do not use fishing methods prohibited by the government. Consequently, the amount of nutrition and income a family can get from the floods has declined by as mush as 50%, with no option to engage in agriculture as their fields lie under 4-5 meters of water. The water also transforms simple day to day activities. Something as simple as visiting one's neighbor involves getting into and out of a boat, even though the destination is only across what was the village road. On our first night in one of these villages, my colleague was woken in the night by a boatman from another village in search of a midwife, as his wife was giving birth on the boat. Hardly any services are available to these communities, as many government departments are understaffed in the first place, and in any case do not prioritize these villages. Despite this myriad of hardships and inconveniences that are the hallmarks of marginalization, these people have not forgotten that some joys need nothing but each other.

Don’t scoff at the humble wheelbarrow because even Lamborghini had its roots in industrial tractors!

 

This colorful and whimsical display is a lovely touch using common field tools, really caught my eye!

 

Recent interesting gear launches that caught my eye, in particular the Panasonic S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 and the Fujifilm X-S10;

 

1) Panasonic S5 (714gms) and S 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 (350gms) launched 2 Sept 2020, in kit the lens is a mere $300 extra. The S5 uses the same 24mp sensor on the S1 which appears to perform a bit better (⅓ stop) at base ISO compared to the 24mp BSI sensor on the Nikon Z6. The S 20-60mm lens is probably the only FF standard zoom lens that extends into the ultra-wide angle range (wider than 24mm) and it also appears to be optimized at the wide end. This should be a great match with Panasonic’s upcoming S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6, just add a Sigma 85mm f1.4 DN for a 3 lens kit and perhaps the excellent Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 Art DN if one needs a UWA lens. Sigma DN lenses are 1st party since Sigma is part of the L mount consortium and their lens mount should also be changeable to Sony E mount if one decides to switch.

 

2) The newly launched Nikon Z5 however used the old 24mp non-BSI chip similar to the 8 years old Nikon D600. The Nikon Z5 is sold with a new kit lens Z 24-50mm f4-6.3 which seems to prioritize compactness over useful range and it’s also priced as an extra $300 even though it’s both slower and shorter at either ends of the focal length compared to Panasonic above. Nikon essentially re-released a mirrorless D750 in the Z5 and a DSLR Z6 in the D780 (sans IBIS).

[Update: the Z5 appears to be plagued by sluggish AF from early adopters’ experience, as usual the so called professional reviews made no mention of this issue.]

 

3) Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S is a lens I’ve been looking out for since the announcement of the Z system but it’s significantly bigger (39% longer at 150cm vs 108mm) and heavier than Canon's version (1,090gms vs 950gms), even bigger and heavier than my old Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f2.8 G! Bigger than the Sigma 35mm f1.2 DN Art as well! It’s not difficult to make high resolving lenses if size is not a constraint as evidenced by Sigma’s massive “Art” lenses but even Sigma has started to turn the page with their most recent 85mm f1.4 DN Art lens. “The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art pairs large-aperture, professional-caliber optical performance with a lightweight, sturdy, and compact body, a combination which has long been difficult to achieve”, per Sigma.

 

4) Sony a7C, this is probably for those who prioritize form over function, kinda pointless personally. While smaller, it’s nowhere small enough to be pocketable like a Ricoh GR which is a truly go anywhere camera, albeit APS-C instead of FF.

 

5) I’ve never used Fuji cameras but the new X-S10 appears to be a heck of a camera for just $1,000 with IBIS rated at 6EV and uses the same new sensor, same processor and same AF as the 8 months older flagship Fuji X-T4 ($1,700), plus it even has a built-in flash which is a rarity these days! The Fuji X-S10 has arguably the best APS-C sensor (26mp) currently with ½ a stop better DR than the one in Nikon’s new mirrorless APS-C Z50 (20mp). The main weakness of the X-S10 is its buffer, while it’s capable of 20fps, its buffer is only 11 frames with RAW+JPEG, cripple hammer at work since it used the same processor as X-T4. Something has to give at this price but it’s not an issue for stills shooters. Comparatively the E-M1 Mk3 is $1,400 (down from $1,800) and the X-S10 is even lighter at a mere 465gms! For completeness, Z50 is $860, has no IBIS and used a similar BSI sensor (20mp) as the D500, it is however weather-sealed while the X-S10 is not. For proper context the Sony a6400 (sans IBIS) is $900 while the a6600 is $1,400, a $500 premium mainly just for IBIS. X-T4=>X-S10 release is similar to the Panasonic S1=>S5, both quite apt in the era of the pandemic, offer a slightly lower specced camera at a really attractive price to draw new users to the system, the X-S10 looks to be a winner.

Whence and whither... one of those is easier to define than the other. I'll give the short(er) version of it.

 

I think I am going to de-prioritize social media a tad for a little bit. I have been doing some thoughtful consideration behind the scenes for a bit. There is much I love about being on here and writing my posts but in the brutal mathematics that is daily life, it feels like this has reached the point where it is taking up an inordinate amount of time, even though the actual measure of that time really isn't that much. But I want divert even that relatively small amount to a couple of other projects for a bit, photo projects mind you.

 

And no, I will not leave completely. I will still post, it will just likely be less frequent. Who knows, maybe it will still be almost once a day but probably not. If I feel incredibly motivated this will likely be the first place that I turn to.

 

I admit though that I think about the mass amount of thought and writing I have put into Flickr over the past 10 years and while I never considered Flickr to be a permanent repository for all that effort I have still sunk an ungodly amount of time and words into this site and in the end I will have essentially no say in the continued existence of all that work. When one day Yahoo (or Verizon I guess now) shutters this, all that will be gone in a puff and a poof. I both accept that and don't. And so it is time for me to create something based off that work or maybe to transition to something that is more under my control. What will this be? Shrugging. It could be a few things. A blog on my own site seems the obvious answer. A book would be a better one. I like books.... I like tangibles. I still want to spend time and invest passion into Flickr probably for as long as it lives, but I also want to seriously think about putting more of that effort into something I own... I think... mostly.

 

Anyway, I will still be here. New photos will still show up. I still plan on using Instagram too, and that will likely continue close to a daily pace as I have to be on there for my work anyway. But if absences come up, I am still working away and when those other efforts bear fruit I will be sure to let you all know.

 

As far as this image goes, my old friend the Hasselblad helped me make this one up on the Olympic Peninsula.

Students demonstrate their school's complicity in genocide.

Here's a picture of a WIP build. It's an excuse to post life updates. :)

 

1. I’m basically in a dark age now - all I do is look at Brickset a couple times a day. I wanted to finish I Dreamt of Rust this summer, but as a college kid I’ve been working full time instead.

 

2. This also means I Dreamt of Rust is on hold. I WILL finish it. I'm just a perfectionist so it's taking a while. I have 2 out of 3 sets finished for the next episode. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait.

 

3. I don’t have many followers to begin with, but sorry if I’m letting anyone down 😬 I do plan on coming back to Lego, but only when I have time. I haven’t lost interest at all - I just don’t have time and have to prioritize other things right now.

 

Still love Lego, still love the community, just need to focus on other stuff for now and the foreseeable future.

Rovingian Council - The Power of Wonder with Respect and Protective Spirit - Norms and Conduct on Pilgrimages and Quests by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Rovingian Council - The Power of Wonder with Respect and Protective Spirit - Norms and Conduct on Pilgrimages, Quests, and Research Routes.

 

On the journeys undertaken by Rovingian nomadic monks, whether pilgrimages, quests, or research, there are certain guidelines that must be observed.

 

The Rovingian Council establishes an ethic of pilgrimage that merges animistic spirituality with active ecological responsibility. For nomadic monks, the act of walking is a liturgy of protection and reverence for the ecosystem.

 

Here are the fundamental points of conduct for your quests and research, organized by priority:

 

Identity and Authority

 

Documentation: It is essential to carry civil identification and credentials that attest to your membership in the Rovingian Council. If necessary, in Portugal use the Citizen Portal to ensure that your civil documents are up-to-date.

 

Legitimacy: Your conduct reflects the Council; Acting transparently towards local authorities is part of the protective spirit.

 

Ethics of the Trail and Ecological Footprint

 

Referenced Trails: Prioritize existing trails to avoid trampling fragile micro-ecosystems. Avoid "making your way" in virgin areas so as not to disrupt micro-habitats. To plan safe and official routes, in Portugal you can consult platforms such as the Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation (FCMP).

 

Other People's Property: Respect extends to human domain; never cross fenced private properties without the proper authorization from the owners or authorities.

 

Safety and Self-Sufficiency

 

Orientation and First Aid: In the absence of a guide, the use of maps, compasses and a first aid kit is mandatory. For communication and safety devices in remote areas, in Portugal check the recommendations of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).

 

Visibility: Avoid nighttime journeys, minimizing the risk of accidents and disturbing wildlife, which is more active and sensitive during darkness.

 

The Animistic Spirit

 

Remember that, in the Rovingian view, each element of nature possesses its own spirituality. Wondering is not a passive act, but a commitment to non-interference and respect:

 

- "Leave No Trace" Ethics: As the journey is a responsible walk, its impact should be zero. Remember that each element of nature possesses its own spirituality and balance. This includes not leaving trash outside designated areas.

 

- Observe without picking: Leave flowers, stones, and plants in place.

 

If you collect any pebbles, a common practice among nomadic monks, ensure that there are enough that they do not interfere with the whole.

 

- Local consumption and common sense: The purchase of teas, wild fruits, or local products from communities is encouraged, provided that common sense prevails. This means ensuring that the extraction of these products does not jeopardize the sustainability of local species.

 

- Do not finance destruction (Conscious Consumption): The text highlights the importance of not supporting businesses that operate at the expense of ecological degradation. Nature conservation implies consumption choices that protect biodiversity, instead of contributing to its loss, a growing problem due to intensive agriculture and global trade.

 

- Silence: Practice silence so as not to disturb the sound balance of the habitat, and this applies to radios and cell phone sounds.

 

- Abstinence: Abstaining from substances that alter perception ensures that the monk remains vigilant and respectful of the environment.

 

Humility and Spirit of Mutual Aid

 

- An attitude of humility and cordiality towards others, fellow travelers, and nature, because after all, the monk is also a pilgrim.

 

- A spirit of mutual aid for those in need, and at the same time, sufficient humility and self-knowledge to also recognize one's limitations and ask for help when necessary.

  

________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

Conselho Rovingiano - O Poder de Maravilhar-se com Respeito e Espírito Protetor - Normas e Condutas nos percursos das peregrinações, buscas e pesquisas.

 

Nos percursos que os monges nómadas rovingianos fazem, sejam eles percursos de peregrinação, busca ou pesquisa existem certas linhas de conduta que devem ser observadas.

  

O Conselho Rovingiano estabelece uma ética de peregrinação que funde a espiritualidade animista com a responsabilidade ecológica ativa. Para os monges nómadas, o ato de caminhar é uma liturgia de proteção e reverência pelo ecossistema.

 

Aqui estão os pontos fundamentais de conduta para as suas buscas e pesquisas, organizados por prioridade:

 

Identidade e Autoridade

 

- Documentação: É imperativo portar a identificação civil e as credenciais que atestam a sua pertença ao Conselho Rovingiano. Em caso de necessidade, em Portugal utilize o Portal do Cidadão para garantir que os seus documentos civis estão atualizados.

 

- Legitimidade: A sua conduta reflete o Conselho; agir com transparência perante autoridades locais é parte do espírito protetor.

 

Ética do Caminho e Pegada Ecológica

 

- Caminhos Referenciados: Priorize trilhos existentes para evitar o pisoteio de micro-ecossistemas frágeis. Evite "abrir caminho" em áreas virgens para não perturbar micro-habitats. Para planear rotas seguras e oficiais, em Portugal pode consultar plataformas como a Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal (FCMP).

 

- Propriedade Alheia: O respeito estende-se ao domínio humano; nunca atravesse propriedades privadas vedadas sem a devida autorização dos proprietários ou autoridades.

 

Segurança e Autossuficiência

 

- Orientação e Socorro: Na ausência de guia, é obrigatório o uso de mapas, bússolas e kit de primeiros socorros. Para dispositivos de comunicação e segurança em zonas remotas, em Portugal verifique as recomendações da Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC).

 

- Visibilidade: Evite trajetos noturnos, minimizando o risco de acidentes e a perturbação da fauna silvestre, que é mais ativa e sensível durante o período de escuridão.

 

O Espírito Animista

 

Lembre-se que, na visão Rovingiana, cada elemento da natureza possui uma espiritualidade própria. Maravilhar-se não é um ato passivo, mas um compromisso de não interferência e respeito:

 

- Ética "Leave No Trace": Como o percurso é uma caminhada responsável, o seu impacto deve ser nulo. Lembre-se que cada elemento da natureza possui a sua própria espiritualidade e equilíbrio. Isto inclui não deixar lixo fora dos locais para o efeito.

 

- Observar sem colher: Deixe flores, pedras e plantas no seu lugar.

Se recolher algum seixo, pratica comum entre os monges nómadas, assegure-se que existem em numero que não interfere no seu todo.

 

- Consumo local e bom senso: A compra de chás, frutos silvestres ou produtos locais junto das comunidades é incentivada, desde que o bom senso prevaleça. Isso significa garantir que a extração desses produtos não coloca em risco a sustentabilidade das espécies locais.

 

- Não financiar a destruição (Consumo consciente): O texto destaca a importância de não apoiar negócios que operam à custa da degradação ecológica. A conservação da natureza implica escolhas de consumo que protejam a biodiversidade, em vez de contribuir para a sua perda, um problema crescente devido à agricultura intensiva e ao comércio global.

 

- Silêncio: Pratique o silêncio para não perturbar o equilíbrio sonoro do habitat e isso equivale para radios e sons de telemóveis.

 

- Abstinência: A abstenção de substâncias que alterem a perceção garante que o monge permanece vigilante e respeitoso para com o meio envolvente.

 

Humildade e Espirito de Entreajuda

 

- Postura de humildade e cordialidade perante os outros, os companheiros de viagem e a natureza, porque afinal o monge é também ele um peregrino.

 

- Espirito de entreajuda para quem precise e ao mesmo tempo a humildade e autoconhecimento suficiente para reconhecer também as suas limitações e pedir ajuda em caso de necessidade.

   

I love walking through Central Park when I'm in NYC. And I'm blessed to live in an urban midwestern city where parks are prioritized long-term investments. Nature parks like this are an oasis amidst the concrete and asphalt jungle of the typical urban landscape.

 

I came across a grandfather out exploring with his grandson. As they waded through Cool Creek I could hear the little boy chattering with his grandfather as he was picking up rocks, tossing them into the creek, and learning all the things little boys learn from their grandfathers.

 

Flowing Well Park

Carmel, IN

2024

© James Rice, All Rights Reserved

This large canvas is signed by one Addie Diefenbach in the lower and has a partially visible date in the 1880s.

 

It is one of several marine paintings that complement the nautical decor at a newly reopened and redecorated restaurant in the seaside community of Long Beach, Washington.

 

I'd say whoever selected them prioritized genre and availability over quality.

 

The only online reference to an artist named Addie Diefenbach I was able to find was the auction listing for this very piece. It said it was the first of Ms. Diefenbach's works to come up for auction. www.mutualart.com/Artist/Addie-Diefenbach/B25C1C959DD2ADA9

 

Some time between when the painting was photographed for the auction catalogue and when I saw it hanging on the wall of the restaurant earlier this week several holes, two of which were fairly large, were punched into the canvas. I healed them with Photo Shop.

  

The Quiet Series. Yes it was very empty this morning but there were people going about there business as the day progressed more and more were on the streets enjoying life. Sally Lockwood's reporting for Sky News from Dubai is shameful sensationalism and deliberately exaggerates, distorts, and dramatises the situation to provoke emotional responses. It prioritizes audience engagement, higher viewership, and increased circulation over accuracy, objectivity, and factual reporting.

Whatever happened to genuine journalism?

The year 1936 brought forth an automotive gem, the Ford Model 68, a vehicle that not only captured the essence of its era but also pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Born from the storied assembly lines of the Ford Motor Company, this classic car emerged during a time when America was finding its footing after the Great Depression. As a testament to resilience and forward-thinking, the Model 68 showcased Henry Ford's commitment to affordable yet stylish transportation for the masses. One particularly intriguing fact about this model is that it was among the first to offer a glimpse into streamlined design, which would dominate the automotive industry in the years to come.

 

Design and Innovation: A Blend of Style and Substance

The exterior of the 1936 Ford Model 68 exuded elegance with its teardrop-shaped headlamps and a bold, v-shaped grille that commanded attention. The car's sleek lines and rounded fenders were a departure from the boxy shapes of earlier models, hinting at the aerodynamic future of automobile design. Inside, owners were greeted with an interior that prioritized simplicity and functionality without compromising on quality. Luxurious touches like mohair upholstery and wood-grain accents spoke volumes about the craftsmanship of the era. Technologically, the Model 68 stood out with its flathead V8 engine, a marvel that offered unprecedented power and reliability to everyday drivers. Color options ranged from Washington Blue to Cordoba Tan, with many buyers favoring darker hues that accentuated the car's sophisticated silhouette. Available in various body styles including coupes, sedans, convertibles, and even wood-paneled station wagons known as "Woodies," it was the Deluxe Roadster that often stole hearts with its irresistible blend of performance and panache.

 

Performance-wise, the 1936 Ford Model 68 was no slouch. Its V8 engine could propel it to top speeds that were impressive for its time, while acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in a manner that could best be described as spirited for a pre-war car. On various driving conditions, from bumpy rural roads to newly paved highways, the Model 68 handled with poise and assurance. Drivers often reveled in the throaty rumble of the flathead V8 as they navigated through their journeys, enjoying a tactile connection with their machine that modern vehicles struggle to replicate.

 

The 1936 Ford Model 68 stands as more than just another vintage vehicle; it is a symbol of innovation during times of adversity and a precursor to modern automotive design philosophies. Its legacy is etched into history books and continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe who are captivated by its story and enamored by its character.

23250 McKay Avenue

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

 

A Harbour Authority (HA) is a non-profit, locally controlled organization which operates under a head lease with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to operate and maintain a DFO-owned public commercial fishing harbour in the best interests of the commercial fishing fleet.

 

The harbour facility consists entirely of the property and water lots under the ownership of DFO – Small Craft Harbours (SCH).

 

An HA must operate the harbour as a public facility in accordance with the terms of the head lease and must at all times prioritize the needs of the commercial fishing industry above all else.

 

This image is best viewed in Large screen.

 

Thank-you for your visit, and any faves or comments are always sincerely appreciated.

Sonja

via Blogger bit.ly/1LXvrm6

I'm still alive.... :) This is a vertorama of the Puyallup, WA fairgrounds. I took it early in the morning, and was hoping for some crazy colors. That didn't happen, but I still thought it was a cool shot so I decided to process and post it. The final product is a manually blended DRI using three different exposures (One for the sky, one for the roller coaster, and one for the foreground).

 

I've been out and about taking photos lately, so hopefully it won't be 1-2 months before I post another shot. Kudos to those of you that are able to take and process so many shots in such a short period of time. I suppose it's just a matter of prioritizing...

Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is shown during light snowfall in December 2021, with a pedestrian walking past storefronts and seasonal lighting installations. The transit-and-pedestrian corridor was redesigned in the 1960s to prioritize foot traffic along one of the city’s main commercial streets and later rebuilt in the 2010s.

Canadians are often known for several positive characteristics, including:

1.Politeness and Courtesy – They have a reputation for being polite, saying “sorry” often, and treating others with respect.

2.Friendliness – Canadians are generally warm and welcoming to both locals and visitors.

3.Diversity and Inclusivity – Canada is multicultural, and its people embrace diversity in ethnicity, culture, and perspectives.

4.Tolerance and Open-Mindedness – Canadians tend to value human rights, equality, and progressive social policies.

5.Community-Oriented – Many Canadians are involved in their communities and prioritize social well-being.

6.Love for Nature and the Outdoors – With stunning landscapes, Canadians often appreciate and respect nature, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing.

7.Sense of Humor – They have a dry, self-deprecating, and sometimes quirky sense of humor.

8.Humble and Modest – Canadians tend to downplay achievements and avoid arrogance.

9.Hardworking and Resourceful – Whether in cities or remote regions, Canadians have a strong work ethic.

10.Peacefulness – They are generally non-confrontational and support diplomacy over aggression.

 

Thanks ChatGPT (prompt: tell me about Canadians)!

SILENT REVOLUTION - SYMBOL - Rovingian Council by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Rovingian Council - The Silent Revolution

 

The philosophy of the Rovingian Council's "silent revolution" describes a model of metapolitical resistance, where the focus of change shifts from the collective to the individual. By prioritizing internal dominance over external institutional conflict, this framework suggests that systemic power becomes obsolete when it no longer finds anchorage in the psychology of the governed.

 

Central Mechanisms of the Silent Revolution

 

- Decoupling of Systems: Through Immunity through Integrity, the individual ceases to provide the "emotional fuel" (fear or submission) necessary for the functioning of hierarchical structures.

 

- Incremental Subversion: The Discreet Approach avoids the "rebound effect" of violent revolutions, which often replace one tyranny with another, promoting instead a gradual and irreversible cultural change through personal conduct.

 

- Psychological Neutrality: Active indifference serves as a defensive barrier; By refusing to participate in the dialectic of hatred or polarization, the individual deprives the systemic control mechanisms of their influence.

 

- Ethical Infrastructure: Applied Humanism and Practical Equality transfer values from the abstract to the physical. These practices create parallel social microstructures based on sharing and protection, instead of competition and segregation.

 

- Intellectual Autonomy/Sovereignty of Conscience: The defense of freedom of thought serves as the last and impenetrable bastion against totalitarian control and external propaganda.

 

Ultimately, this philosophy posits that a decentralized revolution is inevitable if a sufficient number of individuals achieve individual coherence, autonomy, and Sovereignty of Conscience, given that a system cannot govern a population that has collectively recovered its internal authority.

 

The Rovingian Council proposes that the best way to combat the shadows of totalitarianism and the oppression of reason is through the strengthening of the individual spirit. When the individual is sovereign and peaceful, the authoritarian system loses its ability to control them through fear.

  

____________________________________________________

 

Conselho Rovingiano - A Revolução Silenciosa

 

A filosofia da revolução silenciosa do Conselho Rovingiano descreve um modelo de resistência metapolítica, onde o foco da mudança se desloca do coletivo para o indivíduo. Ao priorizar a dominância interna em detrimento do conflito institucional externo, esta estrutura sugere que o poder sistémico se torna obsoleto quando deixa de encontrar ancoragem na psicologia dos governados.

 

Mecanismos Centrais da Revolução Silenciosa

 

- Desacoplamento de Sistemas: Através da Imunidade através da Integridade, o indivíduo deixa de fornecer o "combustível emocional" (medo ou submissão) necessário ao funcionamento das estruturas hierárquicas.

 

- Subversão Incremental: A Abordagem Discreta evita o "efeito rebound" das revoluções violentas, que substituem frequentemente uma tirania por outra, promovendo, em vez disso, uma mudança cultural gradual e irreversível através da conduta pessoal.

 

- Neutralidade Psicológica: A indiferença ativa serve como barreira defensiva; ao recusar-se a participar na dialética do ódio ou da polarização, o indivíduo priva os mecanismos de controlo sistémico da sua influência.

 

- Infraestrutura Ética: O Humanismo Aplicado e a Igualdade Prática transferem valores do abstrato para o físico. Estas práticas criam microestruturas sociais paralelas baseadas na partilha e na proteção, em vez da competição e da segregação.

 

- Autonomia Intelectual/Soberania da Consciência: A defesa da liberdade de pensamento serve como último e impenetrável bastião contra o controlo totalitário e a propaganda externa.

 

Em última análise, esta filosofia postula que uma revolução descentralizada é inevitável se um número suficiente de indivíduos alcançar a coerência individual, a autonomia e a Soberania da Consciência, dado que um sistema não pode governar uma população que recuperou coletivamente a sua autoridade interna.

 

O Conselho Rovingiano propõe que a melhor forma de combater as sombras do totalitarismo e a opressão da razão é através do fortalecimento do espírito individual. Quando o indivíduo é soberano e pacífico, o sistema autoritário perde a sua capacidade de o controlar através do medo.

 

This as close to “unobtainium” as I have found on Earth.

 

An exceptionally unusual shiny black meteorite find was recovered in 2011 in Morocco by Aziz Habibi (I bought it from him). Officially named NWA 7034, it was nicknamed “Black Beauty” by Dr. Carl Agee, Director of the Institute of Meteoritics. A team of scientists led by Agee found a number of marvels in this oldest and rarest of Martian meteorites: it contains the oldest Martian minerals ever dated (formed 4.48 billion years ago), it contains ~ 20x more water than any other Martian samples previously encountered (perhaps formed under an early Martian ocean), it is among the very few martian basalts that do not contain maskelynite (impact-melted plagioclase glass), and it is the only brecciated Martian (i.e., they are composed of angular fragments of different rock types fused together). Carl Agee did an hour-long talk on NWA 7034 here, with a short summary here: "this is a once in a career discovery."

 

These rocks were so novel they were provided a new subtype "Martian (polymict breccia)" in the Met Bull. Moreover, in July 2022, it was determined that Black Beauty most likely originated from the Karratha Crater in Mars’s southern hemisphere; approximately 10 million years ago, the asteroid impact which formed the crater also ejected a large volume of Mars rock into space, some of which perturbed into an Earth-crossing orbit — and it took the long route, a journey of ~15,000 orbits around the Sun before penetrating Earth’s atmosphere.

 

Black Beauty contains relatively large crystals of plagioclase (a calcium-aluminum silicate) and pyroxene (a calcium-magnesium-iron silicate). These large mineral grains are surrounded by fine-grained material that formed from rapidly cooling lava, most likely following a volcanic eruption. Rock and mineral fragments were incorporated into the flow during the eruption, giving the rock its brecciated appearance. Accessory minerals include chlorapatite, chromite, goethite, ilmenite, magnetite, maghemite, alkali feldspar and pyrite.

 

A lay summary of the location news from Physical Org:

"Scientists announced Tuesday they had found the crater from which the oldest known Martian meteorite was originally blasted towards Earth, a discovery that could provide clues into how our own planet was formed. The meteorite NWA 7034, nicknamed Black Beauty, has fascinated geologists since it was discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2011.

 

It contains a mix of materials including zircons, which date back nearly 4.5 billion years. "That makes it one of the oldest rocks studied in the history of geology," Sylvain Bouley, a planetary scientist at France's Paris-Saclay University, told AFP.

 

Its journey dates back to the solar system's infancy, "about 80 million years after the planets began forming", said Bouley, who co-authored a new study on the meteorite. Tectonic plates long ago covered up Earth's ancient crust, meaning that "we have lost this primitive history of our planet", Bouley said.

 

But Black Beauty could offer "an open book on a planet's first moments", he added. By measuring Black Beauty's exposure to cosmic rays, they knew it was dislodged from its first home around five million years ago.

 

"So, we were looking for a crater that was very young and large," Lagain said. Another clue was that its composition showed it had suddenly heated up around 1.5 million years ago—likely by the impact of a second asteroid.

 

The team then created an algorithm and used a supercomputer to trawl through images of 90 million craters taken by a NASA satellite. That narrowed it down to 19 craters, allowing the researchers to rule out the remaining suspects.

 

They found that Black Beauty was dug up from its first home by an asteroid that struck around 1.5 billion years ago, forming the 40-kilometer Khujirt crater.

 

Then a few million years ago, another asteroid hit not far away, creating the 10-kilometer Karratha crater and shooting the Black Beauty towards Earth.

 

The region in Mars' southern hemisphere is rich in the elements potassium and thorium, just like Black Beauty. Another factor was that Black Beauty is the only Martian meteorite that is highly magnetized. "The region where Karratha was found is the most magnetized on Mars," Lagain said.

 

Known as the Terra Cimmeria—Sirenum province, it is "a relic of the early crustal processes on Mars, and thus, a region of high interest for future missions," the study said."

 

and Space,com summarized how the findings can prioritize the destination for future Mars landings:

 

"The origin of Martian meteorites was an old enigma," Lagain said. Discovering the birthplace of one "is pretty much equivalent to a free sample-return mission," he noted.

 

"Now we know that the rock comes from the Terra Cimmeria-Sirenum province," Lagain said. "This region hosts the clues to understand[ing] the first stage of evolution and differentiation of the planet. If one wants to understand how Mars formed and evolved, then we need to analyze this province much more than we do right now."

 

The findings suggest that sending a rover or drone to this region "would help us understand what happened 4.5 billion years ago on Mars," soon after the Red Planet, Earth and the solar system's other rocky worlds were born, Lagain said. This information, in turn, may help "fill the gap in knowledge for the same period of time on Earth."

 

This black beauty is 61 x 33 x 19mm and 55 grams.

July 18, 2023 The Hill Live brings together caregivers, patients, clinical experts, and lawmakers to answer these questions and more as we discuss the fight against Alzheimer’s and breakthroughs in providing relief to those who suffer from agitation and aggression.

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 55 million people worldwide, including 6.5 million Americans, and has no cure. Some patients with Alzheimer’s sometimes show signs of extreme aggression or become restless and anxious as their brains lose the ability to negotiate with new stimulus.

 

Agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer’s dementia and one of the most complex and stressful aspects of caring for people living with the condition. It is reported in approximately half of people with Alzheimer’s dementia and is associated with earlier alternative living placement.

 

What do patients, caregivers and families navigating the complexities of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s need to know? How are researchers and doctors better understanding risk factors and diagnoses? What policy actions can prioritize research, detection and treatment? And what are the access considerations for patients and their caregivers as they navigate this difficult symptom?

LOCATION

National Press Club Holeman Lounge, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045

Re-arranged and prioritized Star Wars IKEA Billy Bookcases

Kenner - Return of the Jedi and Hasbro - non-Original Trilogy Black Series re-arranged and prioritized

The color version of my 2nd most faved image on Flickr.

 

Full set of new old with Marie-Pier

 

new old: from unused, unexploited, forgotten RAW files from a shoot. Back then I was prioritizing film shots, so I didn't feel like processing extra similar digital versions. However with time it's fun to go back in the vault and look at your unused work from a different eye and go in there with a mindset and mood you feel right now.

Polygamy can be categorized into two main types:

 

1. Polygamy : Expressive and Transparent (Verified)

2. Concealed Polygamy, where one pretends to be monogamous to their lovers. (Unable to verify)

 

Type #1 Polygamy

www.flickr.com/photos/161478161@N05/53215091071

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

Type #2 Concealed Polygamy

 

☑ Multiple Secret Lovers,

☑ Multiple Avatars, Multiple Accounts

☑ Created new avatars with the intention of forming Meaningful Relationships, rather than seeking casual encounters or "friends with benefits."

☑ Get married and pretend to be faithful (Monogamous) to their partners.

 

" They have many secret lovers, many secret girlfriends/boyfriends, many secret wives/husbands, and many children in separate accounts (avatars).

 

If you thought the first type of poly was bad, the second type is the worst (truly bad). I would like to call people like this impostors; there are many of them in SL."

 

☑ Most of them don't really know they are polygamous, don't accept it, and consider themselves as womanizers, badasses, or playboys, without viewing themselves realistically as cheaters, liars, unfaithful lovers, and the worst type of all a**holes.

 

☑ They deceive others by pretending to be faithful partners without feeling any guilt or shame for their actions at all.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

☑ They all agree that Poly isn't good and lacks three things.(heart, truth, happiness). They don't follow a Poly lifestyle; instead, they believe they are better than Poly. They feel superior to Poly because they prioritize loyalty, marriage, deep commitment, peaceful family, much respect, and treat their loved ones more kindly as a one-hearted lover.

 

They believe they possess larger hearts, are more truthful, and experience greater happiness due to their numerous monogamous relationships, which surpass the satisfaction of typical couples who engage in only one relationship at a time.

 

Most of them are so narcissistic, talented, charming, and exceedingly confident that they believe they are the smartest and happiest people.

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

☑ Most of them firmly believe that they have a heart bigger than everyone else's.

 

Do you believe people who do this kind of polyamory lack genuine hearts?

 

The person who claims to love someone the most, tells another person that they are the only one they love, that they are the most important, and that they miss them the most. The person who also makes numerous promises and vows to all their secret lovers.

 

Do you believe people like them truly possess the big-heartedness they claim to have?

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

☑ Most of them firmly believe that they possess truth and happiness.

 

They have the kind of truth their partner wants to hear. They said everything and believed it to be true.

 

They believe they are happier because they have more partners than those in pure monogamy.

 

Do you think that genuinely happy people could behave and lie like this without shame? Is this really the behavior of happy people?

 

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

 

☑ They lack, just like all polys, but they can't even accept a truth about themselves. Most of them are too weak and narcissistic to dare to confront the truth about themselves. They believe they have bigger hearts than other good people and possess both truthfulness and happiness much better than polyamorous people.

 

☑ They live their lives pretending to be something they are not and think it is happiness.

 

☑ Many of them may see it as a rewarding way of life, yielding the greatest benefits. They were certainly convinced that they received more advantages than the first type of polyamory.

 

" Is it genuinely worth living as someone other than yourself just to maintain multiple lovers? Nevertheless, each day demands that you feign monogamy, playing the role of a faithful lover to keep your partners content. This charade incurs an immeasurable cost, gradually leading you to lose your true self and the authentic happiness of being who you truly are. "

 

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" Your loved ones don't truly love you! If they knew the truth about you, they wouldn't be able to accept who you are. It's not the real you they love; they love the character you've fooled them with, and it's not truly you, not even for a day. That means YOU're not genuinely loved, not even for a day.

 

Every day, you live as someone other than yourself, convinced that there's only gain and no loss. Unaware of the immeasurable cost of both losing and living your true self, you become the ultimate fool. "

 

Scarlett Saphira

 

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" Who genuinely gains and experiences true happiness from your pretense— you or your lovers?

 

Have you grasped the concept? Who attains greater genuine happiness? Your lover possesses a wonderful, faithful partner. However, you hold onto the confidence that you profit without any losses; is that truly the case? You work hard for your lover's happiness without realizing what you're sacrificing! "

 

I hope this helps!

 

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"To be truly transformative, the post-2015 development agenda must prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment. The world will never realize 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realize their full potential."

 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on International Women's Day

 

Thanks, as always, for stopping by and for all of your kind comments -- I appreciate them all.

 

© Melissa Post 2015

 

All rights reserved. Please respect my copyright and do not copy, modify or download this image to blogs or other websites without obtaining my explicit written permission.

July 18, 2023 The Hill Live brings together caregivers, patients, clinical experts, and lawmakers to answer these questions and more as we discuss the fight against Alzheimer’s and breakthroughs in providing relief to those who suffer from agitation and aggression.

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 55 million people worldwide, including 6.5 million Americans, and has no cure. Some patients with Alzheimer’s sometimes show signs of extreme aggression or become restless and anxious as their brains lose the ability to negotiate with new stimulus.

 

Agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer’s dementia and one of the most complex and stressful aspects of caring for people living with the condition. It is reported in approximately half of people with Alzheimer’s dementia and is associated with earlier alternative living placement.

 

What do patients, caregivers and families navigating the complexities of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s need to know? How are researchers and doctors better understanding risk factors and diagnoses? What policy actions can prioritize research, detection and treatment? And what are the access considerations for patients and their caregivers as they navigate this difficult symptom?

LOCATION

National Press Club Holeman Lounge, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045

by geekcreative ift.tt/1ZYu7Wa

ms Rotterdam and ms Zaandam are in the Bay of Panama. While waiting for what was to come the Zaandam captain shared some disturbing news.

 

10:50 March 27:

Captain’s Announcement:

"4 people on the Zaandam have died in the last few days. Two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed today.

There are still people with symptoms showing up.

This is making for a very challenging situation".

 

By the time we docked in Ft. Lauderdale 03 April, and we were off the ship 8 people had perished - 1 heart attack, 7 COVID-19 including 1 crew member.

10 critically ill passengers were rushed to a local hospital for immediate care and another 45 who were unwell remained on board until they were cleared for travel.

 

27 March:

HAL HQ sent the following:

Zaandam will start transferring only healthy guest to the Rotterdam after Zaandam anchors beside the Rotterdam. Anchoring will begin approximately 11:30.

 

The transfer process will not start until the Rotterdam has been fuelled.

 

Those to be transferred today will receive a letter at the cabin door within the hour. They will prioritize those with inside cabins and those over 70.

No crew transfers will occur.

 

If you do not get a letter you will not be transferred today.

If this is successful transfers will continue over the weekend.

 

The ship is still waiting for a canal time and both ships will travel together.

"Area secure, no hostiles in sight."

 

"Wound channel massive, multiple vital organs shredded, extreme blood loss....sir, you shouldn't be standing....let alone alive, but..."

 

"STOP TOUCHING ME!!"

 

"Sir, I need to at least examine you or--"

 

"I'M FINE, FUCK OFF!!!"

 

NW1: "....."

 

NW2: "....."

 

NW3: "......"

 

"What the hell are you looking at? Were the civvies wasted?"

 

NW1: "I uh...sent the order out but we have no confirmation if anyone even did so. The female Bloodfall made herself known right after I gave the order and alot of the crew in the building prioritized her."

 

"And look at where those priorities got you!! We lost both of them when I had one cornered because you retards can't do anything right! YOU'RE ALL WORTHLESS!!!"

 

NW3: "........"

 

".....the fuck's his problem?!"

 

NW2: "...He uh...he pee'd himself, sir."

 

"Oh for fucks sakes, get out of here, GO!! Fucking faggot..."

 

NW1: "W-what's our next move now, sir?...."

 

"Our last attempts to claim ground in this city went to shit because that's where we were; ground. We need to go higher up...."

 

NW1: "A-uh....skyscraper?"

 

"Is the PLAD ready?"

 

NW1: "The Laser drone? I think so, if was delivered not long ago...."

 

"Good. Everyone return to base, we need to make our next move..."

In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.

A third of a mile of quad and lung burning goodness at the end of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Austin, TX.

 

These vertical format photos are typically a stitch of 2 to 6 seperate photos. This allows different exposures, and tweaks to the saturation/contrast/levels for each seperately, giving a much greater range of values than would be possible otherwise. I try to get significant overlap between photos, allowing a smooth blend between each. Done using layers w/ gradient fill masks, and occasionally some hand work. Nothing too groundbreaking, but does help some. Not true HDR of course, but does allow incorporation of a broader range, and retains some value focal points, which often seem to get lost in HDR images.

  

I also like the format, since it allows me to shoot almost straight down at the ground, getting the cool little foreground details like gravel/grass/ripples in rich detail, and almost straight up into the sky. To me it results in kind of a story, with allot of interesting different things going on as your eye moves from the bottom to top, like a tapestry. The trick is to keep this range of focal points prioritized, (by acentuating some area towards center w/ value, composition, or color usually), so that the image as a whole can be enjoyed, as well as in parts. Depth or layers revealed upon closer examination, so to speak. This is something I'm obviously still working on. Often there is just to much going on of equal interest, so there is no priority of focal point, making the image less appealing.

© yohanes.budiyanto, 2009

 

A resort better than the spectacular St. Regis Bali? Well, after a comprehensive personal review, the results finally showed that Conrad Suites Bali reigns supreme with an overall score of 91.6 (St. Regis achieved 91.1).

 

This is a prime example of a hotel that prioritize guests satisfaction. General Manager Michael Burchett works relentlessly to make sure everybody has a most wonderful time there. A 30-year veteran in the hospitality world, Mr. Burchett is a native Australian and has previously spent 17 years with the Four Seasons group, managing award-winning and critically-acclaimed hotels, including Four Seasons in Bali and Jakarta before calling The Conrad Bali home. Mr. Burchett is currently the Vice Chairman of Bali Hotels Association.

 

The Conrad Suites is an exclusive collection of 55 oversize suites, housed in a separate new wing adjacent to the Conrad's Main resort. Although guests at Conrad Suites has full access to the extensive facilities found at the main resorts, additional private facilities are also being offered exclusively, which includes private infinity-edged pools with luxuriously appointed garden Bales with its large 4 poster daybed; access to the Club Lounge; and a host of other value added benefits.

 

CONRAD SUITES BALI

Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Bali

 

Promotional Rates

Conrad Suite is offering a promotional rate of USD 450++ for a typical Suite (110 sq.m); while the 120 sq.m Ocean Suite is priced at USD 550++. Pool Suite is also available.

 

General Manager: Michael Burchett, Hotel Manager: Frederic Lebegue

Chef de Cuisine: Richard Millar

Architect: Wimberley Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)

Landscape: Belt Collins International

Interior: Lim Teo + Wilkes Designworks

 

Become a Fan on The Diary of a Hotel Addict's Facebook Page

My first visit to MRL in 2015 I remembered seeing a flame cut whistle post on the mainline somewhere east of Garrison. We (Welch and I) had places to be seeing as we were racing towards Helena to get the local with an SD45 leader and I didn't remember seeing another one. I didn't prioritize it but I didn't forget it. So, since my experience on MRL's branch lines was nonexistent until this spring I had assumed that was a one-off. Imagine my surprise as I arrived at Sappington and saw this beauty!